Yes, elephant ear plants typically get bigger every year. They have a long life span and usually grow very large over time. When planted, the size of the plant varies and is dependent on the type of elephant ear you have, but they all have remarkable growth rates and can reach impressive heights within a few years.
Regular pruning and care can help the plant reach its full potential. Some species, such as Colocasia esculenta, can reach up to 6 meters or 20 feet tall in ideal conditions. To keep them growing, make sure to spread a thin layer of fertilizer to the soil each spring and keep the soil consistently moist.
How big will my elephant ear plants get?
Elephant ear plants have a wide range of sizes depending on the variety. The most common species, Alocasia Macrorrhiza, can get up to 6 feet in height and 6 to 10 feet in width. Large varieties like Alocasia Amazonica can grow up to 10 feet in height, and can reach widths of between 8 to 10 feet.
Some dwarf varieties, like Alocasia Portora, can reach less than 2 feet in height and 4 feet in width. Ultimately, the size of an elephant ear plant will depend on conditions such as sun, soil, and water, as well as the variety of plant.
Do elephant ears do well in pots?
Yes, elephant ears can do well in pots. Elephant ears require a lot of moisture, so it’s important to select a pot that is large enough to accommodate their root system, as well as having adequate drainage.
It is recommended to use a potting mix composed of either potting soil, peat moss, and vermiculite or a specialized soil for tropical plants. Place the pot in a location that receives indirect sunlight and moisten the soil every day to ensure adequate moisture.
Keeping the soil consistently warm and moist will encourage strong growth and blooming of the elephant ear. During the growing season, fertilize the plant once a month and repot if necessary. Allowing the soil to dry out can cause wilting, so in order to keep the plant healthy, be sure to water regularly and maintain adequate humidity.
How long do elephant ears take to grow to full size?
Elephant ears usually take a few growing seasons to reach their full size. Depending on the type of elephant ear, they can take anywhere from 2 to 4 years to reach full maturity. Dwarf varieties, like Caladiums and Colocasias, may reach their maximum height of around 1-2 feet in a single season.
Tall varieties, such as Alocasia and Xanthosoma sagittifolium, can take several seasons to reach their full height of 6-8 feet. In general, adequate water, consistent warmth, and access to adequate sunlight will help elephant ears reach their full size faster.
How fast do elephant ear bulbs grow?
Elephant ear bulbs grow relatively quickly and can reach heights of 6-8 feet in a single season. They normally grow around 10 inches each week and will quickly take over a garden if given the right nutrients and sufficient space.
The growing season typically starts in late March or early April in colder climates and can last through October. They need a full day of sunlight and consistently moist soil. Fertilizer should be added throughout the season, and careful attention should be paid to soil composition and the removal of spent foliage.
Elephant ear bulbs can be propagated by division at the end of the growing season or they can be grown from seed. Once established, they are surprisingly easy to care for and will reward their owners with large, lush foliage that can be a dramatic addition to any landscape.
How often should you water elephant ears?
Elephant ears need regular watering, but how often depends on a few factors. If they are grown in pots, they will need more frequent watering since they are more exposed to drying out, while those grown in garden beds will typically need less water.
Your local climate and weather also has an effect on how often you should be watering. In most cases, you should water your elephant ears one to two times a week in the heat of summer, and slightly less often during cooler months.
If the soil feels dry to the touch, then it’s time to water. Be sure to water near the base of the plant rather than from above to avoid damaging the leaves. You will also want to ensure that you are watering with lukewarm rather than cold water, and that you do not allow the plant to become waterlogged or to sit in water as this will damage the roots.
As a rule of thumb, it is best to check the soil regularly to make sure that it is moist and provide water when needed.
Can I leave my elephant ears in the ground?
No, it is probably not a good idea to leave your elephant ear plant, or any plant, in the ground all year round. Elephant ear plants, which are also known as Colocasia, are typically hardy in zones 7 to 11 and need to be dug up and brought indoors during the winter months in areas with cold winters.
Elephant ear plants require properly drained, moist soil and can be placed in a pot or container with a loose, well-draining soil and plenty of water. They will also require some fertilizer or compost to ensure their growth.
When left in the ground, elephant ears can be prone to root rot and may not survive the colder temperatures in winter.
Do you have to dig up elephant ear bulbs every year?
No, elephant ear bulbs do not need to be dug up every year. Depending on what climate zone you live in, your elephant ear bulbs may be overwintered, or you can choose to dig them up and store them for the winter.
In zone 8, for example, which has mild winters, the bulbs can be kept where they are, with a thick layer of mulch added to provide added insulation. If you live in a colder climate (zone 5 or colder), you should dig up the bulbs and store them indoors in a cool, dry, dark spot such as a basement or garage.
If you decide to store the bulbs, make sure they are completely dry, don’t allow them to touch each other, and keep them in breathable bags such as fabric or paper.
Should elephant ears be cut back?
Yes, elephant ears should be cut back. These tropical plants are quite invasive and will grow in size very quickly if not maintained regularly. Cutting back elephant ears can also help reduce the spread of diseases, pests, and root rot.
When you cut back elephant ears, it helps to thin out the leaves and encourages the growth of more new foliage. It also helps to keep the plant looking tidy and neat. Cutting back the leaves can also help the plant receive more light and air circulation, which helps promote healthy new growth.
It’s important to leave a few leaves on the plant after cutting it back to help preserve the plant’s energy reserves. To properly cut back an elephant ear, use a sharp pair of scissors or a garden shear to clip the top one-third of the plant.
Make sure to dispose of the cuttings to keep the plant free of disease and pests.
What do you do with potted elephant ears in the winter?
The care of potted elephant ears during the winter months depends on the temperature and climate of your region. In cooler climates, where temperatures stay above freezing, potted elephant ears may be moved indoors in a sunny location for the duration of the winter.
In these cooler climates, it is important to keep the soil on the dry side, as too much moisture can cause root rot.
If temperatures in your region dip below freezing, it is best to leave the elephant ears in their pots and move them outdoors to a sunny spot as soon as temperatures begin to rise in the spring. This is especially important if your region experiences freezing temperatures for an extended period of time.
During the winter months, minimize watering the potted elephant ears while they are outdoors. Apply water only when the soil looks dry, checking the moisture level approximately once a week.
When the temperatures rise in the spring, you can begin to move your elephant ears back outdoors. Be sure to move them gradually, starting with short periods of direct sun and increasing the time spent in direct sunlight gradually.
This will help them to gradually acclimate to the outdoor temperatures and conditions.
What plants pair well with elephant ears?
Elephant ears are a great choice for adding drama and texture to any outdoor space, making them one of the most sought-after perennial plants. When paired with other plants, elephant ears can create a unique and eye-catching landscape design.
For a lush, tropical feel, pair your elephant ears with interesting foliage plants such as caladiums and ferns. Caladiums come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes and their upright, light foliage can provide the perfect backdrop for your larger elephant ears.
Ferns can add an elegant, graceful touch to a space with their delicate foliage that range from deep green to variegated colors. Other great plant pairings with elephant ears include flowering plants such as impatiens, begonias, and vinca vine to provide splashes of color.
The vibrant colors of these plants will draw attention to the eye-catching texture of the elephant ears. For a more minimalist look, pair elephant ears with evergreen shrubs such as hollies or junipers.
These low-maintenance shrubs will provide a backdrop of color year-round, while the elephant ears will add a unique shape and texture to the space.
Are elephant ears invasive?
Yes, elephant ears can be invasive in some areas. In the United States, specific species of elephant ear plants, such as Colocasia esculenta and Alocasia seemanni, are non-native and considered potentially invasive.
Elephant ears form dense colonies and can out-compete native plants. In some areas, they can become a problem and require aggressive management. Some states list elephant ears as prohibited or banned because of their potential to become invasive.
In order to avoid introducing a potentially invasive species, it is best to opt for a non-invasive variety of elephant ear at the nursery. Alternatives such as native wildflower meadows or perennial beds will help reduce the risk of introducing an invasive species.
Additionally, preventative practices such as removing seed heads and maintaining container gardens, plus improving soil and growing conditions, will help to reduce the spread of invasive plants.