How do I know what type of elephant ear plant I have?

Colocasia esculenta Hawaiian Punch An exciting new introduction from Hawaii. The glossy, lime green leaves have dark red veining on the back side and matching stems. Hawaiian Punch grows just 3 feet tall, so is more compact than other types and perfect for containers or a small space. Is elephant ear plant good for indoors?
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.

What kind of light does an elephant ear plant need?

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. There are certain varieties that can tolerate full sun. 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.

How fast do elephant ears grow indoors?

about three to eight weeks Just like Colocasia plants, well-watered Alocasia elephant ears will start to sprout in a period of about three to eight weeks whether they are planted indoors or out. Also like Colocasia, they’ll rest for a few months between growing cycles, losing leaves before growing speedily in the warm seasons. How often should I water my indoor elephant ear plant?

Indoor elephant ear plants must be watered once daily during the warm summer months as they will drink a lot of water during that period. The soil should be kept moist and not allowed to dry out. The key to ensuring your elephant ears are getting enough water is to keep the soil moist without saturating it.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

How do you start elephant ears indoors?

Dig a hole so that the top of the bulb is 4 inches deeper than the soil line. Cover with 4 inches of soil. Tubers may be started inside 6-8 weeks before all danger of frost has passed. Plant the tubers individually in 6 inch pots using a good quality potting soil or seed starting soil.

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 elephant ears poisonous to touch?

SKIN IRRITATION SEVERE! All parts are poisonous and contain calcium oxalate crystals. This substance is toxic and makes the mouth, tongue and throat feel as if small needles are digging in to them.

What grows well with elephant ears?

Elephant ears combine well with caladiums. Chinese hibiscus and mandevillea, but they also provide wonderful textural contrast with more typical temperate bedding plants, ferns, or ornamental grasses. Pair dark-leaved varieties with any white, yellow, or orange-flowering plant for vivid contrast.

How often should I water elephant ears?

Where is the best place to plant elephant ears?

sun Elephant Ears perform best in sun or part shade. While most can be grown in partial shade, the darker colored varieties are best grown in full sun. Provide a sheltered location to protect the decorative leaves from strong winds.

Why do elephant ear plant leaves turn yellow?

The most common cause of yellowing leaves in elephant ear plants is a watering issue. … You see, it’s possible that the leaves could start yellowing due to not receiving enough water. The yellowing could be a sign that the elephant ear plants are struggling and that you need to water them more.

What do I do with my elephant ears in the winter?

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.

What month do elephant ears bloom?

Elephant ears are generally planted in spring, once all danger of frost has passed, and only grow outdoors year-round in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8b through 11. They can flower from late spring to early fall.

Will elephant ears grow back after a freeze?

In climates with frost, an elephant ear plant dies back each year. However, in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones where the plant is hardy — typically zones 8b and warmer — it grows back in the spring. In cooler climates, the tubers must be dug up and stored indoors for the winter and then replanted in the spring.

How many different types of elephant ear plants are there?

four types There are four types of plants called elephant ears: Colocasia, Caladium, Alocasia and Xanthosoma.

Do elephant ears 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.

What is the difference between Taro and elephant ears?

Both elephant ear and taro are herbaceous perennials with large leaves up to 6 feet in length. Taro can be distinguished from elephant ears by the attachment of the leaf from the petiole. … Both have arrow-shaped leaves with long petioles and wavy margins.

What is a nice indoor plant?

Add these 11 best indoor plants to your home, and you’ll start experiencing all the healthy benefits ASAP.

How long does it take for elephant to grow full size?

Elephants take a long time to grow physically and emotionally. They reach the majority of their sze by age 15, but often continue to grow in size and weight until they’re about 20 years old. Males might fill out for a bit longer, but by age 25, both males and females are at their full size and strength.

What is bright indirect light?

Bright Indirect light is when the sun’s rays don’t travel directly from the sun to your plant but, instead, bounce off something first. Plants in bright, indirect light will cast blurry, indistinct shadows. Bright indirect light is approximately 800-2000 foot candles.

Why do elephant ears weep?

If your Elephant Ear plant gets too much water, it will let you know by “weeping” or dripping water from the tip of the leaf. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PLANTING FROM A BULB: … Place the bulb root side down and cover with soil and water.

Do elephant ear plants clean the air?

Elephant ear philodendrons are climbing variegated plants that can grow on buildings as well as trees without causing harm. … Elephant ear philodendron will remove formaldehyde from the air. Toxic. This plant should be kept far away from cats, dogs and other pets as it’s toxic.

Do all Alocasias go dormant?

Most plants go through some form of dormancy – it’s just that Alocasias can take it to extremes. … Some plants take their break in the heat of summer, but most – including Alocasias – become dormant in response to cold temperatures and lower light.

Should I soak elephant ear bulbs before I plant them?

Elephant Ear bulbs are typically planted during the spring season once the threat of frost has passed. … 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.

What happens if you plant an elephant ear bulb upside down?

Planting an elephant ear bulb upside will not stop the plant from germinating. It will merely slow down the process of the stem breaking through the soil by a few days or weeks. Although it is advisable to plant bulbs rightside up, planting them upside down or even sideways will not stop the plant from growing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *