Elephant ear bulbs should be dug up and stored for winter when the foliage of the plant begins to die back and the leaves turn yellow. This usually occurs in early to mid-autumn, depending on the climate and variety.
To dig the bulbs, use a garden fork or spade to carefully dig around the edges of the plant. Gently lift the bulbs from the ground and shake off the excess dirt. Place your bulbs in a box or basket, and store in a cool, dry place at temperatures between 35 and 45°F (2 – 7°C).
Be sure to label the bulbs with the name and variety so that you can remember which bulbs are which if you plan on replanting in the following spring.
Can you dig up an elephant ear and replant it?
Yes, you can dig up an elephant ear and replant it. It is a relatively simple process that involves carefully digging around the base of the plant, lifting it out of the ground, dividing it into sections, and then replanting it in a new location.
When preparing to dig, make sure to water the soil around the plant to make it easier to dig. It is important to use caution when digging and lifting the elephant ear—use a sturdy shovel, or two hands if manageable, to make sure that the root system is not damaged or disrupted.
Once you have the plant out of the ground, you can then divide the plant into multiple sections by carefully slicing through the root system with a sharp knife or saw. Once you have divided it, each section can be replanted in the desired location, making sure to cover the root system with soil and press down firmly to ensure the plant is well supported.
Water the plant after replanting and to help it establish good roots. Although it could be more difficult than with small plants, it is possible to successfully dig up and replant an elephant ear.
Can elephant ear bulbs be left in the ground?
Yes, elephant ear bulbs can be left in the ground if the climate and soil conditions are right. The soil needs to be well-drained, not waterlogged, and the climate should remain above freezing. Elephant ear plants are tropical perennials and grow best in warm, humid climates, so if you live in an area that typically experiences temperatures below freezing, it’s best to dig the bulbs up and store them during the colder months to help keep them from rotting.
When planting the bulbs, make sure to keep the soil moist during the summer months and add a few inches of mulch to provide some extra insulation and nutrients. You can also utilize bulbs that are available to buy with growth stimulants to help ensure a successful planting.
Do elephant ear bulbs multiply?
Yes, elephant ear bulbs multiply and can create large colonies in warm climates. Planting them in well-draining soil and providing plenty of sunlight encourages their growth and division. Elephant ear bulbs can spread quite rapidly, so it’s important to keep a watchful eye on how quickly they multiply.
For example, some Elephant Ears, like Xanthosoma, can spread up to 4 feet in just one year. It’s recommended that around every 2-3 years, you remove the older bulbs and divide them to ensure that the entire colony is healthy.
To remove the dormant bulbs, gently dig them up and divide with a sharp knife. It is important to be gentle while doing this so you don’t damage the roots of the bulbs. Once they have been divided, you can replant them to create more robust Elephant Ear plants.
How do you winterize elephant ear bulbs?
In order to successfully winterize elephant ear bulbs, there are a few steps that must be taken.
First, the bulbs should be dug up carefully in the late fall just before a hard freeze. If the leaves are still green, they should be removed before the bulb is taken out of the ground. The bulbs should then be shaken gently to remove any dirt and debris.
Once the bulbs are out of the ground, they should be placed on a dry surface in a dry, cool area with temperatures between 35-50 degreesF. If they can’t be placed in a chill area, packing them in peat moss and storing them in an area with temperatures below 65 degreesF can also work.
In addition to temperature control, the moisture content of the bulbs must also be monitored. Make sure to keep the bulbs in an area where water does not pool, or the bulbs could rot. If the bulbs start to become dry and brittle, mist them lightly with water to prevent this from happening.
Once spring comes around, the bulbs should be potted in rich, well-drained potting soil in an area with indirect sunlight. Water lightly and keep evenly moist. After a few weeks of consistent care, sprouts should emerge, signifying that it is time to move the pots outdoors.
By taking the proper steps, winterizing your elephant ear bulbs will ensure a successful spring growth.
How cold can elephant ears tolerate?
Elephant ears (also known as Colocasia) are tropical and subtropical plants that prefer warm to hot temperatures. As such, they are not very tolerant of cold temperatures, and can be damaged by temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
However, some varieties will tolerate light frosts depending on their level of maturity and the length of the frost. It is best to keep them in an environment where temperatures stay above 60°F (15°C) to ensure they thrive and remain healthy.
When exposed to very low temperatures, the foliage will turn black, wilt and die, so it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions to keep them warm.
Do elephant ear bulbs come back every year?
Yes, Elephant ear bulbs will come back every year in the right conditions. Hardy elephant ear varieties, such as the colocasia, alocasia and xanthosoma, are winter hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8 through 11, and should come back year after year if given the right conditions.
In Zones 5 through 7, they may not re-emerge from the soil, but may be overwintered indoors. These plants store energy in their large bulbs and can be dug up, placed in a cool dark place, and replanted each Spring after all danger of frost has passed.
In addition to providing year-round interest in the garden, properly stored Elephant ear bulbs may be divided and shared with family, friends and gardening clubs.
How fast do elephant ears grow from bulbs?
Elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta) are tropical plants with large heart-shaped leaves that are grown from bulbs. Generally, these bulbs need to be planted during late spring or early summer and will take around three weeks to germinate.
Once the elephants ears start growing, they can grow quite quickly, sometimes reaching heights of 6-8 feet within a few months. If given ample sunlight and water, your elephant ear plants should thrive during the first season and can double in size in just one month.
As long as you make sure it is watered regularly and fertilized monthly, elephant ear will keep on growing and expanding quickly throughout the summer. Keep in mind that they may slow down during the winter, but they are usually the first plants to bounce back with new growth when the warmer weather arrives in the spring.
Should I soak elephant ear bulbs before planting?
Yes, you should soak elephant ear bulbs before planting. The best way to do this is to fill a large bucket or container with room temperature water, and then place the bulbs in the container. Soak for 24 hours and you’re ready to plant.
When soaking, the outer shells of the bulbs should be submerged in the water, but the tips should remain visible. Soaking helps to soften the outer shell and start the germination process. This allows the elephant ear bulbs to take in more water, oxygen and nutrients, which is important for healthy growth.
After the 24-hour soaking period is over, you can add a layer of soil to the container and place the bulbs one to two inches apart. Then, fill the container with soil and water it thoroughly. Be sure to place the container in an area that receives plenty of sunlight.
With a little bit of TLC, your elephant ear bulbs will soon be thriving and producing beautiful foliage!.