Mystery "Elephant Plant" from Seed: Likely Colocasia or Alocasia

Red-tinged leaves with a trunk-like stem from "elephant plant" seed? You're likely growing Colocasia (taro) or Alocasia — both called elephant ears.

Identification Clues

• Colocasia: Leaves point downward; petiole attaches at leaf center (peltate). Hardy to Zone 7b with mulch.
• Alocasia: Leaves point upward; petiole attaches at leaf edge. Generally Zone 9+; grown as annual or houseplant north.

New Hampshire (Zone 5) Strategy

1. Before frost: dig corms, shake soil, air-dry 1 week.
2. Store in peat/vermiculite at 45–55°F, dark, dry.
3. Spring: pot up indoors 6 weeks before last frost, or plant out after frost.
4. Container option: keep as houseplant in bright light, water regularly.

If you can share a photo, exact ID is easy. Either way — lift before freeze, store cool and dry, replant in warmth.