How to Grow Elephant Ears in Containers

Tips for Growing Elephant Ears in Containers

Choose a container that's at least 18 inches wide and 16 inches deep for Colocasia varieties, or 36 inches wide for the larger Alocasia varieties. ...
The container should be made of a nonporous material, such as plastic, fiberglass or glazed clay, rather than plain terra cotta.

Can you plant elephant ears in containers?
Do elephant ears need big pots?
Do elephant ear plants need sun or shade?
Should you soak elephant ear bulbs before planting?
Do elephant ears like coffee grounds?
Can mammoth elephant ears be planted in pots?
How often should you water potted elephant ears?
Where should Elephant Ears be planted?
Do elephant ears make good house plants?
Do elephant ear bulbs multiply?
Which elephant ears tolerate full sun?
Is Epsom salt good for elephant ears?

Can you plant elephant ears in containers?

If you decide you don't want to plant your elephant ear plants in the ground, container growing is perfectly acceptable for these plants. Elephant ears do well in containers so long as you provide them with the right sized container, proper soil, and adequate sunlight.

Do elephant ears need big pots?

Most Elephant Ear varieties will need a container that is at least 18 inches wide and deep. It is a good idea to place a large stone or two in the bottom of the container for weight, since the large leaves of Elephant Ears catch the wind like a sail and will easily tip the container over.

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.

Should you soak elephant ear bulbs before planting?

This smooth end will produce the sprout and should be facing up. Plant the bulb so that it is covered with 1-2" of soil. Thoroughly soak the area with water once the tubers have been planted. Continue to water regularly throughout the growing season.

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.

Can mammoth elephant ears be planted in pots?

The elephant ear mammoth can be planted in a container, or the ground. The first time I planted them in containers, the root systems became so strong and vigorous, that they cracked through two of my nice plastic pots.

How often should you water potted elephant ears?

Containers will need to be watered daily during the summer. Plan on giving plants at least 2-3 inches of water per week. Fertilizing: Elephant ears are heavy eaters, as well as drinkers.

Where should Elephant Ears be planted?

Plant elephant ear bulbs outside after all danger of frost has passed and daytime temperatures remain above 70 degrees. Elephant Ears are tropical plants and cannot tolerate any frost. They only emerge when the soil is warm. Select a location in full sun or part sun with a good, rich, moist, organic soil.

Do elephant ears make good house plants?

Upright elephant ears (Alocasia) can be brought indoors and grown as houseplants. Keep the plants in bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist, not wet.

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.

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.

Is Epsom salt good for elephant ears?

Epsom salt helps ferns and plants similar to ferns, such as elephant ear, have rich, dark foliage. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of Epsom salt to a gallon (3.8 liters) of water and spray ferns and elephant ears to achieve the look.