Tips For Growing Elephant Ear Plants

Growing Elephant Ears In Your Garden

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.

Do elephant ear plants need a lot of water?
Do elephant ear plants need sun or shade?
How do you make elephant ears bigger?
What is the best fertilizer for elephant ears?
Do elephant ear bulbs multiply?
Do elephant ears like coffee grounds?
Where do elephant ears grow best?
Is Epsom salt good for elephant ears?
Which elephant ears tolerate full sun?
Do elephant ears make good house plants?
How long does it take for elephant ears to grow full size?
How much sun do elephant ears need?

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.

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.

How do you make elephant ears bigger?

Planting: When planting new elephant ears or re-planting for the spring, set corms in the garden when nighttime temperatures are consistently 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant 4-6 inches deep. (The bigger the bulb the deeper it goes.) Most elephant ears will grow to be at least 4 feet wide, so give them space!

What is the best fertilizer for elephant ears?

All elephant ear varieties are considered heavy-feeders, requiring rich, fertile, slightly acidic soil. Fertilize your plants once a month with a slow-release, water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer. Alternately, Burpee recommends top dressing with organic compost.

Do elephant ear bulbs multiply?

Elephant ears can become huge plants with gigantic leaves. Many spread through underground runners, or stolons, and send up baby plants along the way. These babies can be separated from the parent plant and installed elsewhere.

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.

Where do elephant ears grow best?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How much sun do elephant ears need?

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.