Question
QUESTION: My neighbor divided her elephant ear corms (are they corms?) last year and I
over wintered a few. They went like gangbusters this spring but I don't know
what kind of light they minimally need. I plant it in a big pot can I bring it
indoors and have it as a house plant over the winter?  I have southern exposure
windows throughout most of the house (certainly where I'd like to have this
plant.)

ANSWER: Hi Rowena,

There are several plants that are commonly called elephant's ears because of the shape of their large leaves. Your reference to "corms" makes me think that you have what is more commonly called Taro (Colocasia esculenta). Let me know if I am wrong.

This is a plant that loves wet soil during its spring and summer growing season. It is best to leave it sitting in a saucer that is constantly filled with water. Provide lots of bright indirect light. In the fall (now), let the soil and roots dry out completely. The leaves will whither and die. Cut them off and store the unpotted tuber in a cool (60 to 65 degrees) spot in the basement. In late Feb or early March, pot the tuber in some rich soil and resume the watering and light described above.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail some photos to my address below, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So it's not going to thrive indoors overwinter.  Okay, I will treat this as you
indicate. Thanks for the specific instructions.  
You are encyclopedic!!

Answer
Hi Rowena,

For best results, you should respect its dormant period, but it might do all right through the winter if you ignored my advice. You would not be the first person who has done well by ignoring my advice!

I think Wikipedic would be a more current description, but thanks!

Will