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pinebarrengardener

Challenges of overwintering Colocasia as houseplants

I understand that some of the newer Colocasia do not develop a tuber big enough to dig and store, so I have brought these indoors - zone 7a NJ - and am attempting to keep them as houseplants. Already, I am faced with some challenges. 1. Fungus knats. 2. Spider mites. 3. Water balance.

For the knats, I sprinkled Mosquito Bits on soil surface and placed Safer Houseplant Sticky Stakes. For the spider mites, I used an insecticidle soap spray and am praying as I read a spider mite infestation can kill. I believe I caught the mites early as the bit of powdery white and fine web were most notably on the one - very small - new ‘Black Runner’ which is pictured below.

As to the watering, I am confused. If I am attempting at keeping them alive through winter, do I continue to water them? Decrease water to once a week? Less? Don’t water at all?

The newest acquisitions - 3 in a pot - are the struggling ‘Black Runner,’ ‘Imperial Giant,’ and ‘Blue Hawaii.’. These were new purchases from Plant Delights about a month ago, so did not have time to grow much.

The ‘Coffee Cups’ seem to be doing well, though There is some literature stating they could possible survive outdoors over winter with a heavy mulch covering.

’Geico’ is leaning heavily, but leaves look healthy - new ones are continuing to die back. I have them propped up, but wonder if I need to add soil.

For those in colder climates, how are your elephant ears doing and what are your methods and challenges?

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