Tips For Growing Elephant Ear Plants

Growing Elephant Ears In Your Garden

1. Keep weeds under control during the growing season. ...
2. Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. ...
3. Keep elephant ear plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells. ...
4. After new growth appears, a light fertilizer may be applied.

1. What helps elephant ears grow?
2. Do elephant ear plants need a lot of water?
3. Do elephant ear plants need sun or shade?
4. What is the best fertilizer for elephant ear plant?
5. Do elephant ear bulbs multiply?
6. Do elephant ears like coffee grounds?
7. Can you overwater elephant ears?
8. Do elephant ears like to be misted?
9. How often should Elephant Ears be watered?
10. Do elephant ears die in the winter?
11. Is Epsom salt good for elephant ears?
12. How do you winterize elephant ears?
13. Can I use Miracle Grow on elephant ears?
14. Why are my elephant ears curling?
15. Do elephant ears need fertilizer?
16. Should I soak my elephant ear bulbs before planting?
17. Do elephant ear plants grow fast?
18. Do elephant ears reproduce?

What helps elephant ears grow?

Elephant Ears thrive in organically rich, uniformly moist soils. Never allow their soil to dry out, especially in summer. Most can be grown in a few inches of standing water (6 in. or 15 cm), and can be added to water gardens.

Do elephant ear plants need a lot of water?

Water Considerations

Elephant ears are water-loving plants. They need at least moist, organically rich soil, but constantly moist soil is preferable, especially in warm months. You can decrease your watering schedule for the plants in winter, when they don't need as much water as they do other times of the year.

Do elephant ear plants need sun or shade?

Can elephant ears grow in full sun? Full sun is not ideal for most—they grow best in bright but indirect sunlight. Too much sunlight can burn the leaves, while too little sunlight can cause yellowing.

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 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 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.

Can you overwater elephant ears?

Elephant ears are rarely overwatered. It may be too much fertilizer, too little iron, etc etc.

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.

How often should Elephant Ears be watered?

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 die in the winter?

Elephant ears will not survive freezing temperatures and are winter hardy only in zones 9-11. 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. ... Allow the tuber to continue to dry.

Is Epsom salt good for elephant ears?

Epsom salt helps ferns and plants similar to ferns, such as elephant ear, have rich, dark foliage. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of Epsom salt to a gallon (3.8 liters) of water and spray ferns and elephant ears to achieve the look.

How do you winterize elephant ears?

It's a fairly simple process:

1. After your first frost, cut the stems to about 6 inches tall.
2. Put the tubers in a grocery bag, plastic pot or bulb rate and cover with a mix of peat moss and soil.
3. Add water to the container and store it in a cool, dark place to ensure the tuber stays dormant throughout the winter.

Can I use Miracle Grow on elephant ears?

Fertilize your mammoth elephant ear plant once a month during its growing season to promote vigorous growth. Apply a water-soluble, quick-release fertilizer like Bloom Plus, Miracle-Gro or Grow More according to package directions.

Why are my elephant ears curling?

Elephant Ear Leaves curling due to scorching, dehydration, soggy soils leading to root rot, over-fertilizing, low humidity, temperature stress, and pest attacks. Surprisingly, a smaller pot would stunt growth and make the leaves curl.

Do elephant ears need fertilizer?

All elephant ear varieties are considered heavy-feeders, requiring rich, fertile, slightly acidic soil. Fertilize your plants once a month with a slow-release, water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer.

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 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.

Do elephant ears reproduce?

Planting Elephant Ear Plants

Elephant ears reproduce by division of corms, which come from their tubers. ... Plant the pieces after they have dried for a few days, and place the corms blunt end down, buried about two inches into the soil.