North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension: Colocasia Spp. Named for their large, broad leaves, elephant ears (Colocasia spp.) Colocasia esculenta, which is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10, is a commonly grown variety of elephant ears. Most prefer full sun and well-drained soil, as well as plenty of water and fertilizer. I suppose you probably clicked on this blog post to find out how to grow elephant ears, so let me tell you about the cultural conditions that they like. Either way, they all love water, sunshine, and fertilizer. [1] X Research source The ideal daytime temperature will be around 70 °F (21 °C). Both alocasia and colocasia plants can be grown indoors successfully, although it would be difficult to get one to reach its full potential without an atrium or some other feature that allowed for more sunlight. Elephant ears like the soil to be constantly moist, so during the warm months of the year, you’ll need to water them frequently. Potting soil for elephant ear plants needs to be well aerated. Lets Transplant the Borneo King Alocasia that I ordered from Brugmansia Quebec. Elephant ears are rather large plants, so each tuber needs plenty of space. When should I plant my bulbs? Elephant ears (Colocasia and Alocasia) are tropical plants grown for their stunning, often enormous leaves, which can be lime green, variegated or nearly black.These summer-loving plants grow from a bulb that should be planted in the spring. Do a soil test before planting. The plant should sit at its original growing depth. If late frosts threaten after the plants have been transplanted, cover elephant ears with old sheets or several layers of newspaper overnight. _Colocasia esculenta,_ which is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10, is a commonly grown variety of elephant ears. Planting: When planting new elephant ears or re-planting for the spring, set corms in the garden when nighttime temperatures are consistently 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Pests and Diseases Leaf Blight – Fungal diseases can be common for elephant ears thanks to their constant begging for moisture, made doubly difficult when you can’t dry out this plant to fight the fungus. Select a location in full sun or part sun with a good, rich, moist, organic soil. Space the elephant ears 3–6 ft (0.91–1.83 m) apart. Elephant Ears. Before putting the corm in the soil, add 2 inches of compost since this plant needs a lot of organic matter to grow. Use a rich soil between 5.5 and 7.0 pH. Elephant ears are actually a group of plants scientifically known as Alocasia, Colocasia, and Xanthosoma. If the soil is moist but not wet, water the plants again. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, University of Minnesota: Elephant Ear Care, EasytoGrowBulbs.com: Elephant Ears (Colocasia and Alocasia) Growing Information, Missouri Botanical Garden: Colocasia Esculenta. If growing in pots use a rich, organic potting soil and plant them at the same depth. Be sure each section has a corm, which is a small bulb that will grow a new shoot. In colder areas, you can either treat elephant ears as annuals and discard them at the end of the growing season, or you can store the tubers indoors and replant them next year. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! These plants do not have much of a root system, so they transplant fairly well. In USDA zones 8 and higher, if winter conditions are dry it's usually safe to plant the tubers at any time during winter. Growing Spot. Your Planter is too Small for an Elephant Ear. In frost-free areas elephant ears can be transplanted any time of year, but transplanting when the plants are small is easiest. Elephant ear is a topical, moisture-loving plant that thrives in warm, humid weather. In USDA zone 7 and colder zones, plant elephant ear tubers after the final local average frost date in spring. All Rights Reserved. Elephant ears sprout from tubers in spring and quickly grow into large, spreading clumps. To help retain moisture, spread an inch of organic material around the base of the elephant ear plant. Feed Me! Dig a hole and plant the elephant ear the same depth that it was planted previously. How to Transplant Elephant Ears | Hunker Named for their large, broad leaves, elephant ears (_Colocasia spp._) are moisture loving plants that can grow in up to 6 inches of standing water. In areas of the United States that experience frosts, elephant ears must be transplanted after the final local average frost date. Sunlight: The need for sunlight in Elephant Ears varies from full sun to partial shade. They may be started indoors as early as a 4-6 weeks before the average last frost date (for earlier blooms) or planted directly in the ground after the danger of frost has passed. Lining your walkway or fence with elephant ear plants has a lovely effect. With its unmissable gigantic, heart-shaped leaves that grow to widths of 3 to 5 feet and stems that can exceed 6 feet, Elephant ear (Alocasia metallica), makes a dramatic statement in the landscape. These vigorous plants can grow up to 8 feet tall in one growing season in ideal conditions and produce tubers that weigh 1 to 2 pounds. Elephant ears will often come already potted, but if you're planting your own, the most crucial step is getting the soil mixture right. Working 10 to 12 inches from the plant so the roots won't be injured, dig the elephant ear plant and lift it from the soil. For transplanting elephant ears, the best time to do so is in the spring or early summer. Use Caution to Avoid Damage Use caution when digging up elephant ears. Feed the newly-transplanted elephant ear plant an all-purpose granular fertilizer, applied according to the directions. If late frosts threaten after the plants have been transplanted, cover elephant ears with old sheets or several layers of newspaper overnight. Growing Elephant Ears Indoors. For the elephant ears, choose a spot that will get a lot of sun and will have a temperature above 55°F (13°C). Elephant ear plants are pleasing to the eye, however, even if they don’t grow to be enormous. The best time for transplanting elephant ears is when new growth appears in spring. Elephant ears, which are also called by the formal name of Colocasia esculenta, have large, heart-shaped leaves that can reach heights of 5 feet. I’ve found that elephant ears grow best in partial sun or filtered sunlight. Uncooked elephant ears are poisonous, and the plants are invasive in some areas of the United States. An alocasia in a container placed out in the garden can be a movable focal point, and can hide the bare spot left when spring-blooming bulbs go … In areas of the United States that experience frosts, elephant ears must be transplanted after the final local average frost date. Dig a hole as deep as an elephant ear's root ball and twice as wide. If the soil is too loose, it won’t hold any water and dry out too quickly. Don't allow the soil around elephant ears to dry out. During winter, water less frequently.” A sheltered, partially shaded spot with organically rich, medium moisture or wet soil … Elephant ears can establish quickly in wide planting holes. Choose a planting spot for the elephant ears in shade or morning sun. If you live in a cold winter climate, dig the elephant ears after the first light frost of the season, put them in a cardboard box filled with damp peat moss, and store them in a cool, dry place until spring. In a wet site, such as the edge of a pond, elephant ears tolerate up to eight hours of direct sunlight, but the plants grow best in filtered sun or shade during the hottest part of the day. Place mammoth elephant ear rhizomes in containers with drain holes in the bottom. This makes them a good choice for wet areas where gardeners usually have trouble finding suitable plants. Avoid planting them close together, or they’ll fail to thrive. Plant 4-6 inches deep. Landscape uses for elephant ears. Digging. She writes about a variety of topics, with a focus on sustainable, pesticide- and herbicide-free gardening. Elephant ears sprout from tubers in spring and quickly grow into large, spreading clumps. Transplant Elephant Ears Dig a hole and plant the elephant ear the same depth that it was planted previously. Combine elephant ears with other tropical-looking plants like cannas, bananas, variegated tapioca, caladiums, and coleus for a summer jungle garden. Planting Your Elephant Ears Elephant Ears can be planted from spring (after all danger of frost has passed) through early summer. Tip: If you want to speed up the process, plant your bulbs in a pot inside a few weeks before early spring. Make sure you pick a large container that gives the roots plenty of space to grow, and pick a spot that … Harden off elephant ear plants for about a week prior to placing them outdoors. Grow elephant ears in slightly acidic soil in partial shade. Consider these plants as teenage boys, they are growing and eating machines. Green's work appears in Diva, Whole Life Times, Listverse, Earthtimes, Lamplight, Stupefying Stories and other websites and magazines. If your elephant ear plant is outgrowing its boundaries, or if you just want to spread the wealth, transplant elephant ears safely in spring or early summer. Elephant ears are heavy feeders. Pour a 2- to 3-inch depth of peat-based potting mix over the rhizomes. If the soil is too dense, it will hold water and clog the roots. If late frosts threaten after the plants have been transplanted, cover elephant ears with old sheets or several layers of newspaper overnight. How to Take Care of an Elephant Ear Plant. If your soil is too acidic, simply add lime or sulfur to balance the pH. As the plant grows, it will require a larger planter. As mentioned above, you can also dig up Elephant Ear at the end of the growing season and divide any newly formed corms from the original plant with a sharp knife or shears. This plant thrives between pH 6-7. They take well to growing … Elephant Ear Size. (The bigger the bulb the deeper it goes.) Wait until there’s no chance of frost occurring overnight so the plant won’t get damaged. These plants also need protection from strong winds. Regular watering is essential for newly transplanted elephant ears. 20-20-20 is fine. Light Requirements . If the soil is usually wet at this time of year, wait until spring. If the soil is moist but not wet, water the plants again. Dig a hole and plant the elephant ear the same depth that it was planted previously. Improve the soil for elephant ears by mixing in organic matter before transplanting. Gently press the soil around the plant with the flats of your hands to firm the plant in the hole. University of Missouri Extension: Gardening with tropical bulbs -- Allocasia and Colocasia, University of Illinois Extension Giant Elephant Ears Accent the Garden. Allow plenty of space, and remember that the large leaves of elephant ear will shade any smaller plants below. Water elephant ears when the soil surface begins to dry or more frequently. They are tropical plants that grow in the southern portions of the United States. single yard specimen; large accent for the corner of the house, deck or patio; Step #1. Named for their large, broad leaves, elephant ears (Colocasia spp.) It’s no secret that elephant ear plants can get huge. When the water puddles, stop watering and wait an hour. This is often in April or May. How To Overwinter Elephant Ears The Easiest Way . Elephant ears are not frost tolerant and should be dug up in zones lower than United States Department of Agriculture zone 8. are moisture loving plants that can grow in up to 6 inches of standing water. A graduate of Leeds University, Jenny Green completed Master of Arts in English literature in 1998 and has been writing about travel, gardening, science and pets since 2007. If you are worried about elephant's ears going rogue in your yard, choose clumpers instead of runners, or grow runners in pots. Ideal Growing Conditions for Elephant Ears: pH: The ideal soil pH for growing elephant ears is between 5.5 and 7.0. Working 10 to 12 inches from the plant so the roots won't be injured, dig the elephant ear plant and lift it from the soil. Also called taro, this elephant ears variety usually grows 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, and features boldly veined leaves up to 2 feet long. Elephant ears like to grow in soil that is consistently moist. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Elephant ears can establish quickly in wide planting holes. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. You can propagate elephant ears by seed, runner or by transplanting. With its unmissable gigantic, heart-shaped leaves that grow to widths of 3 to 5 feet and stems that can exceed 6 feet, Elephant ear (Alocasia metallica), makes a dramatic statement in the landscape. Frequent applications of fertilizer keeps them healthy and happy. When kept indoors with proper care you can expect your plant to reach a maximum of 6 foot or more in length. As a wetland plant in the wild, elephant ear plants like a lot of water. Planting elephant ears in pots is nice when you need to overwinter them, because you can just drag them indoors or pull them into your greenhouse for the cold season. Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer. If the soil pH is not in that range you can add various additives to bring the pH to that level. They all have bold foliage and can add a tropical look to any garden. If you want to divide the elephant ear plant, separate the plant into smaller sections with your fingers. Growing Conditions for Elephant Ears (Xanthosoma) These are tropical plants, so the conditions must be right for them to grow: Light: Bright light but no direct sun. Most elephant ears will grow to be at least 4 feet wide, so give them space! It is one of the things we love about them. Moisten the potting mix with water. Plant in the spring when nighttime temperatures are above 50 °F (10 °C). Elephant ears grow best with regular fertilization. The tip on watering is to keep the roots moist - elephant ears are stressed when they dry out. Plant tubers or transplant container-grown plants into soil amended with organic matter such as chopped leaves, peat, or composted manure. _. According to Iowa State University, the best time to dig up elephant ear plants is after the first frost in fall.It’s also worth noting that you may find sources using the term elephant ear bulbs and elephant ear tubers interchangeably, but the latter is the correct term. For planting near things that are or will be larger than this plant, allow about 3 or 4 feet. Elephant ears will grow in a container for a while but does much better in the ground. Once established, elephant ears require little attention. Colocasia esculenta,_ which is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10, is a commonly grown variety of elephant ears. A sheltered, partially shaded spot with organically rich, medium moisture or wet soil provides the best growing conditions for transplanted elephant ears. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Missouri Botanical Garden: Colocasia Esculenta. Spread a 4-inch layer of garden compost or aged manure over the growing spot and mix it 12 inches deep into the soil with a garden fork. Elephant ears will not survive freezing temperatures and are winter hardy only in zones 9-11. Otherwise, the entire plant can be transplanted without division. North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension: Colocasia Spp. Spray water over the growing spot using a garden hose fitted with a soft spray attachment. Elephant Ear bulbs are generally available at nurseries, plant, and big box stores throughout late winter and early spring. You can pot them up and bring the container indoors or remove the rhizomes and store them in peat moss , packing peanuts or paper bags in a cool, dark place. Remove the plant from its container and place it in the center of the hole. Test the soil moisture level by pushing your fingers into it. Some can handle shade. Holding the elephant ears plant upright with one hand, scoop the dug soil into the hole with the other hand until you fill the hole. Mature Elephant Ear plants can grow up to 8 foot tall, similarly this is around the same size of actual African Elephant Ears of 6 feet. You can transplant your elephant ears or the other plants to solve this issue or fertilize and water with more frequency to see if that helps. Elephant ears propagate by growing new bulbs off of the main root system. Water: Throughout the growing season, water and mist frequently. Try Growing Elephant Ears in Pots Whether you want to grow elephant ears in containers inside or outside, these plants thrive well in these environments. Planting elephant ear bulbs indoors approximately eight weeks prior to the last frost date is also acceptable. Planting Elephant Ears. CARING FOR ELEPHANT EARS IN THE FALL. 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