How to Grow Elephant Ear Plants and Care for Them

How to Grow

Keep weeds under control during the growing season. ...
Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. ...
Keep elephant ear plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells. ...
After new growth appears, a light fertilizer may be applied. ...
Monitor for pests and diseases.

Do elephant ear plants need sun or shade?
Do elephant ear plants need a lot of water?
Where is the best place to plant elephant ears?
Are elephant ear plants easy to care for?
Do elephant ears like coffee grounds?
Do elephant ear bulbs multiply?
How often should I water elephant ears?
How long does it take for elephant ears to grow full size?
Which elephant ears tolerate full sun?
How big do elephant ear plants grow?
Can you leave elephant ears in the ground over winter?
Do elephant ears have flowers?

Do elephant ear plants need sun or shade?

Can elephant ears grow in full sun? Full sun is not ideal for most—they grow best in bright but indirect sunlight. Too much sunlight can burn the leaves, while too little sunlight can cause yellowing.

Do elephant ear plants need a lot of water?

Water Considerations

Elephant ears are water-loving plants. They need at least moist, organically rich soil, but constantly moist soil is preferable, especially in warm months. You can decrease your watering schedule for the plants in winter, when they don't need as much water as they do other times of the year.

Where is the best place to plant elephant ears?

Elephant Ears perform best in sun or part shade. While most can be grown in partial shade, the darker colored varieties are best grown in full sun. Provide a sheltered location to protect the decorative leaves from strong winds.

Are elephant ear plants easy to care for?

Planting Elephant Ear Bulbs

Growing elephant ear plants is easy. Most of these plants prefer rich, moist soil and can be grown in full sun, but they generally prefer partial shade. The tubers can be placed directly outdoors once the threat of frost or freezing temperatures have ceased in your area.

Do elephant ears like coffee grounds?

The caffeine in coffee also suppresses some plant growth and too much of it will suppress the growth of elephant ears. ... If you use coffee grounds as a mulch around your elephant ear plant it will block moisture from getting to the plant. There are, though, ways to minimize this effect.

Do elephant ear bulbs multiply?

When to Divide Elephant Ears

Elephant ears can become huge plants with gigantic leaves. Many spread through underground runners, or stolons, and send up baby plants along the way. ... Since it is not actively growing, the plant will be less stressed than if you divide it while it is in full growth mode.

How often should I water elephant ears?

Plan on giving plants at least 2-3 inches of water per week. Fertilizing: Elephant ears are heavy eaters, as well as drinkers. Fertilize monthly with a general fertilizer of choice.

How long does it take for elephant ears to grow full size?

In healthy conditions, expect this elephant ear to reach full maturity from a crom in about 14 to 20 weeks.

Which elephant ears tolerate full sun?

There are two types of elephant ears: alocasias and colocasias. Colocasias display their leaves with tip of the heart pointing down. They prefer full sun and consistent moisture.

How big do elephant ear plants grow?

Elephant Ear Plants can assume a lofty height of up to 8 feet or 2.4 meters if you plant them in a Tropical region. In other regions, however, it will only grow 2 to three 3 feet.

Can you leave elephant ears in the ground over winter?

Elephant ears will not survive freezing temperatures and are winter hardy only in zones 9-11. In colder areas, you can either treat elephant ears as annuals and discard them at the end of the growing season, or you can store the tubers indoors and replant them next year. ... Allow the tuber to continue to dry.

Do elephant ears have flowers?

Although elephant ears are grown primarily as foliage plants, they can bloom – but flowers are not common in the Midwest. The inflorescences are the typical aroid type with a white to yellow or light green spathe surrounding the spadix.