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. We get extremes in Texas. Elephant's ear grows best in part shade or filtered sun. Ear likes warm temperatures between 65F and 80 F. Keep your plant in a well-ventilated area, away from drafts and drafts from windows, doors, and vents. If you cant tell which end is the bottom, lay the bulb on its side in the hole. Huge leaves and bold vein patterns make elephant's ear easy to spot. Plan for Success. If all else fails but you still love the look of elephant ears, transfer them to pots. ", southern-facing beds this spring. The soil will become too wet for the roots to handle if you maintain the same watering frequency throughout the year, even though the plant will be exposed to various reasons (such as hot summers, cold winters, and in-betweens). Because the soil may be water retentive but it still needs water. Previously executive editor of Ideal Home, shes specialized in interiors, property and gardens for over 20 years, and covers interior design, house design, gardens, and cleaning and organizing a home for H&G. The leaves contain oxalic acid which is toxic when eaten raw. Put a bowl of water and pebbles near your plants, typically in between several house plants that all need humidity. Elephant ear tubers have a potato-like texture, making them easy to slice through with a sharp knife. The purple-black leaves of Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic' have a brilliant sheen that makes them look like they have been lacquered. "I picked up an elephant ear plant at local supermarket. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. I struggled with it at first too! Prolonged direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, marring them for the duration of the season. These will warm the soil gently and promote not only faster sprouting but also healthy bulbs too. An excellent plant for a shaded porch or patio, it thrives when planted in large containers. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 145,358 times. In general, the tubers grow stronger with each passing year. However, if done during the dormancy period, this procedure will be beneficial (winter). Dig a hole 2 to 4 times larger than the tuber. So, if you want your potted Alocasia or colocasia to grow as fast as an unpotted one, its best to fertilize it. Bring containers in before the first frost to preserve your bulb for the next growing season. This tropical plant is eye-catching in a garden. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Water them enough so the soil stays moist and doesnt dry out. Planting Elephant Ears. Take around 3 to 7 stalks of an Elephant ear plant from a mature plant. If you are in a colder climate then you can begin the process inside and transfer the bulbs outside when all . Elephant ear has the potential of growing 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide therefore it is important to allow enough . Dig down 2-3 feet (61-91 cm.) If a plant isnt getting enough sun, youll notice the leaves turning yellow. Our guide has all the details on how to plant elephant ear bulbs. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Tip: If you want to speed up the process, plant your bulbs in a pot inside a few weeks before early spring. However, if you place an elephant ear plant that requires direct sunlight in a partially shaded area, it wont grow properly. Its no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house renovator. Cold climate gardeners can also grow elephant's ear as an annual, purchasing new plants each year. Mulch the base of the plant to a depth of four to twelve inches to protect it from freezing. The Elephant Ear plant is very easy . Variation: While it puts more stress on the plant, you can also dig up and divide the tubers at the beginning of the plants growing season in the spring. 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. 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. Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor. The best soil for the bulb is rich in organic matter. Watering twice a week is also appropriate for a plant that requires a lot of nutrients, such as the elephant ear. To dig the bulbs, use a garden fork or spade to carefully dig around the edges of the plant. But during the night, a temperature of 65F (18C) or higher is ideal. Contain the runners by creating a deep edge between the elephant ears and other plants ins your garden. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Press the soil around the plants and cover the top layer with inch of pea gravel to keep the soil in the pot. While they were in the pots each one of them sprouted a pup. So now they are in the ground for 3-1/2 months and are about four feet tall. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you notice that one is rotting, throw it away so it doesnt spread to the others. If possible, plant elephant's ear in a location where it receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Dig up and replant some of your elephant ear plants to spread them out. Performing this procedure would defeat the progress of any disease or pest. And the best way to do this is to fill the pot halfway with water and then let it dry. Shift the plant outside in the spring season. ", clay soil is bad, and that shade can benefit the plant. The Alocasia Portora is a very distinctive plant that is hard to miss. 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 How Do you Speed up Elephant Ears Growth? Then dig a hole about a foot wide. Recreate tropical conditions in your garden by keeping the soil moist and not letting it dry out. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. It's striking alongside ponds where its massive leaves create beautiful reflections in the water. She has more than 25 years of experience in horticulture. A pH from 5.5 to 7.0 is satisfactory. Unfortunately, those huge leaves attract familiar garden insects, including aphids, mealy bugs and spider mites, all of which can be treated with a horticultural soap or neem oil. 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. Pruning at any time of the year could negatively affect your plants growth rate. So it takes about two years for the plant to fully mature. to make sure you are getting all the tubers out. To avoid this problem, you must water your elephant ear plant according to the seasons. Note: If its in the garden, simply flood the soil around the plants roots. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. % of people told us that this article helped them. Too much water causes brown, droopy leaves. If you live in a tropical, warm climate, you may not need to dig up your plant. Plant so the growing tip is up. Do I have to dig them up every winter, or can I leave the tuber 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. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Spray the top of the soil with a misting bottle and keep the mix damp but not soggy. Look for a fertilizer thats high in nitrogen. 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. Water the elephant ear plant regularly since little water leads to low growth rates Ensure that the plant is in a place where the temperature ranges between 85 degrees F during the day and 60 degrees F at night If the temperature drops below 60 degrees F, the plant will stop growing. If you want to replant the new growth tubers outdoors immediately, separating them from the parent plant in the spring is the best option. If growing outside in summer, plant in dappled or partial shade in moist soil, in a sheltered spot. Elephant ear plants can be grown from seed and perform best in USDA hardiness zones of 8 to 10; they can be overwintered in zone 7 with the help of a thick winter mulch, says Marc Hachadourian, the director of glasshouse horticulture and senior curator of orchids at The New York Botanical Garden. If there are any remnants of leaves on the bulbs, theyre poisonous. Pile them on top of the plant's location or use chicken wire (or similar) to make a cage to hold them in. This clumping plant grows to 8 feet tall. Planting elephant ear bulbs indoors approximately eight weeks prior to the last frost date is also acceptable. As a result, it is only fair to ensure that the soil remains moist for an extended period of time. At this point, you should think about changing your plants conditions. If you live in USDA hardiness zone 8 or above, you can leave your elephant ears in the ground to regrow the next spring. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Some of them would do well in full sunlight exposure and some would be great in partially shaded sunlight. After nighttime temperatures are above 50 degrees and daytime temperatures are below 40 degrees, you can choose a sunny location in your garden. In USDA zones 9 through 11, elephant ears thrive in tropical gardens in partial shade or full sun. Elephant's ear grows wherever there's moist soil and warm temperatures. Test the drainage by digging a hole about 1 foot (0.30m) deep and filling it with water. If you don't have a paper bag, a mesh bag will work. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Fertilizing your elephant ear plant is a great way to keep up with its high nutritional needs especially if youre reviving it after its been severely damaged. He is the Co-Owner of Bella Fiora, a custom design floral studio, and SF Plants, a plant shop and nursery. unlocking this staff-researched answer. Your site helped me identify it and how to properly take care of it. Plant elephant ear bulbs at a depth of 5in (13cm); when they go into the ground they should be around 1in (2.5cm) below the soil. 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). Visit our corporate site. Plant the tubers in pots and grow them a warm, sunny window. But only after leaching in it the previous pot, as this would greatly reduce the recovery time of your plant. Elephant ear bulbs can be grown as flower bed ideas, or in containers, and in zones 9 to 11 can be grown as perennials while in zones 3 to 8 theyre typically treated as annuals. Because it provides your elephant ear plant with more natural nutrients, it will grow much faster than bare water or a swampy environment. Elephant ear plants are less likely to come back a 100% from a fungal attack. There are a few ways to increase the humidity around your houseplants. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Elephant ears grow best when they're planted close to the surface. 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. 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. Elephant ears are fast-growing perennial plants. Keep children and animals away from the plants. Plant elephant ear bulbs at a depth of 5in (13cm); when they go into the ground they should be around 1in (2.5cm) below the soil. and dont forget to water at least once every two weeks. Drooping leaves signal that the plant needs more water. Since they are native to tropical regions, elephant ears prefer warm temperatures ranging between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and around 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night. It grows 3 feet tall. ), Why Are My Begonias Dying? A fertilizer with micronutrients can be applied, or sprinkle Epsom salts around the base of each plant on a monthly basis. If you don't plant them far enough apart, the elephant ears will steal sunlight and water from each other. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Cutting them can result in rot. If foliage shows yellowing, it's probably a micronutrient deficiency. An outdoor planted elephant ear plant peaks at 8 feet. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Wear gloves when planting or handling your plant if you have sensitive skin. Your elephant ear plant can concentrate on growing in the spring and summer rather than feeding dead veins and leaves. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. How? As a result, overwatering your plant can cause root damage. Mix compost matter or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Let the corms dry out a bit, then place in a 5-gallon bucket of peat moss, perlite or vermiculite. After your plant has been ravaged by disease or pest, you should consider Pruning. When doing so, be careful not to cut or nick the tubers with digging tools as any damage can cause a bulb not to grow the following season, says Brody Hall. Elephant's ear is toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses, so keep it away from children and pets. Check the bulbs every so often. Discover the ways to grow, maintain, and harvest delicious and prolific alpine strawberries, By Drew Swainston Xanthosoma 'Lime Zinger' has bright green arrowhead elephant ear leaves with yellowish veins. Thanks for the details on growth. Do not fertilize the plant when it is not growing, as in the winter. This gives the plants protection during the winter months. The plant can also be grown in a pond with up to 6" of standing . unlocking this expert answer. Plant the tubers about 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm.) Too much moisture and the plants tubers and roots are likely to experience rot.. After the threat of frost has passed in the spring, plant the tuber so it sits 1 to 2 inches below the soil. If the pot is inside, water it deeply once a week. In cool climates, start plants indoors or purchase transplants at the nursery to maximize the enjoyment of this warm-temperature-loving plant. Because the lack of direct sunlight would cause its photosynthetic process to be insufficient for the plants overall growth. 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 . 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. "It's good to know the right temperatures to plant elephant ears. Elephant ears bloom throughout summer and into fall. This tropical plant is eye-catching in a garden. Preferably, soils that are rich in organic matter are ideal for elephant ears, says Brody. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Most of the growth occurs in the summer. Support wikiHow by Elephant ear plants need moist, but not soaking wet, soil. Symptoms such as the browning of your leaves or the presence of a whitish crust on the soil will be addressed. All rights reserved. Elephant ear plants, such as colocasia, can thrive in a partially submerged area or even in the middle of a pond. Make sure they are kept dry and cold (45 to 55F). Keep the temperature in the range of 70 . Growing Elephant Ears from Bulbs in Pots Indoors I water it twice daily, giving about a gallon each time. Some of the Elephant ear cultivars are of concern to those monitoring invasive plants. three to eight weeks Elephant ears usually sprout three to eight weeks from planting. . Their are certain compounds in the leaves that can irritate your hands. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, These showy plants can be used in borders and are also ideal in containers. The secret to planting elephant ear bulbs is to plant them outdoors in the spring. The elephant ear plant grows best in rich organic soil with good moisture. Note: Summer and spring fertilization is recommended. But dont fertilize in the winter because it will lead to overfeeding. Free shipping. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Approved. Treat it with a copper fungicide applied weekly during rainy weather and every two weeks during dry periods. Elephant ears are actually a group of plants scientifically known as Alocasia, Colocasia, and Xanthosoma. Elephant's ear is cold-hardy in USDA zones 1011. During the summer months, you should water the plant well. Some people grow them in water, but not all varieties do well that way. Be careful not to cut into or damage the bulb itself. How fast do Elephant Ears Grow. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Its even good for reviving plants that have been severely damaged. Choose a location that is sheltered from the wind, if possible. The side of the bulb with the ridges is the top, or the side that should be planted up. When it comes to reviving an elephant ear plant that has been overfed, the first step is to remove the excess fertilizers. Remove soil from roots and separate bulbs. It forms a fast-spreading carpet of graceful, 8 in. If you live in the warmer areas of the state, grow the elephant ear in the shade. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. However, you should avoid over-fertilizing it because it will cause severe symptoms such as leaf drop and color change. This will help avoid overcrowding. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. 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 you grow them in a hot, sunny location, be sure they get a little shade during the middle of the day. Cut off any bad spots, then plant it again. To get the most out of your plant, you need to expose your elephant ear plant to the right amount of light. 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 babies can be separated from the parent plant and installed elsewhere. Place them in a plastic bag or pot and cover them with a mix of moistened potting soil and peat moss. Elephant's ear plants grow best when their roots aren't disturbed after they begin to grow. They weaken stems and leaves. Move them to some dry and cool spots. In zones 9-11 they can be grown . Wrap the bulbs in leaves from the plant, sphagnum peat moss, or garden vermiculite to protect them further. 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. So it should not be interrupted. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Let them dry out for 2 days at room temperature, then store them in a cool, dry place in a perforated paper bag. If left in dry conditions, its leaf edges . 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. Due to Overfeeding, parts of your plants are severely damaged, as they would shrivel up. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. They can also be covered with layers of mulch that can protect them during winters, and help them survive freezing temperatures.