Let’s learn how to plant elephant ear bulbs.
It’s easy to see why elephant ear plants are so prevalent in gardens and containers. They’re known as elephant ears because of their heart- or arrow-shaped leaves (sometimes enormous) that feature beautiful veining.
Elephant ear plants are the only plants that may satisfy one’s need for a taste of the tropics.
They were popular in the Victorian era and now enjoy a renaissance in the current mania for zone-defying plants.
Elephant Ear Plant Care
Elephant ears are a great way to add drama and texture to a garden or container. Rich, wet soil and filtered light or shade are all they need to thrive. Tuberous rhizomes propagate these plants, which may swiftly grow to enormous proportions.
Zones 10 to 11 fully hardy:
Elephant ears can only flourish in locations with daily temperatures of 70 to 85F and nighttime temperatures of no lower than 60F, which are comparable to their native Southeast Asian humid climes. As a result, the plants must be transplanted each year in colder climates.
Filtered sun or shade is preferred by the majority, while some can handle full sun. Generally speaking, plants with green leaves can withstand greater light levels, while those with darker leaves need more filtering light or shade.
Elephant ears need rich, wet, yet well-drained soil to thrive. There are a few exceptions, such as the large-leaved colocasia you’ll find in water gardens, which are more tolerant of damp environments.
Big, green elephant ears are very resilient and can withstand a wide range of moisture conditions; dark-leaved varieties.
On the other hand, they are vulnerable to overwatering and may last several days without water.
Watering To Elephant Ear Bulbs:
Water plants in the morning to keep them dry during the night. Water from below the root zone is feasible to prevent water from the leaves.
They don’t need a lot of fertilizer. Slow-release fertilizer should be used at the time of planting. You may have a vitamin shortage if you see fading leaves. Micronutrient fertilizer or Epsom salts may be sprinkled around the base of each plant once a month.
It is a dream of every serious gardener to have a garden with a broad diversity of plants, both in terms of flowers and foliage. The terrain is made up of a variety of hues and textures. It’s never too late to look for new plants.
Among the many plants, there is one that always draws notice. Nothing happens, yet it’s still worth growing. This is because of its impressively huge and luxuriant leaves. They came in various hues, from deep emerald green to stunning lime green.
The dark green of the leaf contrasts nicely with the lighter green of the stem. It’s impossible to miss, even if you’re driving right by it. This magnificent plant will never be able to hide in a corner due to its enormous size.
No matter whatever kind you choose for your garden, all elephant ears are grown in the same manner. For optimal development, they all need the same circumstances.
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Best Season to Plant Elephant Ear Bulbs
The most important guideline is to wait until the risk of frost has passed before planting your elephant ears.
Keep in mind that they are tropical plants that need at least 55°F during the night and 70°F during the day. Your elephant ear’s survival prospects are minimal if the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. So, plant the tubers in the spring when the earth is warm, and the weather is continuously pleasant outside.
Planting the bulbs in a container and bringing them indoors to a warm, sunny place will allow you to get a jump on the growing season. When the weather is warming up outside, you may bring the pot outside.
1. Preferred Growing Conditions
Even though elephant ears are considered low-maintenance plants, choosing a place that matches all their requirements will result in optimum development.
2. Site Location and Light Conditions
Make sure your elephant ears don’t get blown about by severe winds by planting them in a safe location. The leaves might be shredded if the wind is constantly blowing.
Full sun to moderate shade is ideal for elephant ears.
In warmer climates, look for a site with midday shade or filtered sunlight to avoid overheating. If your variety has leaves that are deeper in color, a sunny setting will help keep it that way.
3. Overwintering and Cutting Back:
Tuberous rhizomes may be dug out and kept for the winter in colder regions. These plants may be grown in the ground or a container, depending on the climate in where they are grown.
- In colder regions that are subject to frost or subzero temperatures, it is necessary to:
- Once the foliage has turned brown, generally two to three days following a deadly frost, remove it to the ground.
- Find and remove the rhizomes.
- Dry out for a few days before using.
- Rhizomes should be kept in an open container with dry potting soil covering them.
- Make sure they are kept dry and cold (45 to 55°F).
Trim it back to the ground once the foliage has turned brown in warmer regions. Over the winter, bulbs may be left in the ground or containers. Mulch the base of the plant to a depth of four to twelve inches to protect it from freezing.
Elephant Ear Varieties To Grow.
If you want to learn about how to plant elephant ear bulbs, you must know that Their rapid growth makes them an excellent one-shot annual for northern gardeners, even in a short growing season.
Nevertheless, among the 70 or so species and their cultivars, there are a variety of leaf forms and sizes, as well as a broad range of colours and textures, from glossy and slippery to waxy and thick.
In addition to being used in gardens, many of these plants are also excellent houseplants.
Designing With Elephant Ear Plants:
Decorate the perennial border with large-scale elephant ears. In the middle of a sea of vibrant blooms, a vast green leafy plant provides a welcome reprieve for the eyes.
Use alocacias in mixed pots with other foliage and blooming annuals that benefit from filtered sunshine and wet soil as an excellent companion and dramatic centerpiece. Use one of the wider varieties in a large pot to create a show-stopper.
Silver, pink, and chartreuse plants look stunning when paired with purple-foliated species. Combine elephant ears with cannas, bananas, variegated tapioca, caladiums, and coleus for a summer jungle garden. A container of alocasia may serve as a focal point in the yard and disguise the space left after spring-blooming bulbs become dormant.
FAQs:
Which way do you plant elephant ear bulbs?
The smooth side of the Elephant Ear bulb is the top and should plant up. The bumpy side of the Elephant Ear bulb is the bottom and should be planted down. The bumpy side with some possible hairs is slightly flatter than the smooth top side.
Should you soak elephant ear bulbs before planting?
Even if some of your bulbs have been replanted, you don’t need to soak them before planting. Alternatively, you may plant them when the season comes. Ensure your plants have good drainage and incorporate some compost into the soil before planting.
How long does it take elephant ears to grow from bulbs?
Within three to eight weeks after being planted, elephant ears appear.
Sprouting happens when the temperature warms up in spring. In warmer areas, they will grow more quickly than in colder regions.
Reference:
- Elephant Ear Plant