Elephant ear plants are actually considered a fast-growing species of tropical plants. Depending on the conditions they are growing in, they can grow quickly and can be ready to be propagated into new plants in as little as 6-12 months.
In optimal conditions with plenty of sunlight and warm temperatures, they can reach their full size in just a few months. When growing them outside in the spring and summer, they can reach 12 to 18 inches in height and width.
They have thick and large leaves, reaching up to two feet wide and three feet long, making it a beautiful and impressive addition to any garden. Despite their fast-growing nature, elephant ear plants require a significant amount of water and fertilizer to stay healthy.
They need to be well-watered and fertilized regularly, especially during their growth season, to maintain their vibrant and lush foliage.
Do elephant ear plants get bigger every year?
Yes, elephant ear plants get bigger every year. While they can remain relatively small when kept in containers, they typically grow and spread aggressively when planted in the ground. Most varieties of elephant ear plants will grow up to 6 feet tall with 5 to 7 foot wide leaves.
Additionally, some cultivars, such as Colocasia esculenta ‘Fontanesii’, can grow up to 10 feet tall and 9 feet wide with leaves that spread even further. Elephant ear plants ca be grown in a variety of conditions, but they prefer moist, shaded environments in warm climates.
Additionally, they like plenty of fertilizer to help promote their growth.
How much do elephant ears grow in a year?
Elephant ears grow very quickly and can reach up to 10 feet in one year. They can also spread up to 8 feet wide in a single growing season! Elephant ears are very hardy and will keep growing larger each year in warm climates.
Depending on the variety, elephant ears can reach up to 15 feet tall within two or three years. To promote faster growth, water the elephant ears regularly and fertilize the soil regularly with a specialized fertilizer.
Keeping them in a warm, sunny location will also help them to grow quickly. With proper fertilization and adequate water, elephant ears will reach their full potential in one growing season.
Do elephant ears need shade or sun?
Elephant ears need to have bright shade or morning/late afternoon sun in order to thrive. They do best when in a location that is protected from hot afternoon sun and out of strong winds that can dry out their leaves.
Depending on the specific species and location, they may require full sun in cooler climates. When it comes to choosing the best spot for your elephant ear plants, it’s best to inspect the area you want to put them in and make sure it will provide enough shade protection during the heat of the day.
Too much sun can cause scorching and foliage damage.
How do you make elephant ears bigger?
If you want to make elephant ears bigger, there are a few things you can do. The most obvious one is to supplement the diet of the elephant with high-energy feed. Such feed should include rich sources of protein and calcium, such as bread, hay, carrots, apples, bananas, and alfalfa.
You should also provide them with access to plenty of fresh drinking water throughout the day to keep the animal hydrated.
Another way to increase the size of the elephant’s ears is to make sure they get plenty of exercise. Allow the elephant to spend time roaming around an open area and encourage them to move around and explore.
Exercise will not only help to boost their overall health and wellbeing, but it is also thought to be beneficial for larger ears.
Finally, it may be beneficial to use natural remedies and herbs to help the elephant’s growth process. Olive oil, turmeric, and ginger are known to stimulate hair growth and soothe irritated skin. Massaging the elephant’s ears with a combination of these ingredients may help to make them bigger over time.
Do you have to dig up elephant ear bulbs every year?
No, you generally do not have to dig up elephant ear bulbs every year. If you are growing elephant ear bulbs in warmer climates, often you can leave them in the ground throughout the Winter and they will come back in the Spring.
In areas with colder climates, it is a good idea to dig up the bulbs and store them in an area that will not freeze, such as a basement or shed, before the cold arrives. You can also keep them in a pot inside the home until the weather is suitable for replanting outside.
When replanting, be sure to water the soil and provide plenty of sun for the best results.
Can you take cuttings from elephant ears?
Yes, you can take cuttings from elephant ears. To do so, you need to select a healthy piece of stem tissue from an established plant. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a node, which is where the leaves join the stem.
Remove any leaves from the lower half of the stem so that it can grow faster under the moist soil. Once cut, you should place the stem in warm water to promote faster root growth. After a few days, the bottom of the stem will begin to develop small “rootlets”.
When you see rootlets, you should go ahead and plant the cutting in a pot of high-quality potting soil. Keep the soil consistently damp and place the pot in a bright, but indirect location and wait for the cutting to develop a root system.
After the elephant ear cutting has developed a robust root system, you can transplant it outdoors in a sunny location.
Can you leave elephant ears in the ground over winter?
Yes, elephant ears can be left in the ground over winter, depending on the climate they are grown in and the variety of elephant ear. In cold winter climates, many elephant ear varieties will die back and go dormant, with the rhizomatous roots surviving the winter underground.
If carefully mulched with a thick layer of straw, wood chips, or leaf litter, the roots can easily survive temperatures down to -15 degrees Fahrenheit and even lower in many cases. In milder climates, some varieties may remain evergreen, although the foliage may look ratty and may benefit from being cut back in late winter.
Colder climates that get regular snowfall can offer some protection, as long as the rhizomes are kept well insulated.
Where is the place to plant an elephant ear?
The best place to plant an elephant ear is in a large, warm, sunny spot with plenty of water. The soil should be evenly moist, rich in organic content and well-draining. To prepare the soil mix in quality compost, peat moss, and some sand to ensure adequate drainage.
It’s also important to provide the plant with plenty of room to spread—though this plant won’t get too tall, it can reach out with its foliage several feet, so it should be given the space. The best planting time is in the late spring once the risk of frost has passed, allowing plants to be somewhat established before the heat of summer arrives.
Plant the elephant ear around 12-18” apart, as this will give each enough room to spread out and also increase air circulation around the plants, reducing the chance for disease. Mulch around the plants to keep moisture in and discourage weed growth, but keep the mulch away from the crown of the plant to reduce the chance of rot.
Wat the elephant ears throughout the summer and provide a slow-release fertilizer, such as a timed-release granule, around the plant every four to six weeks to encourage growth and provide nutrition.
Elephant ears can easily be overwintered indoors if the temperatures will be too cold.