How Do You Store Elephant Ear & Caladium Bulbs During Winter?
Elephant Ears (Colocasia esculenta) and Caladiums (caladium x hortulanum) are related, but different plants, although Elephant Ears are sometimes inaccurately referred to as Elephant Ear Caladiums. Both plants produce large, beautiful, arrow-shaped leaves, and make a beautiful addition to the garden. The are not winter hardy, but their root sections can be dug up and stored indoors over the winter, so as to be replanted in the spring. Dig up the Elephant Ear and Caladium bulbs in the fall after a killing frost, but before the ground begins to freeze. Be careful to avoid bumping, bruising or scraping the bulbs as you dig. Prepare bulbs for storage by allowing them to dry for a day or two in a warm area. Then, brush away dirt clinging to the bulbs and remove any remaining stems or foliage. Store the bulbs in a paper bag, box or perforated plastic bag large enough to allow the bulb (or bulbs) to be surrounded by slightly-dampened peat moss or vermiculite. Store these in a cool (50 to 60 d
