Plant and Grow Elephant Ear Bulbs 101: The big leaves of elephant ear plants look like the ears of an elephant, which makes them a beautiful addition to any yard or room.
People love these exotic plants for their beautiful leaves and how easy they are to take care of. If you want to learn how to grow elephant ears from bulbs, this is the complete guide you need.
Choosing the Right Bulbs
Elephant ear plants are usually grown from tubers instead of bulbs, but in the farming world, they are often called bulbs. Most of the time, Colocasia and Alocasia are used.
Look for hard, plump tubers that don’t have any mold or rot when you buy them. For strong growth and bright leaves, you need roots that are in good health.
Planting Elephant Ear Tubers
- When to Plant: Elephant ear tubers should be put in the spring, after the last frost date, when the ground is at least 60°F (15°C) warmer. They do best when it’s warm outside and get lots of sun.
- Location: Pick a spot that gets full sun to some shade. Elephant ears like dirt that drains well and has a lot of organic matter in it. If you give them enough light, they can grow well in flower beds, pots, or even inside.
- Preparation: Loosen the soil and mix in compost or well-rotted dung to make it more fertile and better able to drain before planting. Use good soil mix for plants in pots.
- Planting: To plant, make a hole that is 4 to 6 inches deep and put the root in it so that the eyes, or small buds, face up. If you are planting tubers in the yard, leave about 18 to 24 inches between each one. Fill in with dirt and water well.
Also see : 13 Bulbs to Plant in Fall for Gorgeous Spring Blooms
Taking Care of Elephant Ears
- Watering: Elephant ear plants need regular watering because they are thirsty. It’s best to keep the dirt evenly moist when it’s hot outside. They don’t like sitting in dirt that is too wet, so make sure it drains well.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four to six weeks while they are growing. A fertilizer high in phosphorus can also make leaves bigger and brighter.
- Mulching: Putting down a layer of mulch around the base of plants helps keep the soil wet, keeps weeds away, and keeps the soil at the right temperature. Organic mulch works well, like straw or leaves that have been shred.
- Controlling Pests and Diseases: Elephant ear plants don’t get many bug problems, but sometimes they get aphids, spider mites, or fungus problems. Check your plants often for signs of sickness or pests. To get rid of pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and make sure there is good air flow to avoid getting fungal diseases.
Wintering and Putting Away
Elephant ear tubers need to be dug up and saved for the winter in places where it gets cold. Cut back the plants’ leaves after the first frost and carefully dig up the tubers.
For a few days, let them dry in a cool, dry place after you clean them. Make sure the dried tubers stay fresh by putting them in a cool, dark place in a jar full of peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust.
Getting Elephant Ears Around
To make more elephant ears, split the roots in the spring before planting them. There should be at least one eye in each part. For a few days after cutting, let the cut areas harden. This will keep them from rotting.
Conclusion
With these tips, you can grow elephant ears and enjoy their lush, beautiful leaves in your yard or at home. Elephant ear plants look beautiful anywhere they are grown because of their bright leaves and tropical style.