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 take care of an elephant ear plant indoors?
To care for elephant ears, grow the plants in moist, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Elephant ear plants require plenty of humidity and need regular watering to grow fast. Apply a high nitrogen fertilizer regularly to encourage growth. Growing indoors, put the elephant ear plant in indirect sunlight.
Do elephant ear plants go dormant indoors?
Dormancy. It’s not unusual for elephant ears to die back during the winter months. If the leaves start turning brown and falling off, it’s probably not dead—it’s just getting ready for its winter slumber.
Where should Elephant Ears be placed in the house?
Allow the tubers to dry out for about a day or two and then store them in peat moss or shavings. Place them in a cool, dark area such as a basement or crawlspace. Container plants can either be moved indoors or overwintered in a basement or protected porch.
Do elephant ears come back?
RELATED: Most elephant’s ears are perennials and will come back every summer in the Lower, Coastal, and Tropical South. Some are perennials in the lower part of the Middle South. They like the soil to be relatively dry in winter.
Can elephant ears take full sun?
They are at their best in late summer and early fall when most other plants are starting to fade. 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. You may also read, Are elephant shrews endangered?
How often should I water my indoor elephant ear plant?
Keep elephant ear plants consistently moist. They will survive nicely even if covered by as much as 6 inches of standing water. In other garden locations, never allow the soil to dry out fully. In some climates—and when growing in containers—this means watering daily. Check the answer of Are elephant shrews venomous?
Do elephant ears need lots of water?
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 ear bulbs multiply?
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. Read: Are elephants a symbol of good luck?
Can elephant ears grow in pots?
Elephant ears do well in containers so long as you provide them with the right sized container, proper soil, and adequate sunlight. … Remember, elephant ear plants prefer consistently moist soil to grow to their optimal size. • Colocasia species typically need pots that are at least 18 inches wide and 16 inches deep.
Are coffee grounds good for elephant ears?
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.
What month do elephant ears bloom?
Elephant ears may bloom from spring through to summer with inconspicuous green flowers on long stalks. The flower has a modified leaf or spathe that covers the stalk, while the stalk consists of a cluster of tiny flowers. Flowering depends upon growing conditions and elephant ear plants may not bloom every year.
Do elephants ears come back every year?
Most elephant’s ears are perennials and will come back every summer in the Lower, Coastal, and Tropical South. Some are perennials in the lower part of the Middle South. They like the soil to be relatively dry in winter.
Do you deadhead elephant ears?
It’s important to remember that removing the parts that no longer serve the overall function of the plant can actually encourage more growth or flowering. This allows light and nutrients to reach smaller, younger leaves that might otherwise be hidden under the natural canopy elephant ear plants tend to provide.
Can black elephant ears take full sun?
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.
