\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Because it is very convenient and relieves the stress of constantly adjusting the plant for proper sun exposure for busy owners. When the nighttime temperatures are above 50F (10C), find a spot in your garden that gets partial shade and has good drainage. Wait until there's no chance of frost occurring overnight so the plant won't get damaged. Skip to content Elephant ears are actually a group of plants scientifically known as Alocasia, Colocasia, and Xanthosoma. This is obviously easier for smaller varieties than it is for larger ones, but it is possible. For tips on maintaining you elephant ear plants by trimming the leaves and transplanting them, read on! These babies can be separated from the parent plant and installed elsewhere. More often than not, it is recommended that these plants are kept outside because of just how fast they can grow. Northern Texas gardeners can plant theirs . To grow elephant ear plants, choose a moist organic soil with a pH of 6-7. How Do you Speed up Elephant Ears Growth? If it takes longer than 4 hours to empty, you have poor drainage. Once the weather drops below 45 F (7 C) again, cut the plants back to just above the soil, and dig up the bulbs. Before you place your corm in the hole, mix in some Osmocote into the soil at the bottom of the hole. If you plant your elephant ear in moist soil, it will suffer from a lack of water over time (dying leaves, root breakage), especially if you dont have time to feed the soil. X If theyre visible, scoop out some of the soil to get rid of them. and dont forget to water at least once every two weeks. It is large in stature reaching anywhere from 6 to over 10 feet tall depending on where you grow it. However, if you place an elephant ear plant that requires direct sunlight in a partially shaded area, it wont grow properly. Free shipping. Then, when its warm enough, transfer them to your garden. Elephant ears need high humidity levels for proper growth. Daytime temperatures should be between 70F and 85F. Treat it like any other perennial and bury it under a layer of mulch at least 3 inches (7.6cm) deep. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Another way to tell which side is up on an elephant ear bulb is to look for a flat surface. This will help avoid overcrowding. Make sure they are kept dry and cold (45 to 55F). This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. So it takes about two years for the plant to fully mature. Cut off any bad spots, then plant it again. Note that a healthy elephant ear tuber will feel firm and heavy, and have a dry exterior. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If growing outside in summer, plant in dappled or partial shade in moist soil, in a sheltered spot. Super fast draining, low moisture soils are not the place to grow them. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Your site helped me identify it and how to properly take care of it. Elephant's ear plants grow best when their roots aren't disturbed after they begin to grow. Add organic compost to lower the pH if necessary, or add garden lime to raise the pH. Elephant's ear grows best in part shade or filtered sun. Support wikiHow by 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). When caring for elephant ears be aware that the bulbs are damaged by freezing temperatures, so if you live in a region with cold winters, either grow them as annuals, or dig up the bulbs and store them ready for replanting the following year. So, if you want your potted Alocasia or colocasia to grow as fast as an unpotted one, its best to fertilize it. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Only after this happens, will you see some activity above the ground. Dig around your in-ground plant slowly and carefully so that you dont harm any healthy tubers and roots. Press the soil around the plants and cover the top layer with inch of pea gravel to keep the soil in the pot. Thanks for the details on growth. Because your plant is potted, it has less access to nutrients than unpotted outdoor plants. 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). Xanthosoma 'Lime Zinger' has bright green arrowhead elephant ear leaves with yellowish veins. The soil needs to have reached a temperature of 65F (18C). With impressive leaves and a range of foliage colors, they make for a dramatic feature. By using our site, you agree to our. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Pair this tropical plant with other easy-to-grow tropicals for a lush, vibrant garden. deep, blunt end down. Dig a hole so that the top of the bulb is 4 inches deeper than the soil line. He is the Co-Owner of Bella Fiora, a custom design floral studio, and SF Plants, a plant shop and nursery. Visit our corporate site. In the case of the elephant ear plant, it should be late summer or mid-winter. Last Updated: March 27, 2023 Test the soil pH tooelephant ear plants do best in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7. Do giant elephant ears spread? Usually it's nutrients. After the threat of frost has passed in the spring, plant the tuber so it sits 1 to 2 inches below the soil. You can grow all three genera of elephant ears as annuals, but those hardy to colder temps can be kept through the winter season too. Scindapsus vs Pothos (Whats the Difference? 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 also need rich soil, and you can use a potting mix blended with compost. in the Dallas area, and my elephant ears thrive here every year, so in answer to the incorrectly answered question, Can you grow elephant ears in clay soil--Yes, you can. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Remove soil from roots and separate bulbs. Just be sure the soil is well-draining. To avoid complications, do not let the temperature drop below the latter. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. A pH from 5.5 to 7.0 is satisfactory. Move them to some dry and cool spots. I thought the photos were excellent and it was extremely easy to follow the steps. Add houseplant types of elephant's ear to end tables, desktops, and mantels for a touch of tropical plant life indoors. $10.49. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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