Storing elephant ear corms properly is essential to ensure their health and viability for the next growing season. Here is a detailed guide on how to store elephant ear corms effectively:
1. Prepare the corms: Before storing, it’s important to prepare the corms for storage. Start by gently removing any excess soil or debris from the corms. Be careful not to damage the growing points or any attached roots. Inspect the corms for any signs of damage or disease, and discard any that are soft, mushy, or rotting.
2. Choose a storage medium: Select a suitable storage medium such as dry vermiculite, sand, or peat moss. These mediums provide a sterile and moisture-absorbent environment, which helps prevent disease and rot during storage. Fill a bucket or a bag with the chosen medium, ensuring there is enough to completely bury the corms.
3. Bury the corms: Place the cleaned corms in the storage medium and bury them completely. It’s important to ensure that each corm is surrounded by the storage medium on all sides. This helps maintain a consistent moisture level and prevents the corms from drying out.
4. Choose a cool storage location: Find a cool and dark location for storing the corms. An unheated shed, garage, or basement are suitable options. The storage area should remain consistently cool, ideally between 45-55°F (7-13°C). Avoid areas that experience extreme temperature fluctuations or high humidity levels.
5. Check periodically: Periodically check on the stored corms throughout the storage period. Inspect for any signs of rot, disease, or sprouting. If you notice any issues, remove the affected corms immediately to prevent further spread.
6. Maintain proper humidity: Depending on the storage medium used, it may be necessary to monitor and maintain the humidity levels. Vermiculite and peat moss tend to retain moisture well, but sand may need occasional misting to prevent excessive dryness. The goal is to keep the corms in a slightly moist but not wet environment.
7. Avoid exposing to light: Elephant ear corms are sensitive to light, so it’s crucial to store them in a dark location. Exposure to light can trigger premature sprouting, which can weaken the corms and reduce their chances of survival during storage.
8. Label and organize: To keep track of different elephant ear varieties, it’s helpful to label and organize the stored corms. Use waterproof markers or labels to mark the variety and any other relevant information. This will make it easier to identify and locate specific corms when it’s time to plant them again.
Additional Tips:
– If you have multiple elephant ear varieties, it’s best to store them separately to avoid confusion.
– Some gardeners prefer storing corms in paper bags instead of buckets to allow for better air circulation and moisture control.
– If you live in an area with mild winters, you can also store elephant ear corms directly in the ground, provided the soil is well-draining and protected from freezing temperatures.
Remember, proper storage is crucial for the health and success of elephant ear corms. By following these steps and providing the ideal storage conditions, you can ensure healthy and vibrant plants in the next growing season.
