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The name Elephant Ear encompasses so many different plants. All however have the unmistakable large foliage that gives it the name “Elephant Ear”. In this post we are going to be waking up a Colocasia or Taro bulbs indoors with the intention of planting it in the garden in summer. Once you start growing Elephant Ear plants you will always grow Elephant ear plants. They are gorgeous tropical plants and instantly make your garden feel like a home away from home.
How do you wake up Elephant Ear Bulbs?
In order to wake up your elephant ear bulbs you will need a combination of moisture, warmth and light.
Pot
When starting your Elephant Ear bulbs indoors you will want to give them a pot with a drainage hole and at least 2 inches of space around the bulb. This will vary depending on the size of your bulb but be aware that this plant grows very quickly. I prefer to start my bulbs in plastic pots but any pot with a drainage hole will do.
Soil
Elephant ear plants are not too picky when it comes to potting soils. I always use a basic potting mix then add in vermiculite for extra drainage. Elephant ear bulbs do not like to be kept in soggy soil and will rot.
Water
Water your bulb fully at planting then sparingly until you see growth above the soil. A bulb with no foliage is not photosynthesizing and will not be able to utilize the extra moisture in the soil. Aim for moist and not wet soil.
If the top of the soil is dry feel free to stick your finger down into the soil to test for moisture. If your finger comes out with moisture or moist soil on it then wait a little longer to water. If your finger comes out dry then it’s time for a drink.
PRO TIP: If your still unsure of when to water pull back some of the soil to see if the soil is moist or dry. If it’s dry give it a bit of water.
Warmth
The Elephant Ear plant is a tropical plant so it’s no surprise that the bulbs will need warmth to wake from their winter slumber. Keep them in a warm room or on a heat mat. You will want the soil to be around 65 degrees.
Light
While growing indoors place them in a space with bright light. The light helps the new foliage make its way to the soil surface.
Time to Plant
To plant fill the pot halfway with soil and nestle your bulb with the bottom facing down and the top facing up. Cover the bulb completely with soil making sure there is at minimum 2 inches of soil on top of the bulb depending on the size of bulb and pot you are using.
If your unsure of which side of the bulb is the top? Check out this post.
Give your Elephant Ear bulb a full watering to moisten the soil. When you see water coming out of the drainage hole it is time to stop. Elephant Ear Bulbs are very susceptible to rot from overwatering. To maintain a healthy balance you will want to the the soil to dry down about half way before watering again. Then when you water your goal isn’t for full saturation, it’s just to moisten the soil that has dried so be conservative with watering.
Once you see growth above the soil line then you can begin doing full waterings. By full I mean watering until water comes out of the bottom of the pot.
