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Pruning guide

How to prune elephant ear

Best time
Remove dead leaves year-round; cut back before first frost (outdoor/seasonal plants)
How often
As needed for dead leaves; annually before frost for outdoor plants
Technique
Use clean, sharp pruners to cut the petiole close to the corm or base stem. Avoid tearing. For winter storage, cut all stems to 5 cm above the corm after the first light frost, then lift and dry the corm.

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Pruning elephant ear — FAQ

When should I prune elephant ear?

Remove dead leaves year-round; cut back before first frost (outdoor/seasonal plants). Use clean, sharp pruners to cut the petiole close to the corm or base stem. Avoid tearing. For winter storage, cut all stems to 5 cm above the corm after the first light frost, then lift and dry the corm.

How often does elephant ear need pruning?

As needed for dead leaves; annually before frost for outdoor plants. Elephant ear grown as a houseplant needs very little pruning. Remove individual leaves as they yellow, brown, or die back by cutting the petiole (leaf stem) close to the base. Outdoors in frost-prone climates, cut all foliage to ground level before the first frost and store the corm for winter.

How do you prune elephant ear?

Use clean, sharp pruners to cut the petiole close to the corm or base stem. Avoid tearing. For winter storage, cut all stems to 5 cm above the corm after the first light frost, then lift and dry the corm.