Let's Take A Closer Look At Elephant Ears Plant 

elephant ears

elephant ears

Updated on 12/3/2023
Emma DowneyBy Emma Downey
Gardening Expert
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Your Comprehensive Guide to the Planning, Planting, and Cultivation of Elephant Ears Plant. The stunning tropical plants known as alocasias and colocasia are elephant ears. Elephant Ears plants are renowned for the spectacular foliage they produce. Their enormous leaves can measure up to 2 feet across, and the colors of their foliage range from practically black to lime green. Elephant ears held upright (Alocasia) often have glossy leaves that frequently exhibit colorful variegations. Both inside and outdoors are viable options for their cultivation. The leaves of a colocasia plant often have a surface texture similar to velvet, while the plant has a more spreading tendency. Elephant ears may be grown successfully on their own in the garden or a big container if they are given enough space. You can combine them with other summer bulbs and annuals to create a stunning display.

The First Step Is To Get An Improved Plant

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When you examine two elephant ear tubers side by side, it is simple to notice that one is of a higher grade than the other. Tubers of elephant ears are classified according to size, much as bulbs of different kinds. We provide customers with huge tubers that have a circumference of 9-11 inches. They develop into large plants with sturdy stems and abundant foliage as they mature. Tubers of smaller size, like the one seen on the right, give rise to plants that are also smaller and have less foliage. It is essential to note that a healthy elephant ear tuber will have a dry shell and feel solid and hefty.

Develop A Winning Strategy

elephant ear

elephant ear

Sun or Shade: Elephant ears can flourish in either environment. If you plant them in a place with a lot of heat and sunlight, you need to ensure they get some shade during the middle of the day.

Zone: Elephant ears are tropical plants. Within zones 9-11, they may be cultivated outside throughout the year. In regions with a colder climate (zones 3-8), bulbs are often produced as annuals and are planted throughout the spring. Check out this chart to locate the USDA Hardiness Zone that corresponds to your location.

When to Plant Elephant ears The best time to plant elephant ears is in the spring after the threat of frost has gone. Because the tubers won't develop until the soil is heated, you shouldn't plant them until at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit has reached the earth. It will happen in the early part of June in northern regions. Elephant ears may be grown indoors in containers four to six weeks before you want to plant them in the ground to gain a head start on the growing season. Cultivate them on a warm, sunny window sill or under artificial lighting.

Instructions for Planting Elephant Ears

elephant ear

elephant ear

1. Do not begin planting until the earth has warmed up and there is no longer a chance of frost. Loosen the ground up eight "deep. Create a hole about 5 "deep.

2. Place the tuber in the hole with the pointed end facing up. The soil is recommended to be about 1 inch deeper than the top of the tuber.

3. Water the tuber very thoroughly and then cover it with dirt.

Planting Advice And Expectations

  • It may take a very long time for elephant ear tubers to grow, and it may be more than a month before you see any evidence of development; this will depend on when the seeds are planted.
  • Plant elephant ears on soil that is rich and has good drainage. Before you start planting, you should amend the soil with compost or topsoil to increase the water-holding capacity of the ground and provide nutrients.
  • It is necessary to maintain a steady level of wetness throughout the summer for elephant ears to develop to their maximum potential. They also benefit from having liquid fertilizer applied to the soil every two to three weeks.
  • Elephant ears may be grown outside all year if you live in a climate that does not experience frost (zones 9-11). They are often cultivated as annuals in regions with colder temperatures (zones 3-8). If you plant them in the spring, they will quickly mature into enormous, stunning plants within a few short months; thus, you should be sure to allow them plenty of space.

Where To Put Elephant Ears In Your Garden

elephant ears

elephant ears

Elephant ears grow best on patios and decks and on porches and decks that don't receive direct sunlight. These areas provide ample shade for elephant ears. Pools, spas, and water gardens looked tropical, with giant leaves forming hearts.

Constructions such as Walls and Fences When elephant ears are planted close to a wall or fence, the plants receive protection from the wind and excessive sunlight. Additionally, it puts their large leaves to work, which helps to soften straight lines and adds visual appeal to otherwise blank walls.

Entryways Planting elephant ears in giant planters might give the impression that someone is standing at your front door. They create a powerful impression on visitors and never fail to win them over. You may plant them by themselves or combine them with other plants like caladiums or coleus.

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Screening Elephant ears, with their large, lobed leaves and erect stalks, can be utilized in a garden to either obscure an unwelcome view or restrict a particular area. Your yard will feel more private if you plant it around the boundary of your property or any outdoor living areas you have.

Indoor Houseplant It is also possible to cultivate upright elephant ears in the home as long as the plants provide sufficient water and light. Their lovely foliage has the potential to be an exciting feature throughout the whole year.

How To Take Care Of Your Ears During The Fall

How To Take Care Of Your Ears During The Fall

How To Take Care Of Your Ears During The Fall

Because elephant ears cannot tolerate temperatures below freezing, you can only grow them successfully in zones 9 through 11. In regions with cooler climates, you can treat elephant ears as annuals and get rid of them at the end of the growing season, or you may bring the tubers inside and preserve them until the following year, at which point you can transplant them.

Dig out your alocasia and colocasia tubers in the fall before the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit if you wish to keep them for use the following year. Carefully dig around the plant, beginning your work about a foot away from the plant's core. Remove the plant from the ground (or remove it from the container) and place it in a warm, dry location out of the way of potential frost. Having allowed the root ball to dry out for a while, trim the stems and use your hands to peel the soil away from the root ball after the soil has dried out. Let it dry out to ensure that the tuber dries out as directed. Upon drying the tubers, place them on a flat surface, wrap them in the paper, and then store them in a warm, dark, dry place between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit until they are ready to be used.

Elephant ears Plant, also known as Alocasia, may be carried indoors and cultivated as houseplants if kept upright. The soil should be constantly damp but not soggy, and the plants should be in bright, indirect light.