How to Overwinter Elephant Ear Plants

How to Overwinter Elephant Ear Plants

Elephant ear plants are tropical by nature, which means they cannot survive freezing temperatures outdoors. Once cold weather arrives, the leaves will die back and the plant will go dormant. If left in the ground in cold climates, the bulbs (or tubers) will eventually rot or be killed by frost.

The good news is that with the right care, you can easily overwinter elephant ears and grow them again next season. There are a few different methods depending on your climate, space, and whether your plants are in the ground or in containers.

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When to Start Overwintering Elephant Ear Bulbs

Start preparing your elephant ear plants for winter when:

• Night temperatures drop below 50°F
• The first light frost has occurred (or is expected soon)
• Foliage begins to yellow or die back naturally

Do not wait for a hard freeze this can damage the bulbs and make storage less successful.

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Method 1: Digging Up and Storing Bulbs (Most Common Method)

This is the most reliable method for colder climates (Zones 1–7).

Steps:

1. Wait until after a light frost kills the foliage
2. Cut stems back, leaving about 4–6 inches
3. Carefully dig around the plant and lift the bulb or tuber
4. Gently brush off excess soil (do not wash with water)
5. Allow bulbs to dry in a warm, shaded, dry area for 1–3 days
6. Store in a breathable container (paper bag, cardboard box, or crate)
7. Surround bulbs with dry material like peat moss, sawdust, or coconut coir
8. Keep in a cool, dark place (around 40–60°F)

Check bulbs periodically through winter and remove any that show signs of rot.

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Method 2: Keeping Elephant Ears as Indoor Plants

If your plants are in containers, you can overwinter them indoors instead of digging them up.

Steps:

• Bring pots indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F
• Trim back damaged or yellowing leaves
• Place in a bright, warm location
• Keep soil slightly moist (not soggy)
• Reduce watering during winter dormancy

Growth may slow significantly, but the plant will stay alive until spring.

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Method 3: Leaving in the Ground (Warm Climates Only)

In USDA Zones 8–11, elephant ears can often be left in the ground year-round.

To protect them:

• Add a thick layer of mulch (2–4 inches)
• Avoid cutting back too early in the season
• Water lightly during dry winter periods

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Common Mistakes When Overwintering Elephant Ears

Avoid these to improve survival rates:

• Waiting too long after frost to dig up bulbs
• Storing bulbs while they are still wet
• Letting bulbs freeze in the ground
• Overwatering stored bulbs during dormancy
• Storing in a location that is too warm or too humid

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How to Tell if Your Bulb Survived Winter

A healthy overwintered bulb will:

• Feel firm (not soft or mushy)
• Have no foul smell
• Show small firm “eyes” or growth points in spring

If the bulb is dry and shriveled but still firm, it may still sprout once planted.

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When to Replant in Spring

Replant elephant ear bulbs when:

• Soil temperatures reach 65°F or higher
• All danger of frost has passed
• Nights stay consistently above 50°F

You can also start bulbs indoors 4–6 weeks early for faster growth.

“If you overwintered your bulbs successfully, the next step is waking them up in spring…”

👉 How to Wake up your Elephant Ear Bulbs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do elephant ear plants come back every year?

Yes—elephant ears are perennial plants in warm climates (USDA Zones 8–11). In colder zones, they will not survive winter outdoors, but you can dig up and store the bulbs indoors to replant in spring.

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When should I dig up elephant ear bulbs for winter?

Dig up elephant ear bulbs after the first light frost or when temperatures consistently drop below 50°F. Do not wait for a hard freeze, as this can damage or kill the bulbs.

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How do I store elephant ear bulbs over winter?

After digging them up, allow the bulbs to dry for a few days in a warm, shaded area. Then store them in a breathable container (like a cardboard box or paper bag) filled with peat moss, sawdust, or coconut coir. Keep them in a cool, dark place between 40–60°F.

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Can I leave elephant ear bulbs in the ground?

Only in warm climates (Zones 8–11). In colder zones, bulbs left in the ground will freeze and rot unless heavily protected, and even then survival is not guaranteed.

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What happens if I don’t dig up elephant ear bulbs?

In cold climates, the bulbs will freeze and rot in the soil. Once frozen, they will not regrow the following year.

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Can I overwinter elephant ears in pots indoors?

Yes! If your elephant ears are in containers, you can bring them indoors before frost. Keep them in a warm, bright spot and reduce watering while they are dormant.

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How do I know if my elephant ear bulb survived winter?

A healthy bulb will feel firm, not soft or mushy. It may also show small growth points in spring when temperatures warm up. Dry but firm bulbs often still regrow once planted.

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Final Thoughts on Overwintering Elephant Ears

Overwintering elephant ear plants doesn’t have to be complicated, but timing and storage conditions make all the difference. Once temperatures begin to drop, the key is to act before a hard freeze damages the bulbs.

Whether you choose to dig up and store your bulbs, bring container plants indoors, or leave them in the ground in a warm climate, the goal is the same protect the plant during dormancy so it can return strong in spring.

If you’re new to growing elephant ears, don’t worry if it takes a season or two to get the process just right. These plants are resilient, and once you learn how they respond to your climate, overwintering becomes a simple part of your yearly garden routine.

In spring, you can wake your bulbs back up and start the growing cycle again for another season of bold, tropical foliage.

Happy Gardening!

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Want To Learn More?

IF YOU LIKE THIS POST

You might also like these:

• Don’t Plant Your Elephant Ear Bulbs! Read this first!
• Indoor Elephant Ear Plant Care Guide
• 5 Reasons Your Elephant Ear Bulb wont Grow
• How to Grow Huge Elephant Ear Plants
• How to wake up you Elephant Ear Bulbs

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