Elephant ears generally come up in the early spring months, although the exact time can vary depending on the climate and region. For example, in warmer regions like the south, elephant ears may begin to appear as early as February or March, while in cooler climates they may not appear until April or May.
In most cases, it is best to plant elephant ear bulbs in late spring or early summer for the best results. Once the bulbs are planted, it will typically take about 6-8 weeks for the leaves of the elephant ears to be visible above the ground.
How long do elephant ears take to grow?
Elephant ears can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to fully mature, depending on the species and variety. All elephant ears require full sun and warm temperatures to grow and bloom. In terms of climate, they require daytime temperatures of at least 70 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
When grown in the right conditions, elephant ears will grow at a rapid rate and can reach heights of 10 feet or more. To encourage a faster rate of growth, fertilizers and supplemental watering can be provided.
Additionally, timely division of the plants and pruning of dead or overgrown leaves can help spur new growth.
How often should you water elephant ears?
When it comes to how often you should water elephant ears, it depends on a variety of factors including the size of the pot, the temperature and humidity of the surrounding area, and the type of soil you’re using.
During the warmer months, you should water it more often, as the soil will dry out more quickly. Generally speaking, you should check the soil moisture of the plant every 1-2 days and water it whenever the top 2-3 inches of soil has dried out.
Misting the leaves with water can also be beneficial, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Do elephant ears need a lot of water?
Yes, elephant ears need a lot of water. Elephant ears, also known as caladiums, are tropical plants that originate from South American rainforests, so they prefer warm and humid conditions. They thrive in well-draining soil and need water every 1-2 days.
During the summer months, they may need to be watered more frequently as the weather is warmer and drier. It is best to water deeply and allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Milk can also be added to the water to help the plant thrive.
Additionally, elephant ears should also be misted on a regular basis to replicate their natural rainforest environment.
What is the fertilizer for elephant ear plant?
Fertilizing is an important part of growing healthy elephant ear plants. The best fertilizer for elephant ear plants is a balanced fertiliser, preferably with higher amounts of nitrogen, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer.
When fertilizing the elephant ear plants, ensure that the fertilizer is applied evenly and at a recommended rate. In addition to a balanced fertilizer, apply some iron or iron chelate to counteract iron chlorosis, which is a common issue that can cause yellowing of the leaves.
Fertilize during the growing season, every four weeks or so, and reduce the amount in the fall months. Avoid fertilizer burn by keeping the fertilizer at least six inches away from the trunk and root zone.
An organic fertilizer such as alfalfa meal or fish emulsion is also suitable for the elephant ear plants.
Should I cut off yellow elephant ear leaves?
It depends on the condition of the leaves and whether or not they are providing an aesthetically pleasing look to the garden or if they are unhealthy and dying due to overcrowding or environmental stresses such as too much shade or too much water.
If the leaves are healthy and still providing a nice look to the garden, they should remain in place. If they have started to yellow or brown, it is a sign that they are not receiving enough light and should be removed.
They should also be removed if the plant is overcrowded, as cutting off the leaves will help improve air circulation, creating the opportunity for new growth and blooms. However, if the plants are not overcrowded and the yellow leaves are not yet creating an unsightly look, it may be beneficial to keep them in place a little longer, as they still provide some carbon dioxide and other nutrients to the plant until healthier replacements can be grown.
Will my elephant ear come back?
That depends on the species of elephant ear plant that you have planted and the conditions of your soil and climate. Some species of elephant ears can become dormant in the winter and may return in the spring.
If the plant has been damaged due to extreme cold or other weather conditions, it may be unable to come back. If you have tropical species, it will depend on the warmth of the climate and the water and soil conditions that you have provided to the plant.
If you are growing elephant ears in containers, you can usually save the tubers through the winter, and replant them the following spring. If your elephant ear did not come back, it’s best to try a different species that is more adapted to your regional climate.
How do you know if elephant ear bulbs are dead?
The easiest way to know if elephant ear bulbs are dead is by digging them up and inspecting them. If the bulb is mushy or soft, it is dead. Healthy bulbs should be firm and solid. If you can’t physically examine the bulbs, there are still other signs that the bulbs may be dead.
If the leaves of your elephant ear plant are yellow, drooping, or wilted, this can indicate that the bulbs are not receiving the necessary amount of water and nutrients and may be dead. It is also possible that your bulbs have simply gone dormant; this occurs in cold temperatures and could mean that the bulbs are alive but inactive.
To be sure, you may want to dig up the bulbs and inspect them. If they are alive, you can replant them in nutrient-rich soils and keep your fingers crossed.
Can you leave elephant ears in the ground over winter?
Yes, you can leave elephant ears in the ground over winter. However, depending on your climate, you may need to take some additional steps to ensure that your plants survive the cold months. In mild climates, leaving elephant ears in the ground over winter is typically viable, but they may need to be mulched in colder regions.
Additionally, if you are keeping a tuberous variety of elephant ear such as Colocasia, you may have to dig it up and store it indoors. It is important to wrap the tubers in paper to let them breathe and place them in a cool, dark area.
Then, they can be replanted in the spring once all danger of freezing has passed.
Do elephant ear bulbs multiply?
Yes, elephant ear bulbs do multiply. When an elephant ear bulb is planted in the ground, it will produce an abundance of large, heart-shaped leaves as they mature. Beneath the soil, the bulb will grow in size and send out new offset bulbs called ‘daughter’ bulbs.
The daughter bulbs are clones of the original bulb and will look and behave exactly the same as the parent. These daughter bulbs, when left in the ground, will increase the number of elephant ear plants in a given area.
If the daughter bulbs are dug up and repotted, they can easily be multiplied to expand a garden. In addition to daughter bulbs, some varieties of elephant ears produce runners that extend from the bulb’s crown and root.
As the runner grows, it will produce tiny new bulbs or tiny rhizomes, a thin tuber that extends from the parent bulb’s root.
What happens if you plant elephant ears upside down?
If you plant elephant ears upside down, it won’t typically cause any damage to the plant, but it will inhibit its growth. The roots of the elephant ear need to be submerged in a moisture-rich soil to take in enough nutrition to grow.
Planting an elephant ear upside down can prevent roots from properly taking in water, leading to stunted growth and even death. Additionally, upside-down planting can cause the delicate plant to become disoriented, and it may struggle to regrow upright even when flipped right-side-up.
For best results, always plant elephant ears with the correct side up, making sure to keep the crown of the plant at ground level.
Can elephant ears be left outside in winter?
No, elephant ears should not be left outdoors during the winter. Elephant ears are tropical plants and are not winter-hardy in cold climates. They will not fare well in temperatures below 40°F (4°C).
If left outdoors during winter, they will experience damage from frost and freeze, which can cause their foliage and flowers to become discolored, distorted, and drooping. If you live in colder climates and want to keep your elephant ears through the winter, you should bring them indoors and keep them in an environment that stays above 40°F (4°C), providing them with bright light and regular watering.
Do you dig up elephant ears in the fall?
No, it is not recommended to dig up elephant ears in the fall. Elephant ears are best transplanted in warm weather and require significant effort to be done successfully. If you’re planning on planting elephant ears, the best time to do it is in late spring or early summer when the soil is warm and the temperatures are above 65°F.
This is the best time to ensure the plants have enough time to adjust to their new environment and establish a healthy root system before the colder temperatures of winter set in. When planting in the spring, it is important to water the soil well and provide regular care, such as fertilizing, mulching, and weeding.
In the fall, you should trim back the plants for their winter dormancy and move any pots indoors if needed. It is also important to clean and store any tools used to care for elephant ear plants to ensure they last until the next planting season.