How to Remove Bad Parts of an Elephant Ear Bulb

Species from several genera are often referred to as elephant ear plants. Elephant ears are closely related to taro and are cultivated in many Central and South American countries for the nutritive value of their starchy tuberous roots. In tropical and subtropical regions of the United States, elephant ear plants are mostly grown as garden ornamentals. To ensure healthy plants, be sure to trim the bad parts off of your elephant ear bulbs before planting.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp knife
• Bleach
• Bucket
• Ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Feel the bulb and try to determine how much of it has gone bad. If more than half of the tuber is mushy, discard it.

2. Use a clean, sharp knife to trim small diseased portions. Keep trimming until the remaining tuber is firm and flesh-colored.

3. Dip the tuber in a mixture of one part household bleach to nine parts water.

4. Sprinkle a generous amount of ground cinnamon on the cut portions of the bulb. Allow the bulb to dry thoroughly before storing.

Tips & Warnings

• Although there are many reasons for an elephant ear bulb to rot, the most common cause is a fungal infection. Fungus causes the bulb to become soft and eventually mushy, with a foul odor.

References

• University of Florida: Xanthosoma Sagittifolium Elephant Ear
• Kapi'olani Community College: Ethnobotany of the Ahupua'a
• Ray Grogan: Growing and Cooking Taro by Ray Grogan