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Planting giant elephant ear bulbs


How to Plant Elephant Ear Bulbs? — Practical Tips

Every serious gardener loves to have a wide variety of both blooming and leafy greenery in the garden. Different colors and textures come together to create an eye-catching landscape.

The hunt for different greenery is never over.

There is one plant that never fails to catch attention. It doesn’t bloom, but that doesn’t matter. Because it has beautiful, large, and lush leaves. They come in various shapes and shades—from intense dark emerald to magnificent lighter lime green.

The stem often provides a nice contrast to the deep color of the leaf itself.

You are sure to have seen it; it is hard to miss even when driving past it. The sheer size of this glorious plant ensures that it will never hide in a corner.

Have you guessed which plant we are talking about? Yes, it is the luscious and aptly named elephant ear.

It has earned the reputation of being tricky to grow. But that is not true. It is easy to make mistakes with this luscious greenery, but this is easy to fix.

Here, we will explain how to plant and take care of an elephant ear so that you, too, can enjoy the beauty of this impressive plant.

Elephant ear is the common name for several groups of herbaceous perennials.

They are known for their large arrow-shaped leaves, and many of them are native to the tropical areas of Southeast Asia. They are not hardy enough to withstand freezing temperatures but thrive in USDA zones 8 through 11.

Taro and Giant Elephant Ear

Colocasia esculenta (taro) and Alocasia macrorrhizos (giant elephant ear) are two of the most common types of this leafy greenery. Both Alocasia and Colocasia fall under the Araceae family.

These two popular species are grown primarily for their large, showy green leaves. They add a tropical feel to any landscape setting, whether grown as an annual or perennial. The tubers of both types are edible.

Taro plants typically grow around 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, producing leaves that are about 2 feet long.

Giant elephant ears grow up to 15 feet tall and with a spread of around half that. The green leaves have wavy edges and grow up to 6 feet long and 4 feet wide.

Both varieties grow quickly, so you won’t have to wait long to see the broad leaves grace your garden or containers.

Although Colocasia contains the most varieties, both it and Alocasia have various types with foliage in different sizes and colors.

How to Plant Elephant Ear Bulbs

All elephant ears are grown the same way, no matter which variety you have selected for your yard. They all require the same climate conditions for proper growth.

Best Season to Plant

The number one rule is to wait with planting your elephant ears until there is no danger of frost anymore.

Remember that these are tropical plants that prefer nighttime temperatures above 55℉ and daytime temperatures of 70℉ and above. Once temperatures drop below 50℉, the chances that your elephant ear will thrive are slim.

So, plant the tubers during the growing season in spring once soil temperatures and outdoor conditions are consistently warm.

Alternatively, you can start growing this addition to your garden early by planting the bulbs in a pot and growing them indoors in a warm and sunny location. Once outdoor conditions have warmed up, you can move the pot outdoors.

Preferred Growing Conditions

Although elephant ears are considered to be low maintenance, you will get the best growth by selecting a location that meets all their needs.

Site Location and Light Conditions

To keep the showy foliage looking its best, grow elephant ears in a sheltered site that is not exposed to strong winds. If it’s consistently windy, the leaves can become shredded.

Elephant ears grow best in full sun to partial shade.

If you live in an extremely hot climate, select a location that provides a bit of afternoon shade or filtered sunlight. If your variety sports darker-colored foliage, a sunny location will ensure that the color stays dark and vibrant.

If you decide to grow this species indoors, make sure the pots are placed in a location that receives bright sunlight.

Best Soil

Elephant ears prefer moist soil that is rich in organic matter.

If your soil lacks the nutrients that organic matter provides, you can add compost or manure. Spread about 4 inches of the compost or manure over the area you have selected and work it into the top 6 to 8 inches of the native soil.

If growing the tubers in pots, use a fertile potting mix or potting soil rich in nutrients. Fertilize the soil as outlined on the potting mix bag.

Which End Is Up?

Anytime you plant a bulb, the rule is to set it into the soil with the pointy side facing up. However, the bulb of this leafy plant is quite round. It can be a challenge to tell which is the top and which is the bottom of an elephant ear bulb.

What do you do? Take the bulb into your hand and run your fingers over the surface. You will notice that some of it is smooth and some of it is bumpy. Well, the rough part is the bottom of the bulb. The roots will grow from the bumps you feel. The smooth side goes up.

Don’t let this extra step deter you. The bulb will still start sprouting, even if you plant it upside down. It will just take a couple of days longer to sprout from the ground.

Bulb Planting Depth and Spacing

Whether growing these leafy greens in pots or directly in the garden, dig a hole that is 2 to 3 inches deep. Set the bulb into the hole and carefully cover it with soil.

If growing multiple elephant ears, space each bulb 2 to 4 feet apart.

Varieties with extremely large leaves require large containers to grow properly. You don’t want them to become top-heavy.

If planted outside after all dangers of frost have disappeared, you can expect to see the first sprouts peeking out of the soil several weeks after setting the tuber into the ground.

Continued Care

For continued lush, green growth, keep the soil around the bulbs moist. Water regularly, especially if outdoor conditions are hot and dry.

That means you may have to water daily or every other day to keep the soil damp.

Adding a layer of mulch helps the soil retain moisture. Spread organic mulch evenly to form a 2- to 3-inch layer, making sure not to butt it up against the base.

If growing the bulb in containers, water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. You can quickly check soil moisture by sticking your finger several inches deep into the potting soil. If it feels dry, water until it runs from the pot’s bottom drain holes.

During the winter, elephant ears go dormant, which significantly slows their growth. During dormancy, cut back the watering to once every week or two.

Elephant ears like to be fed regularly throughout the growing season—spring through summer. Once the tubers produce new growth, provide them with a water-soluble fertilizer blend applied every three to four weeks. You can also use slow-release blends that slowly break down and release fertilizer over several months.

Cease fertilizing once the plants enter dormancy.

Protecting the Bulbs When It Gets Cold

Regardless of whether you live in a frost-free climate or in USDA zone 8, where frosts and occasional freezes are common, you don’t have to dig up the bulbs for winter protection.

When they are grown in a frost-free area, this tropical greenery can stay in the ground year-round. It might even remain green year-round.

In zone 8, the foliage may die to the ground over winter, but once the temperature warms in springtime, the showy leaves will once again come up.

If you live in an area that experiences frost during the cold season, you need to protect your elephant ears. Make sure to bring potted varieties inside before it gets colder than 55℉, so they don’t suffer damage. Place the container in a warm indoor location that receives bright light.

Preparing the Bulbs for Storage

If you live in an area that experiences frost, you need to remove the tubers from the ground while they are dormant.

Once cool weather is on the horizon, you’ll notice the leaves becoming yellowing and dying. Now is the time to start digging out the tubers and get them prepared for storage.

Digging about 10 inches from the plant and about a foot deep, dig the plant from the soil. Make sure to gather up any loose tubers lying in the soil.

Shake off all excess dirt and then rinse the bulbs with a gentle stream of water.

If you’re storing bulbs that are planted in a container, simply empty the container’s soil, remove the bulbs, and rinse them off.

In a shady location, lay each tuber on a newspaper so that they are not clumped together. This allows proper air circulation while they dry.

After a few days, remove all remaining brown foliage and cut back the roots.

Make sure to use clean tools during this process to prevent the transfer of any disease or pests to the bulb. If you are worried about disease, spray the tubers with a fungicide and let it dry for a day.

Your elephant ear tubers are now ready for storage.

Tips for Proper Storage

After cleaning and drying the bulbs, you are ready to store them until the weather warms up again.

Place the tubers into a cardboard box, leaving several inches of space between them so that they don’t touch each other. Then add a layer of dry peat moss all around and over the tubers. Wet or moist peat moss can negatively affect the bulbs, so be extremely careful that the peat moss is completely dry before you spread it.

Once the cold-weather months are over, remove the tubers from the box and plant them again, using the process explained above.

Everything you need to know about Elephant Ears

What Month Should You Plant Elephant Ear Bulbs?
Elephant ear bulbs should be planted in spring once all signs of frost are gone. As these plants are native to tropical climates they will only begin to grow once the soil is warm so, plant the bulbs after the soil has reached a temperature of 65ºF.

Do Elephant Ears Come Back Every Year?
Almost all varieties are perennial and will come back every summer. They thrive best in the south as they prefer dry soil in the winter.

How Long Does It Take Elephant Ears to Grow from Bulbs?
It usually takes 3-8 weeks for elephant ears to sprout. It also depends on what your climate is like, warmer climates cause elephant ears to sprout faster than cooler climates. If you are in a colder climate then you can begin the process inside and transfer the bulbs outside when all signs of frost have gone.

Should You Soak Elephant Ear Bulbs Before Planting?
Once you have planted the elephant ear bulbs you need to thoroughly soak the soil. Continue to regularly water the soil throughout the growing season.

Do Elephant Ears Need a Lot of Water?
You should aim to give these plants approximately 2-3 inches of water a week. Elephant ears are also big eaters so, fertilize them monthly with a general fertilizer.

Will Elephant Ears Come Back After a Freeze?
Although elephant ear plants can survive in zones 8 to 9, the foliage will die back after cold periods.

Can I Leave My Elephant Ears in The Ground?
Yes, in zones 7-11 (find your zone here). These hardiness zones will provide good accommodation for elephant ears during the colder months if the soil is covered and protected. Let the stems of the elephant ear naturally die back as cutting them can lead to rot, and then cover the ground for the winter.

Do you Dig Up Elephant Ears in The Fall?
If you want to save your elephant ears for the spring then dig up them up during the fall before the temperature drops.

Will Elephant Ears Survive Winter?
Elephant ears are only hardy in zones 9-11 and do not survive freezing temperatures if left alone. In colder zones you can treat your elephant ears as annuals or store the tubers indoors and replant during the next spring.

How do you winterize elephant ears?
It's an easy process: After your first frost, cut the stems to about 6 inches tall.
Put the tubers in a grocery bag, plastic pot or bulb rate and cover with a mix of peat moss and soil. Add water to the container and store it in a cool, dark place to ensure the tuber stays dormant throughout the winter. Read more about overwintering elephant ears.

Why Do Elephant Ear Plant Cry?
Elephant ears let you know when they have been overwatered by dripping water from the tip of their leaves with is also known as “weeping”.

How do you make elephant ear plants bigger?
The golden rule to make your elephant ears grow as big as possible:
"more water + more nutrients = more elephant ear".

Do Elephant Ears get Flowers?
Elephant ears are predominantly foliage plants however, they can bloom although flowers are not common in the Midwest area.

Which Side of an Elephant Ear Bulb Should You Plant Up?
This is probably the most popular question asked by beginners when they start gardening. The answer does depend on the variety of bulb but usually the pointed end should be facing upwards. Read more about which side of the bulb should be planted up.

Why Do Elephant Ears Leaves Turn Yellow?
Yellowing leaves can be a common cause of underwatering. If you see your elephant ears turning yellow then it is lightly to be a sign that the plant needs more water. 

What can I do about the leaves of my elephant ears turning yellow?
If the new leaves emerge with a slightly yellowish tint apply Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) to the elephant ear plant. Mix 1/8 cup Epsom salt per one gallon of water and pour around the elephant ear plant. If the elephant ear plant is grown in a container, apply the Epsom salt and water along the edges of the planter.

Are Elephant Ears Poisonous to Dogs?
Elephant ears can be toxic to your dog and can even be fatal if not treat right away. If your dog ingests any part of the plant you need to take it to the vets immediately as symptoms can include swollen airways with can be deadly.

What Month Do Elephant Ears Bloom?
Elephant ears should be planted in the spring, after the first frost and will begin to flower from late spring to early fall. It will also depend on the zone you live in, zones 9-11 see elephant ears bloom earlier than cooler zones.

Can I Grow Elephant Ears in Water?
Many varieties grow in swamps and marshes so can propagate in water. After the last frost you can plant elephant ears in water by sinking the pots to the rim in a pond.

What's the best soil for elephant ears?
If using potting soil, choose one that's rich in organic material and mixed with peat and perlite to create an artificial wetland or bog that will hold moisture. If you're mixing your own soil, use well drained, crumbly loam with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Avoid rocky soils, which can deform the corms.

What planting zone do I live in?

USDA plant hardiness map:

How cold can elephant ears tolerate?
Elephant ears cannot tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees.

How did elephant ears get their name?
The elephant's-ear plant gets its name from the leaves, which are shaped like a large ear or shield.

What is the real name for elephant ears plant?
Colocasia esculenta. Its commonly also called taro.

Is caladium an elephant ear?
Alocasia, Caladium, and Colocasia, are all considered part of the Elephant Ear family.

Do you offer full grown elephant ear plants or only bulbs?
We only offer elephant ear bulbs.

How should I fertilize my elephant ears?
Fertilize the elephant ears plant every month in the spring, summer and early fall. You can use a 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to the directions on the fertilizer label.

Can I use Miracle Grow on elephant ears?
You can also use all-purpose Miracle Grow to feed Elephant Ears plants.

Are elephant ears edible?
Colocasias are the only ones actually used as a food crop. Grown commercially in Hawaii and also often found in Asian markets, the tubers of Colocasia Esculenta (more commonly known as taro) can be cooked down into a starchy edible paste called poi. Our advice: Always stick to the grocery stores for the roots!

How do you plant elephant ear bulbs?
Dig a hole so that the top of the bulb is 4-5 inches deeper than the soil line. Cover with 1-2 inches of soil. Read more in our elephant ear bulb growing guide.

Can elephant ears grow in pots?
If you prefer not to plant your elephant ear plants in the ground, container or pot growing is perfectly acceptable for elephant ears. Elephant ears do well in containers so long as you provide them with the right sized container, proper soil, and adequate sunlight. Read more about growing elephant ear bulbs in pots here.

Where is the best place to plant elephant ears?
Elephant Ears perform best in sun or part shade. While most can be grown in partial shade, the darker colored varieties are best grown in full sun. Provide a sheltered location to protect the decorative leaves from strong winds.

Can I transplant my elephant ears?
The ideal time for transplanting elephant ears is when new growth appears in spring. Elephant ears sprout from bulbs in spring and quickly grow into large, spreading clumps. In frost-free areas elephant ears can be transplanted any time of year, but transplanting when the plants are small is easiest. In areas of that experience frosts, elephant ears must be transplanted after the final local average frost date. If late frosts threaten after the plants have been transplanted, cover elephant ears with old sheets or several layers of newspaper overnight.

Something is eating up my elephant ear leaves. What should I do?
The most likely candidates are caterpillars, weevils, mealybugs and beetles. Wash them off the leaves and apply a horticultural soap to prevent their return. Fungal issues also plague in-ground plants when irrigation water splashes on the leaves.

How often do elephant ears get new leaves?
The growth expected from elephant ears is moderate. During the active growing season you can expect around 1 leaf every month or slightly less than this. If you notice that your plant hasn't produced any new growth in the past 6 months then it might not be very happy for some reason.

Plant and Grow Elephant Ear Bulbs 101

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in the elephant's ear, also known as bells or alkasia , known for its huge leaves. This plant is great for a layered landscape because of its heavy, dark and sometimes patterned leaves.

Elephant ear plants come in many colors, from green to black and purple. If you are thinking about planting elephant ear bulbs in your garden, you have come to the right place.



What are elephant ear bulbs?

Giant elephant ear bulbs dry out after being picked up from the ground. Source:

Elephant's upright ears are called alocasias, while the ears of elephants that are at rest are called taro. Both have bulbs, although the more accurate term is corm.

Once planted, these plants grow fairly quickly and can double or even triple in size if properly cared for. They are mostly grown in containers. These plants are easy to repot because you can simply break them down and plant them elsewhere without having to start all over again.

which nails last the longest

Elephant ear became popular in the late 1990s when tropical plants were a new trend as they came in different sizes and different colors. These plants are still very popular in tropical regions as they are huge and help to add personality to your garden.

So, let's figure out how to properly plant elephant ear bulbs so that you can enjoy the beauty of this wonderful plant.

Before planting…

Before planting elephant bulbs, it is important to remember the following.

Weather and temperature

Elephant ears thrive in full sun and thrive in summer. They prefer warm weather around 10°C. However, with proper care, these plants can survive winter as well. They can also be covered with layers of mulch to protect them in winter.

These plants need sun to grow. It is best to give them partial shade for a short time on a very hot day, and in direct sunlight on winter days.

Earth

Elephant's ear should be grown in loamy soil containing a lot of organic matter, which can be added through compost. The soil should be kept moist all year round as this plant needs a lot of moisture to grow.

Spacing

The correct spacing for this plant depends a lot on the type of plant you are growing. Some plants need to be spaced 10 feet apart while some need to be spaced 6 feet apart as their roots need space to grow under the soil.

Planting

Before planting elephant ear bulbs, make sure you select the right tubers. If you pick tubers that are large, plump, and hard enough to hold large leaves, your elephant ear leaves will grow large and lush. It is recommended to use a depth of at least 5-6 inches when planting as your plant will need a lot of room to grow.

It's best to start growing them in large containers because they are easy to keep the soil moist, but you can certainly plant them in the ground. Just be sure to cover the corms with at least 1 inch of soil.

Water

Be sure to keep watering this plant. Almost all elephant ear plants grow up to 72 inches (183 cm) tall or even taller, so they always need plenty of water. It is best to avoid the tops and stems and water the roots as they provide moisture to the entire plant.

Fertilizers

This plant grows fast but needs a lot of food to grow. Remember to fertilize regularly so your plant doesn't die.

How to plant elephant ear bulbs Colocasia esculenta corms are ready for planting. Source:

If you have a large spacious garden, it is better to first choose a place for this plant. For the elephant's ears, choose a location that will get plenty of sun and where the temperature will be above 13°C. Before planting the corm in the soil, add 2 inches of compost as this plant needs a lot of organic matter to grow.

This plant thrives at a pH of 6-7. If your soil is too acidic, just add lime or sulfur to balance the pH. The next step is to dig a hole at least 4 inches deep and place a light bulb inside. The flat end of the lamp should be pointing down. Once you're done, cover the bulb with damp soil until it's completely covered.

Use a balanced elephant ear fertilizer every 2 weeks and your plant will grow quickly. If you see brown leaves, cut them off before they grow in number and water the plant regularly to prevent this from happening.

In winter, reduce water intake and prune leaves from time to time. In winter, this plant can even be moved indoors.

Since elephant ear bulbs are easy to transplant, the corms can always be dug up, but handle the bulbs with extreme care to avoid damaging them.

Elephant Ear Care | Gardening

Today we will talk about a spectacular plant. Surely for many of you it decorates the living room in the house or even in the garden. Something is not surprising, because his leaves are very beautiful.

The scientific name of this plant is Alocasia macrorrhiza and bulb sprouts, but unlike bulbous flowers (such as tulip or daffodil), elephant's ear leaves all year round. Its color is pale green due to chlorophyll.

Do you want to buy an elephant ear, but you don't have much space? Take the opportunity and get your copy of Alocasia cuculata , a smaller species. To do this, you just need to click on the link.

Its origin is in Asia, particularly in India and Sri Lanka. . Later, primitive and domesticated cultivation of this plant spread to the Philippines and Oceania. Elephant ear grows in various tropical and subtropical regions. , especially in the southeastern regions of China and Asia in general.

On the American continent, in Colombia, it grows in the lowlands of the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, although it also develops in the inter-Andean valleys of the country and in the mountain range, where plants of other genera of the same family may grow. .

Index

Characteristics of the elephant ear plant

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Elephant's Ear is a plant with large Leaves, as mentioned above, can reach one and a half meters in length and radiate from their base, becoming smaller until they reach a triangular tip.

Most of these s are usually green in various shades of although you may find some with purple or bronze highlights.

Article subject:

How is the elephant's ear flower?

They have an elongated, underground and porous stem, and below it are their roots, and above the buds, leaves and flowers sprout. However, on rare occasions this plant blooms but when it does, this flower is called cane flower and has a whitish appearance.

This plant does not withstand freezing temperatures, so is recommended in climates that do not experience very cold winters unless the frosts are very short or during this time its leaves do not fall. But don't worry, next spring they will sprout again.

The best thing for this type of plant is to grow in a hot climate. in a slightly shaded area in your garden. It is an ideal plant for a home, in a room with plenty of light and away from drafts.

Elephant's ear, which is in a very dry environment, may need to be sprayed in certain cases to avoid burning the tips. This is a plant that needs a lot of care , especially after planting, but dormant, then only spraying is required.

He needs the sun to shine constantly throughout the day, so it's best to place him in a strategic location.

Growing an awning

Article subject:

Caring for indoor alocasia

throughout the growing season (spring to late summer or early autumn, depending on the weather) with organic fertilizer or liquid green fertilizer, such as Flower, which can be bought here every fifteen days.

As for irrigation, it should be often but the surface of the substrate should always be allowed to dry so that the bulb does not rot. This is a plant that, as we have already mentioned, will require that after planting you water it constantly at first, but then with a few sprays it will be fine.

One of the advantages of this plant is that it can be grown or propagated in a pot of seeds, or using children that sprout from their roots that in a few days they will have the necessary strength for their development.

If you want to sow directly in your garden, the soil should be moist and well-drained It does not matter if you do this at the foot of other large trees, as they will serve to give the necessary shade to the elephant's ear.

It is most recommended that this plant be 15 cm deep and have at least one bud on the stem. which must be dry. To do this, let the stem air dry for two to three days, so it's best to do this in the spring.

Plagues and diseases

Elephant's ear is one of the plants that is rarely attacked by any pests or diseases.

However, you can drop mealybug , a parasite that feeds on sap , resulting in unusual spots on the plant, which must be removed with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol, or you can also wash with soap and water . Another option is to treat it with diatomaceous earth, which is a highly effective natural insecticide that you can buy at here.

If you have one of these in your home, you must be careful when cutting it. Since the sap from its stem is irritating to the skin and eyes, be careful not to come into direct contact with it.

In the same way, you must be aware of the appearance of your plant, since it should always be with a characteristic green color , but if its leaves turn yellow, this is due to the fact that something is wrong with it, therefore it is affected by humidity or improper spraying of roots and leaves.

Poda

Image - Wikimedia / Fanghong

The plant does not require pruning, as other plants do. However, if some of the leaves on your plant have turned yellow, you will need to remove the leaves from the plant to prevent it from becoming a parasitic disease vehicle.

Used to trim spoiled leaves, utensils that are clean and disinfected when you are going to have an operation in the plant, as you must avoid transmitting a parasitic disease to the elephant's ear through them.

multiplication

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Elephant's ear: propagation

Propagation of this plant is done by dividing the rhizomes This should be done at the beginning of spring, dividing into proportions or separating the rhizomes from the main kidney, which, in turn, should have at least one kidney, preferably two.

Treat the cut surface of the rhizome with a fungicide. is sulfur based in powder form and you need to let it dry for a few days and then bury it in a small pot with compost and soil at a depth of 2 to 3 centimeters.

Now you will need to put the pot at a constant temperature of around 24ºC. plus it should have shadow . The substrate of your new plant should be kept moist until the fourth leaf has come out, and then you can transfer it to a larger pot with the same substrate.

Is elephant's ear poisonous?

This plant is not poisonous at all. Level Used to feed fish as a substitute for concentrated feed. this is provided to them by allowing their owners to carry food.

This plant is fed to pigs in some regions. where farmers use from plant stem to leaves as they can replace more than half of the concentrate they need in their diet.

Another route of consumption is for human consumption, although the presence of calcium oxalates may irritate humans . However, in some cultures, its leaves are used as vegetables, are the most tender and have different cooking methods.

Although this plant is not poisonous, be very careful not to confuse it with the ear of the black elephant, which we will explain below and whether it is really dangerous.

Is there a black elephant's ear plant?

There is a black elephant's ear which has a similar appearance to those already mentioned in terms of its leaves, but this has features that make it stand out quite a bit. Its scientific name is Taro "Black Magic" .

The leaves, in addition to their characteristic coloration, have a velvety texture that does not have the "original" . In fact, the tone that we might think of as black is actually a very dark green.

This plant is medium to small in size, so you won't need much space to have it, and in addition to its slow growth, you won't have to move it much.

The most important thing to note is that is poisonous so if you have children at home be very careful with them as they can poison you if swallowed. As for the flower that this plant has, it is really insignificant, but its inside is very similar to calla lilies due to the shape of the inverted cone.

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