Put a bowl of water and pebbles near your plants, typically in between several house plants that all need humidity. ), Why Are My Begonias Dying? To lower a soils pH, add some sulphur, gypsum, or organic compost. When the nighttime temperatures are above 50F (10C), find a spot in your garden that gets partial shade and has good drainage. Check the bulbs every so often. Rate of growth is fast, and any light is fine. If your elephant ear plant does not reach the size you desire, it is best to repot it into a larger container. Thus, avoiding such a problem is preferable by ensuring that your soil is directly watered, rather than pouring from the plants top. Make sure they are kept dry and cold (45 to 55F). Now dig 8 to 10 inches of soil in your pond and plant the Elephant year. To decide which end goes down on elephant ear bulbs, take a close look. Care for them properly with frequent watering and fertilizing to watch them flourish. Thus leading to stunted growth. Daytime temperatures should be between 70F and 85F. This is a risky strategy because it will lead to overfeeding. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Be aware that it may take a little less time than this for them to sprout in a warmer climate, and longer in a colder one. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. How? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. And it has a growth rate of 3 to 5 feet per year. $10.49. The plants grow 4 to 8 feet in height and do well in Texas. Do not fertilize the plant when it is not growing, as in the winter. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Published 15 April 23, Professional decorators have explained how to remove wallpaper from drywall without damage to create the perfect blank space for future home decorating projects, By Chiana Dickson Most prefer full sun and well-drained soil, as well as plenty of water and fertilizer. Its best to leave the plant out for 3 to 4 weeks so that the roots can rejuvenate and not get stressed. For tips on maintaining you elephant ear plants by trimming the leaves and transplanting them, read on! wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. How to Build an Elevated Deck: Design to Completion, Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/elephant-ear/dividing-elephant-ears.htm, https://www.longfield-gardens.com/article/all-about-elephant-ears, https://www.mydomaine.com/alocasia-care-4771420, https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/tools-and-equipment/disinfecting-tools.html, https://blog.leonandgeorge.com/posts/how-to-care-and-grow-elephants-ear, https://plantcaretoday.com/elephant-ears-plant.html, http://www.gardenersnet.com/bulbs/elephantears.htm, http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/12261.shtml, https://www.gardendesign.com/plants/elephant-ear.html. In colder climates, it can be planted in containers that are moved inside in winter. Look for a fertilizer thats high in nitrogen. three to eight weeks Elephant ears usually sprout three to eight weeks from planting. At this point, you should think about changing your plants conditions. Variation: You can replant your tubers outdoors immediately if you live in a location with temperatures above 40F (4C) year-round. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. A larger plant will cover a smaller one, for example, so the leaves of the smaller plant can't get enough light. Cut off individual leaves as they become damaged during the season using a disinfected blade to prevent disease spread. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. It's ideal for your Elephant Ear plant to have high humidity. Elephant ears are tropical plants that require a warm, moist environment to thrive, says certified horticulturist Brody Hall, co-founder at The Indoor Nursery (opens in new tab). Elephant's ear grows wherever there's moist soil and warm temperatures. In this article, we will explore what kind of soil is best for growing Alocasia elephant ear plants. Which is also part of the recovery process. If poisoning occurs, go to the hospital immediately. The size and shape of this plant's leaves are the reason for its name. As a result, it is only fair to ensure that the soil remains moist for an extended period of time. Elephant ears like to be fed regularly throughout the growing seasonspring through summer. However, if done during the dormancy period, this procedure will be beneficial (winter). Elephant ears can become huge plants with gigantic leaves. Take around 3 to 7 stalks of an Elephant ear plant from a mature plant. Wait until after the first spring thaw to uncover them. Plant the tubers about 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm.) Water your plant twice a week during the hot summer months. Choose a location that is sheltered from the wind, if possible. Indoor plants grow best when soil is allowed to dry out slightly before watering. Nights should be no colder than 60F. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). So make use of sterilized blades to trim them off your plant to allow new growth to take place. Pick the Colocasia variety. It's held court in the garden for years but is making bold statements indoors thanks to some showy leaf varieties sized for growing indoors. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Press the soil around the plants and cover the top layer with inch of pea gravel to keep the soil in the pot. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. There are various types of elephant ear plants such as colocasia and Alocasia. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. In cool climates, start plants indoors or purchase transplants at the nursery to maximize the enjoyment of this warm-temperature-loving plant. Keep children and animals away from the plants. The elephant ear varieties thrive in water, and you can grow them in a pond making for a fast-growing plant. You'll be able to re-plant your elephant ear bulbs every year! Wrap the bulbs in leaves from the plant, sphagnum peat moss, or garden vermiculite to protect them further. Keep them out of reach of children or pets. This article has been viewed 145,358 times. Once or twice a month watering would be enough. If possible, plant elephant's ear in a location where it receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Listed on Apr 13, 2023 Its best to water your plant at least twice a month during the winter because the soil retains more water during such a season. These are the beginnings of roots and should be faced downward, towards the ground, when planting.. Elephant's ear grows best in part shade or filtered sun. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. It was on sale, but I wasn't sure what type of plant it, "The spacing needed, the toxicity of the plant (we have two dogs and three cats, one that chews on anything), that, "Loved the article about Elephant Ear plants. Because you can deal with an infestation at any time and restore your elephant ear plant to its former glory with little effort. The elephant ear plant (colocasia or Alocasia) is an immense tropical beauty with large attractive leaves bound to make any space feel tropical or more like a rainforest. [1] The ideal daytime temperature will be around 70 F (21 C). Once the temperature drops to 55 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, you may want to bring your plant indoors. So it takes about two years for the plant to fully mature. This means the wrong type of exposure to sunlight could cause your elephant ear to underperform in terms of growth rate. [3] Growing Elephant Ears from Bulbs in Pots Indoors wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. unlocking this expert answer. There is no magic wand or secret formula thatll boost the growth of your elephant ear plant. Cutting them can result in rot. The leaves contain oxalic acid which is toxic when eaten raw. Its possible that the plant will not grow properly even after being revived. In that case, they can be planted some four to six weeks before the expected last frost date. If you are in a colder climate then you can begin the process inside and transfer the bulbs outside when all . The ideal daytime temperature will be around 70F (21C). It also grow to a breadth of 5 feet from side to side. Place a humidifier in the room where you grow your houseplants. ", Unlock premium answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.gardeningchannel.com/when-to-plant-elephant-ear-bulbs/, https://www.gardendesign.com/plants/elephant-ear.html, https://www.epicgardening.com/elephant-ear-plant/. Elephant's ear is toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses, so keep it away from children and pets. Plant so the growing tip is up. If you notice that one is rotting, throw it away so it doesnt spread to the others. A fertilizer with micronutrients can be applied, or sprinkle Epsom salts around the base of each plant on a monthly basis. Elephant ears are fast-growing perennial plants. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. I separated the pup and placed all four in the amended bed. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. For best results, let the soil temperature rise to at least 65F (18C). The elephant ear bulb needs a slightly acidic pH of 6.5. They prefer warm weather around 50F (10C). Picture 1 of 4. Elephant ear growth is more affected by fungal or bacterial diseases than by insect infestation. Since youll already be digging up your plant, this is a great time to separate the new tubers. Too much light can singe the leaf tips as well. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Your plant will lose its foliage in winter if temperatures go below 21C. . The more sun you give these plants, however, the more water they'll require. Zones - growing elephant ears are full hardy in zones 8 to 11. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If the pot is outside, water the plant every one to two days until it is established. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Add houseplant types of elephant's ear to end tables, desktops, and mantels for a touch of tropical plant life indoors. Wait until the stems of the plant die back naturally from frost. Soil and Water The elephant ear grows either from a specialized bulb called a corm or from an underground stem, or rhizome, depending on the type. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If it takes longer than 4 hours to empty, you have poor drainage. Great info. Dig up and replant some of your elephant ear plants to spread them out. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. It may take several weeks for the new elephant ear plant to emerge. This elephant ear plant grows best in partial sun to keep the color of leaves vibrant. Which does not only burn the leaves and stems but also damages the plant on a molecular level. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Bath If you don't have a paper bag, a mesh bag will work. This website was very helpful in introducing me to the plant! Transplant At The Right Time Spring is the best time to transplant your elephant ear plant. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Planting elephant ear bulbs indoors approximately eight weeks prior to the last frost date is also acceptable. Research source. to make sure you are getting all the tubers out. Slowly submerge the plant into the pond and let bubbles escape. However, if taken care of properly, elephant ears can survive in the winter, too. Many spread through underground runners, or stolons, and send up baby plants along the way. Huge leaves and bold vein patterns make elephant's ear easy to spot. When your plant is under attack by disease, however, revving it will be difficult, and it will be at risk of dying. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Grow elephant ears in moderate to warm temperatures higher than 70 degrees F for growth and blooming. Find out how to plant elephant ear bulbs to enjoy their dramatic foliage in your yard. Some elephant ear plants spread along the ground . Place them in a cool, humid location and reduce watering in winter. The bulb needs a moist soil in order to grow properly. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. While elephant ears cant be propagated from cuttings like many plants, you can divide the tubers of a healthy parent plant. But dont fertilize in the winter because it will lead to overfeeding. It doesn't matter if it's bulbs like daffodils and tulips, or amaryllis, gladiolus, or caladiums and elephant ear--they depend on the current year's nutrients to build up the reserves in the bulb that will be required the . wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Plant elephant's ear in spring after all danger of frost has passed. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. To grow these stunning plants, plant the bulbs in the early spring with the right soil conditions. Watering twice a week is also appropriate for a plant that requires a lot of nutrients, such as the elephant ear. 'Diamond Head' performs best along the edge of a pond or submerged in a water feature. . The plant can also be grown in a pond with up to 6" of standing . Cut off any bad spots, then plant it again. Mark and his business partner have been featured in Vogue, The Knot, Todays Bride, Wedding Wire, Modern Luxury, San Francisco Bride Magazine, San Francisco Fall Antique Show, Black Bride, Best of the Bay Area A-List, and Borrowed & Blue. When you overwater your plant, it becomes activated, causing severe root damage. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. We would suggest homeowners be mindful of selecting this plant especially those living near a green belt area, a nature preserve or waterway. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. For best results, keep the tubers in a room with a temperatures from 50 to 60F (10 to 16C). Add organic compost to lower the pH if necessary, or add garden lime to raise the pH. Lining your walkway or fence with elephant ear plants has a lovely effect. He is the Co-Owner of Bella Fiora, a custom design floral studio, and SF Plants, a plant shop and nursery. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Be aware that Colocasia esculenta coco yam or wild taro is listed as an invasive species (opens in new tab) in some areas including California, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. Dig a hole 2 to 4 times larger than the tuber. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Your site helped me identify it and how to properly take care of it. Support wikiHow by This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Also, dig out wider than the elephant ears were in the landscape to get any rhizomes trying to head off on their own. By using our site, you agree to our. This article was co-authored by Mark Leahy and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophia Latorre. Note that a healthy elephant ear tuber will feel firm and heavy, and have a dry exterior. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. There are a few ways to increase the humidity around your houseplants. Many elephant ear bulbs have a slightly flattened side. Because the lack of direct sunlight would cause its photosynthetic process to be insufficient for the plants overall growth. Alocasia amazonica is a tropical plant featuring large, leathery arrowhead leaves in olive green, bronze, or maroon. Gently sprinkle some seed starting mix on top of thatdo not fully cover with the soil mix. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Grow-Elephant-Ear-Plants-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Elephant-Ear-Plants-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Grow-Elephant-Ear-Plants-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid19529-v4-728px-Grow-Elephant-Ear-Plants-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. They also require high soil fertility, so gardeners with sandy fast-draining soils are going to need to amend with compost or grow elephant ears in containers. Never let the plant dry out between watering. Add aged manure or compost to the soil before planting. Do this before temperatures go lower than 40F (4.5C). Cover with 4 inches of soil. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Elephant ears are actually a group of plants scientifically known as Alocasia, Colocasia, and Xanthosoma. The result is edema, and overwatering can lead to root rot. Elephant ear plants thrive in the sun and grow fast in the summer. This is obviously easier for smaller varieties than it is for larger ones, but it is possible. Reaching up to 6ft (1.8m) high this fast-growing plant grows from a bulb and, most commonly, bears its striking deep green foliage on jet black stems, each beautifully marked with deep purple veins and blotches. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. However, only keep them partially submerged. Do Elephant Ears grow better in soil or water? Because the soil may be water retentive but it still needs water. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Cut the stems well above the tubers to remove dying growth. The bottom may also have some root hairs leftover from the previous season. Store them in a cool, dark place; they need to remain dormant over winter. The job does not end at selecting a spot for planting elephant ears and planting the bulbs in the ground. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Contain the runners by creating a deep edge between the elephant ears and other plants ins your garden. This period may last up to 8 to 10 weeks. How? As an alternative, they can be started indoors on a sunny windowsill. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. The roots will be able to grow down and the greens will grow up naturally. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. These showy plants can be used in borders and are also ideal in containers. Pruning at any time of the year could negatively affect your plants growth rate. Usually it's nutrients. The tubers can be placed directly outdoors once the threat of frost or freezing temperatures have ceased in your area. She has more than 25 years of experience in horticulture. You want to plant them as early as possible while ensuring there will be no last cold snaps, explains Tom Monson, owner of Monson Lawn & Landscaping (opens in new tab). To avoid heavy transpiration from a dry atmosphere, your plants environment should mimic the tropics or rainforest to allow it to grow at its expected aggressively fast rate. Only after this happens, will you see some activity above the ground. Elephant ear plants, on the other hand, are primarily propagated in water. Any small bit of tuber left in the soil can quickly become another mass of elephant ears. Step Two: Drain Out Fertilizers There must also be no evidence of frost in the soil. 3 LIVE Kalo Eddo Colocasia Esculenta Gabi Elephant Ear Taro Bulbs READY to GROW. With impressive leaves and a range of foliage colors, they make for a dramatic feature. A popular summer-flowering bulb, elephant ears produce large, green foliage. Typically, the bulbs should be 2 to 4ft (60 to 122cm) apart if you are growing plants together, but this does depend on the variety, so always check the needs of the particular plant. % of people told us that this article helped them. Elephant ear bulbs can be planted into the ground in spring to early summer when risk of frost has passed. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Elephant ear plants are native to the tropics and rain forests, which are typically hot and humid environments. It's striking alongside ponds where its massive leaves create beautiful reflections in the water. If theyre visible, scoop out some of the soil to get rid of them. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. If there's still no sprout after 3 weeks, carefully dig up the bulb to inspect it for rot. Elephant ear plants are native to tropical Asia and derived their name from their huge, 2-foot-wide, 3-foot-long, heart-shaped leaves. Or you can dig up the elephant ear bulbs and store them indoors for replanting the following spring. But if the elephant ear plant was potted, it would grow at a lower rate of 1 to 2 feet per year due to limited soil and other nutrients. Sun or Shade: Elephant ears will grow in sun or shade. For instance, the Alocasia requires indirect sunlight to thrive, just as the colocasia would require full direct sunlight to thrive. More often than not, it is recommended that these plants are kept outside because of just how fast they can grow. Enjoy! This Plant Bulbs item is sold by SkipperArtKC. As a result, its general germination will be quick. Ships from Kansas City, MO. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 145,358 times. The elephant ear plant, like the Dahlia and Canna is easy to grow, and at the end of the growing season can be dug up, stored for the Winter, and replanted the following Spring.