How to Get Colocasia Esculenta to Break Dormancy

Producing leaves up to 4 feet long in varying colors and shades, Colocasia esculenta, commonly called elephant ears or taro, grows from tubers that survive year-round in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10 In cooler climates, bring the tubers indoors before the first frost. You can continue to care for them as indoor potted plants, or you can store the tubers in a cool, dry area. At this time, they go dormant with the lower temperatures and lack of water. Start to break dormancy indoors about six weeks before the last spring frost, ensuring your elephant ears produce the large leaves that are sure to turn heads.

Things You'll Need

• Pot
• Potting soil
• Watering can

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Fill a pot that is at least two or three times as deep and wide as the tuber with potting soil. Plant the tuber on its side so it is 2 inches below to soil level.

   • 2

     Move the pot to an area in your home that is kept at least at room temperature. Keep it out of direct sunlight so the soil does not dry out as quickly.

   • 3

     Water the tuber slowly until you see the water drip out from the bottom drainage hole, which indicates the soil is thoroughly moistened. Continue to keep the soil moist until the elephant ear starts to put forth growth, which can sometimes take six to eight weeks.