Table of Contents
To grow it as a houseplant, start with a large pot (14- to 18-inch would be good), fill it about three-quarters full with a light-weight potting mix, and plant the bulb with the root side down about 8 inches deep. A bright spot is ideal, although the plant also will grow in medium indoor light.
How do you start elephant ear bulbs indoors?
Dig a hole so that the top of the bulb is 4 inches deeper than the soil line. Cover with 4 inches of soil. Tubers may be started inside 6-8 weeks before all danger of frost has passed. Plant the tubers individually in 6 inch pots using a good quality potting soil or seed starting soil.
How long does it take for elephant ear bulbs to sprout?
Elephant ears usually sprout three to eight weeks from planting. Sprouting occurs when the weather begins to warm in spring. They will sprout faster in warmer climates than in cooler climates. To speed up the process, you can start them inside and move them outdoors once it warms up.
Do you have to soak elephant ear bulbs before planting?
Elephant Ear bulbs are typically planted during the spring season once the threat of frost has passed. Plant the bulb so that it is covered with 1-2″ of soil. Thoroughly soak the area with water once the tubers have been planted. Continue to water regularly throughout the growing season.
Can I start elephant ear bulbs in water?
Press the soil down and around the plant. Cover the top 1/2 inch of the soil surface with pea gravel to keep the soil in the pot. Submerge the plant into the pond at an angle to let bubbles escape. The elephant ear can be grown in a middle area of the pond or on the edge and only partially submerged.
Can you plant elephant ear bulbs in pots?
Plant corms 2-4 feet apart, 4-6 inches deep in moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter. You can grow the smaller varieties in large containers. If growing in containers you’ll have to keep the soil evenly, constantly moist. Elephant Ears come in a wide variety of colors and sizes.
When should I dig up elephant ear bulbs?
You will know it’s the perfect time to dig up elephant ears (aka colocasia) when the weather starts to turn and the leaves on your trees turn brown. If you don’t have time to dig up your plants, don’t worry. It is okay to wait until the first frost but do not go longer than that, as the tuber will die.
Do elephant ears need full sun?
Sun or Shade: Elephant ears can be planted in sun or shade. If you put them in a hot, sunny location, make sure they get a little shade during the middle of the day. Zone: Elephant ears are tropical plants. In zones 9-11 they can be grown outdoors year-round.
Can elephant ears take full sun?
Elephant ears are tropical plants and the hotter and more humid the weather, the faster they grow. Colocasias display their leaves with tip of the heart pointing down. They prefer full sun and consistent moisture.
How fast do elephant ears grow indoors?
Just like Colocasia plants, well-watered Alocasia elephant ears will start to sprout in a period of about three to eight weeks whether they are planted indoors or out. Also like Colocasia, they’ll rest for a few months between growing cycles, losing leaves before growing speedily in the warm seasons.
How long will elephant ear bulbs last?
Special Note: Begonia tubers gradually get better each year for about 8 years, and then die. Replace with newly purchased tubers. Lift: Before hard frost as the leaves decline (typically October). Special Note: Storage works well for 2-3 years, after that corms will begin to decline and you will need to buy new corms.
Why is my elephant ear plant flowering?
Why did this happen? Elephant ears (Alocasia) are grown and best known for their attractive foliage not the flowers. These tropical beauties, like other plants, will bloom when they reach maturity and receive the perfect growing conditions.
Can you leave elephant ears in the ground over winter?
Hardiness Zones 7-11 In these Hardiness Zones, your Elephant Ears can stay in the ground but should be covered to protect them throughout the winter months. Let the stems of your plants die back naturally with the frost. Cutting them can lead to rot. Cover your plants with chopped-up leaves and lawn grass.
Will elephant ears grow in standing water?
Elephant Ear Elephant ears naturalize over the years and are a good plant to use for soaking up water. Places in the landscape that hold standing water create a problem for the homeowner, because standing water can harbor mosquitoes that spread disease.
Do elephant ears propagate?
You can propagate elephant ears by seed, runner or by transplanting. Elephant ears like to grow in soil that is consistently moist. Plant bulbs about 2 to 4 inches under the soil. Darker varieties can be grown in partial shade, but the lighter cultivars grow best in full light.
Can you propagate elephant ears from cuttings?
Elephant ears will also grow in up to six inches of standing water. Don’t try to propagate elephant ears from cuttings, Instead, when the mother plant has grown into a large clump, dig up and divide the tubers. Wait until winter or early spring when growth has slowed before dividing the mother plant.
What happens if you plant a bulb upside down?
It will still grow, even if it’s upside-down, although the plant will be unnecessarily stressed and may eventually die if left upside-down. You can always dig up the bulb after it has finished flowering to see which side the leaves have emerged from (that’s the top of the bulb).
Why won’t my elephant ears grow?
Soil temperature and available nutrients are the main factors aside from adequate light or sun. If soil temps are cool, they will be reluctant to sprout. Once growing, if you want them to grow as though on steroids, you need to give them a steady feed.
