Giant elephant ears need lots of sun! They prefer full sun to part shade, meaning they should get at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. When growing giant elephant ears in hotter climates, afternoon shade may be necessary to prevent the plants from becoming too dry and sunburnt.
Giant elephant ears also require lots of moisture, so make sure to keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. Lastly, it’s important to ensure adequate drainage, as standing water can lead to root rot and other issues.
Where is the place to grow elephant ears?
Elephant ears (Colocasia) can be grown in most parts of the United States in a range of USDA Hardiness Zones 3-11. If you have full sun and plenty of water, elephant ears can thrive in soil that is acidic, neutral, or slightly alkaline.
Generally, an ideal planting site should be lit by full sun for at least 5-6 hours a day, with access to indirect light for the remainder of the day. You should also ensure that the planting site is well drained, as elephant ears are intolerant of standing water.
Areas with soils high in humus content and organic matter are ideal for healthy elephant ear growth. When planting, it is important to note that elephant ears will spread each season and will require plenty of water and nutrients to keep them looking their best.
How often should you water an elephant ear plant?
Elephant ear plants should be watered regularly, usually every 2-3 days. When the soil is dry to the touch at a depth of 1 inch, then it is time to water the plant. If the soil is moisture at the surface, it does not need to be watered.
These plants prefer to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. It will be helpful to keep a regular schedule of watering in order to avoid root rot. Make sure that the plant is in a pot with good drainage and that the excess water is drained off after each watering.
Finally, it is important to note that when the weather is warmer (especially in summer), the elephant ear plant will require more frequent watering.
Why do elephant ear plants cry?
Elephant ear plants (also known as caladium plants) cry because they need an abundance of water in order to thrive. These plants are accustomed to living in moist soils and environments with high humidity, which is why it is important for them to be watered regularly.
When the soil dries out and becomes dry, the plants will start to wilt and their leaves will droop from lack of water. As the leaves start to droop, a “tear” of liquid will often stream from the lower leaf of the plant, hence why they are often thought to be “crying”.
In order to prevent your elephant ear plant from crying, it is important to ensure that it is getting enough water and is living in an environment with high humidity.
Do elephant ears do well in pots?
Yes, elephant ears (Colocasia, Alocasia, and Xanthosoma) can all do well in pots. When choosing a pot, it should be big enough to accommodate the roots and the soil, but once the plant is established, it won’t need to be transplanted into a larger pot.
When planting in a pot, loosen the roots to help them spread out and use a fast-draining potting mix. Choose a pot with good drainage holes in the bottom and drainage tray, as elephant ears prefer medium moisture, but they don’t like to sit in waterlogged soil.
Additionally, make sure to water deeply and often during the growing season and fertilize with less during the winter months.
Do elephant ears require a lot of water?
Yes, elephant ears do require a lot of water. Depending on the variety, they may need to be watered every day during hot weather. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy, and the leaves should be misted with a spray bottle every day to keep humidity high.
During periods of heavy rainfall, it may be necessary to divert the water away from the plants. Fertilizing every two to four weeks will also help the elephant ears grow and stay healthy.
How do you know when to water elephant ears?
The best way to know when to water your elephant ears is to check the soil. Stick your finger a few inches into the soil to gauge moisture levels – if it feels dry, it’s time to water. If the soil is still moist, wait until the top 1/2 inch of soil has dried out before watering again.
When watering your elephant ears, it’s important to soak the soil deeply – water until it begins to drip out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Make sure to empty any runoff that’s caught in the tray.
During the summer when your elephant ears are actively growing, they’ll need to be watered more often than during the winter months when they go dormant. The amount of water you give should be adjusted based on the temperature and season – warm climates will usually require more frequent watering than cooler climates.
Should I cut off yellow elephant ear leaves?
It depends on the situation. It is generally recommended that you leave the leaves on an elephant ear plant to give it more energy for growth and help it produce more leaves. However, if the leaves become very large, especially on older plants, they can start to become a bit unwieldy and can look overgrown.
In that situation it is okay to trim off the large yellow leaves to make the plant look more neat and organized. It is also important to note that when cutting off leaves you should always cut back to a leaf node so that the stem doesn’t have an exposed end.
There are also cases when yellow leaves may need to be trimmed off if they show signs of disease or pest infestation. In any case, always make sure to identify the cause of the yellowing so that you can use an appropriate remedy for the issue.
Do elephant ear bulbs multiply?
Yes, elephant ear bulbs do multiply. In fact, they can easily reproduce and spread on their own with very little care needed. As the bulbs age, they will produce clones of themselves which consist of small offsets that can easily be pulled away and planted.
These offsets will grow and mature into a full-sized plant just like the one they came from. Additionally, elephant ear bulbs can also spread their foliage and become invasive in certain areas, so it’s important to keep an eye on the plants and remove any unwanted offsets if necessary.
What’s the fertilizer for elephant ears?
Elephant ears require a balanced fertilizer with an equal nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) ratio that is low in nitrogen and high in potassium, such as 5-10-10 to 8-3-6. It is important not to over fertilize these plants, as they may become leggy and produce less foliage and flowers.
Apply the fertilizer two to three times during the season, at approximately two month intervals. If you’ve recently amended the soil with compost, it likely contains sufficient nutrients and does not need additional fertilizer.
Avoid applying fertilizer to the foliage as it may burn and damage the plant. Keep the fertilizer 6-8 inches away from the base of the plant and water it in thoroughly.
What month do you plant elephant ears?
The best time to plant elephant ears is generally in the spring or summer when the soil temperature is warm and all risk of frost has passed. If planting in the spring, wait until the danger of frost has passed.
Elephant ears require consistently moist soil and enjoy warm temperatures, so plant when temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Planting too soon in cold soil can lead to stunted growth.
As summer temperatures manage to remain above 70 F, that is the ideal time to plant. Elephant ears can take up to one month to germinate, so be sure to give them plenty of water while waiting to ensure they don’t dry out.
Planting during the summer months allows them time to build a strong root system before dormancy in the winter months. After planting, keep the soil moist and feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Regular occasional maintenance such as removing old leaves or trimming tall varieties can help keep the plant healthy.
In summary, the best time to plant elephant ears is typically in the spring or summer, depending on your local growing conditions. In most regions, late spring or early summer is the ideal planting time when the soil is warm and the risk of frost has passed.
This gives the plant enough time to establish a strong root system before colder weather arrives. Be sure to keep the soil moist and fertilize regularly for the best performance.
Can giant elephant ears take full sun?
Yes, giant elephant ears can take full sun. While some varieties of elephant ears (such as Alocasia) require a bit of shade, the likes of Colocasia, the most common type, can take a full day of intense direct sunlight.
It is, however, important not to place elephant ears in a microclimate that likely experiences gusts of strong winds as these can damage their large leaves. If you can find a spot that receives morning and late afternoon sun, with some protection from strong winds, then giant elephant ears can do very well in full sun conditions.
Can I leave my elephant ears in the ground?
Yes, you can leave your elephant ears in the ground, but it is not recommended as they prefer to be in warm, moist environments. In order to keep the soil warm and moist it is important to mulch around them and keep them away from cold drafts.
Elephant ears need consistently moist soil and need to be watered regularly during the summer months when temperatures are warm. In the winter months, the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering.
The elephant ears should also be fertilized with a slow release fertilizer every few weeks. When the elephant ears’ leaves begin to turn yellow and start to wilt, it is time to divide and replant them.
If leaving the elephant ears in the ground, make sure to bring them indoors during cold winter months to protect them from the frost.
Do elephant ears come back every year?
Yes, elephant ears typically come back every year, as long as they are given the right environment and care. For best results, they need plenty of sunlight and moisture, and they’re usually planted in early spring when the soil has warmed up.
Elephant ears can be grown in USDA zones 6-11, in full sun or part shade. In colder climates, it’s best to dig up the corms in the fall and store them in a cool, dry place until it’s time to replant them the following year.
Properly stored, the corms should remain viable for about 3 to 5 years. When replanting, choose a new growing spot, as elephant ears tend not to thrive in the same spot for more than a few years.
How long does it take for elephant ears to grow full size?
Elephant ears, also known as colonnade plants, can take anywhere from three to seven years to reach full size. The exact amount of time it will take for your specific plant to reach full size can vary considerably depending on the species, size of plant, and growing environment.
For example, smaller species, such as the edible Malabar spinach, typically reach full size in three to four years. While larger species, such as musa paradisiaca, may take five to seven years, or even longer.
Also, if the environment is more humid and warmer, plants tend to grow faster, while cooler and dryer climates may result in slower growth. Additionally, proper fertilizers and soil enhancements can accelerate the growth process, so it is generally beneficial for elephant ears to be well taken care of.
Should I soak elephant ears before planting?
Yes, it is recommended to soak elephant ears before planting. This is because they have tough outer shells that can be difficult for roots to penetrate and absorb moisture. Soaking them prior to planting can help soften the shells and make it easier for the roots to come into contact with the soil and start absorbing nutrients and water.
When soaking the bulbs, submerge them in a bucket of lukewarm water and let them soak for at least 6-8 hours. After soaking the bulbs, they are ready to be planted in their desired location. Additionally, it is recommended to use a well-draining potting mix and provide even moisture while the bulbs mature.
This can help prevent the bulbs from drying out and ensure they thrive and produce large blooms.
Will giant elephant ears grow back?
Yes, giant elephant ears can grow back, given the right conditions. In general, giant elephant ears (also known as taro or Colocasia gigantea) have a long lifespan and can grow for years without needing to be replaced or split.
When cared for properly, it is a very resilient plant and can often regrow from the ground even after severe winter frost. In order to get the best results, the plant should be planted in a good soil mix with plenty of organic material and in a place that gets plenty of indirect sunlight.
The soil should be kept slightly moist, but not overly wet. Fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer every two to three months is beneficial, as it will encourage the growth of new shoots. If the foliage becomes damaged due to frost or droughts, prune back the dead leaves and new shoots will start to appear shortly after.
With the right care and attention, giant elephant ears should regrow every season, making them a reliable, long-lasting addition to any garden.
Do I have to dig up my elephant ears every year?
Whether or not you have to dig up your elephant ears every year depends on what type of elephant ear you have. Some varieties are perennials, so they can be left in the ground over winter and will come back in the spring.
Other types are annuals, so they will need to be dug up and either disposed of or replanted the following year. Generally, you would only need to dig up your elephant ears every year if they are annuals.
However, you should also check the instructions or look up the specific variety that you have planted to make sure. It is also important to note that in some areas, elephant ears that are left in the ground over winter may not come back, even if they are perennials.