How to Grow Elephant Ear Plants

Elephant Ear plants are pretty easy to grow from bulb. It’s medium maintenance plant when in a pot and low maintenance when in ground outdoors.

The bulbs are often referred to as Taro and are sold in many exotic grocery stores as an edible root.

(If you plan to eat this plant please do your research first. I have never consumed this plant and am not suggesting that you do)

This blog post may contain affiliate links. Which means if you click on a link and go on to buy the product I recommend, I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

How to Grow Elephant Ear Plants

Is there anything prettier than seeing those big heart shaped leaves in the garden? When there’s a slight breeze they move back n forth as if shaking their heads.

I’ve been growing Elephant Ear Plants for over 5 years and I think everyone should add them to their gardens

Elephant ear plants (Colocasia or Alocasia) can add a bold and tropical touch to your garden.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you successfully grow and care for these striking plants:

1. Choose the Right Variety:

• Elephant ear plants come in various varieties. Some common ones include Colocasia esculenta and Alocasia macrorrhiza. Choose a variety that suits your climate and garden conditions.

2. Select an Appropriate Location:

• Elephant ear plants thrive in partial to full shade but can tolerate some sunlight. Plant them in a location with well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Ensure the site offers protection from strong winds.

3. Planting:

• Plant elephant ear bulbs or tubers in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Plant them about 2 to 4 inches deep with the pointed end facing upward. Space the bulbs based on the mature size of the variety.

4. Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Elephant ears prefer a consistently humid environment. Water deeply, especially during dry periods, and provide mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture.

5. Fertilization:

• Elephant ear plants are heavy feeders. Fertilize them regularly during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Follow the package instructions for application rates. Cease fertilization in late summer to allow the plants to naturally start to go dormant.

6. Mulching:

• Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

7. Provide Support:

• Some larger varieties may benefit from staking or support to prevent the leaves from drooping or breaking, especially during heavy rains or strong winds.

8. Pruning:

• Remove dead or damaged leaves regularly. This not only enhances the plant’s appearance but also encourages the growth of new foliage.

9. Overwintering:

• In colder climates, elephant ears may not survive winter outdoors. Dig up the bulbs before the first frost, allow them to dry for a few days, and then store them in a cool, dry place for the winter. Replant in spring when the danger of frost has passed.

10. Pest and Disease Management: – Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Treat any infestations promptly. Additionally, ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

11. Regular Inspection: – Regularly inspect your elephant ear plants for signs of stress, pests, or diseases. Early intervention can prevent more significant issues.

How to Plant Elephant Ear Bulbs

I used regular potting soil to start them early in pots indoors. I typically start my bulbs in February so that I can get a jump on the garden season.

If you live in a cold garden zone then the earlier you start your bulbs the bigger your plants will be when you can put them in the garden.

To learn how to grow Elephant Ear Plants as Houseplants read this post!

After they are freshly potted I give them a full watering where the water comes out of the bottom of the pot. Then I water them when the soil is half dry while they are still indoors.

I water this way to make sure my bulbs do not rot. Keeping wet soil around your bulbs can quickly cause rot and kill them so be careful with your watering frequency of your potted Elephant Ear Plants.

When to plant Elephant Ear Plants Outdoors

Once it is past my frost free date I move my plants to a shaded part of the garden until they acclimate to the outdoor conditions. Usually a week in the shade is enough time.

Once my plants are acclimated It’s time to start planting. Choose a spot that is shade\part sun. Full sun can burn the leaves and require you to water them more frequently.

I plant a lot of elephant ear plants in ground, very few get planted in my outdoor containers.

Planted in ground or in a pot I make sure I keep the soil moist but not soggy. So for my plants in pots I water every other day and in ground I water every 2-3 days unless there’s rain.

I fertilize the Elephant Ear plants in ground at planting with a granular fertilizer that will break down over the season and feed my plants. I come back through mid season with another spread of a granular fertilizer.

Elephant Ear plants are heavy feeders and will grow very well with regular feedings. I fertilize my potted Elephant Ears weekly with fish emulsion.

Elephant ear plants are a joy to have in the garden. Everyone who sees them falls in love and wants to grow them in their gardens.

Happy Gardening!

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Houseplants are gorgeous living home decor. It is worthwhile learning how to properly care for them.

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