Well, the leaves are the food, and I never take them off, but let them die naturely. Also, I've always heared that it's best to leave them in the ground until the leaves get hit real good by frost, and then dig up.. I wouldn't cut those leaves. :) Arum

Have you considered planting them in pots and putting the pots in the ground then removing the pots to take inside for winter. Luckily, I don't have to worry about digging. I mulch heavily with leaves.

However, I would dig with leaves still on before frost. Wash the roots and after they dry, sprinkle with Sulfur flour, a fine ground sulfur which acts as a fungicide. Can be bought at pharmacy or at an agricultural store. Keep them cool, dry and in the dark.

6) Dry for 3 days in dark warm area (e.gBasement)

Not necessary.

7) Sprinkle with fungicide (cxan soemone reocmmend a bradn)

Not necessary.

8) Pack in peet ios and a breathing cointainer (clth bag, carbord box, etc).

I use lots of newspaper in a sealed plastic garbage bag.

8.5) You forgot to put in cool area of basement.

Using this procedure for years, I haven't lost one elephant ears.

(Same treatment as for canna)