\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This article received 30 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. 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. Do I have to dig them up every winter, or can I leave the tuber in the ground? Place them in a cool, humid location and reduce watering in winter. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Support wikiHow by As a result, your plants growth will be slowed. Spray the top of the soil with a misting bottle and keep the mix damp but not soggy. Elephant ear plants need moist, but not soaking wet, soil. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. More often than not, it is recommended that these plants are kept outside because of just how fast they can grow. If youve fallen for these attention-grabbing tropical plants, youll want to be sure about how to plant elephant ear bulbs. Megan Hughes has a passion for plants that drives her to stay on top of the latest garden advancements and time-tested ways of growing great plants. Fill the pot to three quarters and plant a bulb with the nub end up and root disc down so the top is around 1in (2.5cm) deep. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Thus leading to stunted growth. Gently sprinkle some seed starting mix on top of thatdo not fully cover with the soil mix. At this point, you should think about changing your plants conditions. However, if done during the dormancy period, this procedure will be beneficial (winter). So it takes about two years for the plant to fully mature. With impressive leaves and a range of foliage colors, they make for a dramatic feature. This elephant ear plant grows best in partial sun to keep the color of leaves vibrant. This plant can reach about 5 or 6 feet (or more) in height, and the wide-spreading stems and new plants will create an overall width of 8 feet or more. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Dig around your in-ground plant slowly and carefully so that you dont harm any healthy tubers and roots. In addition to good drainage if potted, a pH level ranges from 5.5 to 7.0. Can you grow elephant ear from a cutting? Once you plant the bulbs, your elephant ears will take the first three weeks to grow roots. He is the Co-Owner of Bella Fiora, a custom design floral studio, and SF Plants, a plant shop and nursery. Freezing temperatures can kill the elephant ears. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. If you grow your elephant ear parent plant outdoors in the ground and the temperature drops below 40F (4C) where you live, dig them up in the fall and store the bulbs indoors during the winter. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Mix compost matter or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. If it takes longer than 4 hours to empty, you have poor drainage. Trimming dead or weaker elephant ear plant sections encourage fresh growth, and germination will be fast. Elephant's ear has become a popular houseplant. The bulbs will push upwards as they grow so it's important to leave enough space that they won't break through the soil. There is no magic wand or secret formula thatll boost the growth of your elephant ear plant. The bottom may also have some root hairs leftover from the previous season. Pile them on top of the plant's location or use chicken wire (or similar) to make a cage to hold them in. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Just before the first frost, cut all the foliage to about 6 inches above the ground and carefully dig up the tubers. Note: After your elephant ear plant has recovered, switch to a milder fertilizer to avoid overfeeding it again. Plant elephant's ear in spring after all danger of frost has passed. As a result, it is only fair to ensure that the soil remains moist for an extended period of time. Once the temperature drops to 55 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, you may want to bring your plant indoors. Last Updated: March 27, 2023 Fertilizer. Larger bulbs will need slightly deeper holes. Dig a hole so that the top of the bulb is 4 inches deeper than the soil line. An excellent plant for a shaded porch or patio, it thrives when planted in large containers. Because it is very convenient and relieves the stress of constantly adjusting the plant for proper sun exposure for busy owners. Place a humidifier in the room where you grow your houseplants. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Enjoy! 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. I water it twice daily, giving about a gallon each time. Elephant ear tubers have a potato-like texture, making them easy to slice through with a sharp knife. You can discard the leaves or keep them to wrap the bulbs in for storage. Dig a 6in (15cm) border around the bulbs. Northern Texas gardeners can plant theirs . It should be low in nitrogen. Dig up and replant some of your elephant ear plants to spread them out. This period may last up to 8 to 10 weeks. A fertilizer with micronutrients can be applied, or sprinkle Epsom salts around the base of each plant on a monthly basis. This article has been viewed 1,440,303 times. . If you cant tell which end is the bottom, lay the bulb on its side in the hole. It usually takes 3-8 weeks for elephant ears to sprout. Water outdoor elephant's ear plants regularly. 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. Some darker leaf varieties will tolerate full sun, although most elephant ears will do best in partial shade or filtered sunlight; too much sun can cause the leaves to scorch, while too much shade will result in leggy plants., As for the soil? In cool climates, start plants indoors or purchase transplants at the nursery to maximize the enjoyment of this warm-temperature-loving plant. They weaken stems and leaves. A lot of brown or yellow leaves are a sign the plant is either not getting the right amount of sunlight or isn't getting enough water. $10.49. % of people told us that this article helped them. Colorful planting partners include canna, coleus, ginger, caladium, sweet potato vine, and philodendron. 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. If you live in a tropical, warm climate, you may not need to dig up your plant. - Grows 2-5ft tall and wide If left in dry conditions, its leaf edges . So, if you want your potted Alocasia or colocasia to grow as fast as an unpotted one, its best to fertilize it. Note: If its in the garden, simply flood the soil around the plants roots. Using a raised bed or installing a drainage system in your garden can help avoid overwatering. 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. Then dig a hole about a foot wide. Because early and mid-summer are where most of the growing takes place. Check the bulbs every so often. ", was or how to take care of it. Keep them out of reach of children or pets. Put the bulb in the hole and cover it till 1 to 2 inches with soil. Last Updated: October 25, 2022 As a result, overwatering your plant can cause root damage. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,440,303 times. Make sure to provide the plant with a large enough pot that offers good drainage. Most prefer full sun and well-drained soil, as well as plenty of water and fertilizer. To increase a soils pH, sprinkle a little garden lime or limestone into the soil. Plan for Success. Some of them would do well in full sunlight exposure and some would be great in partially shaded sunlight. In USDA zones 9 through 11, elephant ears thrive in tropical gardens in partial shade or full sun. 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. If you want to replant the new growth tubers outdoors immediately, separating them from the parent plant in the spring is the best option. Humidity Elephant ears love humid environments. To decide which end goes down on elephant ear bulbs, take a close look. For example, because the soil evaporates excessively during this season, you can water your elephant ear plant twice a week. These ridges are usually slightly darker than the bulb itself, so they stand out. It's ideal for your Elephant Ear plant to have high humidity. I bought two of them on ebay for $9 each on June 14, 09. Grow elephant ears in moderate to warm temperatures higher than 70 degrees F for growth and blooming. Drooping leaves signal that the plant needs more water. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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