Before I learned 'Black Magic' is hardy here I over-wintered it in a big saucer I kept water in. It's been so dry this year I may have lost it, in spite of spending most my time and energy watering! I admired your picture of it on the 'other forum'--you shouldn't have any trouble keeping it in a pot in a saucer with good light and water.

I overwinter it in my unheated garage (which doesn't go below freezing) in regular potting soil that is moistened occasionally - not as an aquatic at all. It just needs enough water to keep the soil from becoming dry as dust. In my experience, this variety does not form tubers which are substantial enough to survive if stored dry without soil in winter.

Now that I've finally found a place to get answers about Elephant Ears, how about overwintering Illustris. Do I need to keep it as a house plant in water or can I keep it in my root cellar and water it occasionally. Any thoughts? I'm in MN zone 4

'Black maig' grows like a weed here in my garden. It is hot and dry here most of the year, and these are given no special care, except that I 'drool' over it as it's one of my favourite. It isn't planted near a pool or a water source.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:391807}}