Growing Colocasia Inside How To Grow Elephant Ears Indoors

Choose a site to situate the indoor elephant ear plant that is in indirect sunlight. Colocasia can tolerate direct sun, but it will tend to sunburn although it may acclimate after a time; it will really do much better in indirect sun. Growing Colocasia inside requires high humidity.

Can I grow elephant ears inside?

Upright elephant ears (Alocasia) can be brought indoors and grown as houseplants. Keep the plants in bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist, not wet.

How do you care for an elephant ear plant indoors?

Elephant ears like to stay consistently moist, but not soggy. Be especially careful with watering if you use a pot without drainage holes. Always test the soil with your finger first. Humidity is also important to elephant ears, so it's a good idea to set the pot in a saucer of water elevated by pebbles.

How do you plant Colocasia elephant ears?

Plant elephant ear bulbs 2-4 feet apart. Plant so the growing tip is up. Dig a hole so that the top of the bulb is 4 inches deeper than the soil line. Cover with 4 inches of soil.

Do elephant ears like coffee grounds?

The caffeine in coffee also suppresses some plant growth and too much of it will suppress the growth of elephant ears. ... If you use coffee grounds as a mulch around your elephant ear plant it will block moisture from getting to the plant. There are, though, ways to minimize this effect.

Do elephant ear bulbs multiply?

When to Divide Elephant Ears

Elephant ears can become huge plants with gigantic leaves. Many spread through underground runners, or stolons, and send up baby plants along the way. ... Since it is not actively growing, the plant will be less stressed than if you divide it while it is in full growth mode.

Do elephant ears like to be misted?

Using a room humidifier and/ or a wet pebble tray and misting the leaves regularly with room-temperature water will, however, keep it quite happy. Misting the plant will also help to keep red spider mites - a pest fond of Elephant's Ear - at bay, as this little critter tends to prefer slightly drier conditions.

Should I mist my alocasia?

Alocasia plants grow best in high humidity. ... You can also increase the humidity by placing a small humidifier near the plant or grouping plants together. Do not mist the plant; misting encourages plant diseases. The flowers of an alocasia plant are very small and inconsequential in comparison to the beautiful leaves.

Why is my elephant ear plant dying?

Ensure the soil is moist throughout. ... Also, if the elephant ear is dying, it might be due to lack of nutrients in the soil or the soil type is not suited for growing the plant. “These plants need nitrogen nutrients in plenty. Apply fertilisers but not in large amount to avoid burning the leaves,'' says Mr Osiolo.

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.

Are elephant ears poisonous to touch?

Elephant Ear Plant Safety

The leaves and stems are the most toxic parts of the plants. Even touching them can cause skin irritation and itching, and if you get the sap in your eyes, your eyes will sting and burn for several hours. ... Elephant ear poisoning is rarely fatal, unless large amounts are eaten.

Are elephant ears poisonous to dogs?

What is Alocasia (Elephant Ear) Poisoning? The elephant ear plant is a houseplant with giant pointed leaves that look like elephant ears. This plant may be nice to look at, but it can be toxic to your dog. In fact, it can even be fatal if not treated right away.

Which elephant ears tolerate full sun?

There are two types of elephant ears: alocasias and colocasias. Colocasias display their leaves with tip of the heart pointing down. They prefer full sun and consistent moisture.

What is the best fertilizer for elephant ear plant?

We've consulted with the experts (and we've tested it for years) and we have found that 20-10-20 is the best fertilizer ratio for elephant ears. We are very proud to now offer Elephant Ear Fuel, a premium water soluble plant food, especially suitable for elephant ears. This is a Wellspring Gardens exclusive!

Do elephant ear plants grow fast?

No. For the size of the foliage, these are some of the fastest growing plants around. Although they are not winter hardy, they will grow and reach its full maturity of around 3-5 feet each summer in a stunning fashion.

Should I soak my elephant ear bulbs before planting?

This smooth end will produce the sprout and should be facing up. Plant the bulb so that it is covered with 1-2" of soil. Thoroughly soak the area with water once the tubers have been planted. Continue to water regularly throughout the growing season.

Do elephant ears do well in pots?

These summer-loving plants grow from a bulb that should be planted in the spring. They take well to growing in pots, provided you follow a few guidelines. ... Larger pots also dry out more slowly than smaller pots, and elephant ears need consistently moist soil.

How often do you water elephant ears?

Plan on giving plants at least 2-3 inches of water per week. Fertilizing: Elephant ears are heavy eaters, as well as drinkers. Fertilize monthly with a general fertilizer of choice.

Do elephant ears need humidity?

Growing Colocasia inside requires high humidity. Use a humidifier in the room where you plan on growing Colocasia inside. ... Temperatures for your elephant ear houseplants should be between 65-75 F.

Why is my elephant ear plant dripping water?

When houseplant leaves develop droplets of water on their tips, it is probably just transpiration as water moves through the plant and evaporates from its leaves, stem, and flowers. 1 Leaves dripping water is a natural occurrence, just like people sweating. If it's humid or dewy out, water droplets collect on leaves.

Is sun through a window indirect?

Indirect light is sunlight that either passes through a medium—a window shade or the leaves of a tree—or reflects off another surface before reaching a plant. Most indoor settings only provide indirect light.

Can alocasia live in low light?

Direct sun will cause the leaves to burn, so avoid placing your Alocasia in a spot where it'll be exposed to direct sun for a prolonged period. This plant is not tolerant of lower light conditions though, so make sure the space you're placing yours in feels very bright.

Why is my Alocasia Polly dying?

The most probable reasons for which an Alocasia polly is dying are overwatering, underwatering, lack of nutrients, low temperature, or improper lighting conditions. ... If the problem is not resolved immediately, then your Alocasia polly will die. The grower has very little time to react.