how do you take care of an indoor elephant ear plant

How often do you water indoor elephant ears?

• During the growing season (May to September), water once or twice a week with a liquid fertilizer every 15 days. The root ball must remain moist but not wet.
• Maintain a constant humidity by placing the pot on a bed of clay balls bathed in a little water.
• In winter, make sure to let the rootball dry between watering (about every 10 days). ...

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What plants go well with elephant ear plants?

What Plants Go Well With Elephant Ear Plants?

• Ferns. The dainty foliage of ferns visually contrast the large, bold-sized leaves of elephant ears well. ...
• Coleus. Coleus (Solenostemon spp.) are fast-growing herbaceous foliage plants with leaves that can range in color from yellow or green to purple, rust brown or burgundy-red.
• Begonias. ...
• Other Elephant Ears. ...

How to take care of an indoor elephant ear plant?

How often do you water indoor elephant ears?

• During the growing season (May to September), water once or twice a week with a liquid fertilizer every 15 days. The root ball must remain moist but not wet.
• Maintain a constant humidity by placing the pot on a bed of clay balls bathed in a little water.
• In winter, make sure to let the rootball dry between watering (about every 10 days). ...

How do you care for an elephant ear plant?

• Place a tray of pebbles with water under your plant to evaporate.
• Mist your plant every day.
• Place it close to a humidifier.

How to grow and care for elephant ear?

Elephant Ear Care . Grow elephant ears in slightly acidic soil in partial shade. As a native wetland plant, elephant ears like a lot of water. This makes them a good choice for wet areas where gardeners usually have trouble finding suitable plants. Some varieties are well suited for planting in large containers.

How often do you water indoor elephant ears?

Water your Elephant Ear per week, especially during the growing season. Above-average humidity is ideal for your Elephant Ear plant. Elephant Ear prefers temperatures between 65°F and 75°F.

How do you keep elephant ears alive indoors?

Upright elephant ears (Alocasia) may be brought indoors and grown as houseplants. Keep the plants in bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist, not wet.

Do elephant ear plants do well indoors?

A: Alocasia (a.k.a. elephant ear or African mask plant) is a big-leafed tropical that's usually grown as an outdoor summer plant around here. However, it'll also work as a potted plant that you can grow inside or use as a houseplant in cold weather and then move outside in summer.

Should I mist my elephant ear plant?

How to water the Elephant Ear. Water your plant about once a week to keep soil evenly moist but never soggy. Mist between waterings to provide humidity.

Should I cut off yellow elephant ear leaves?

Pruning Elephant Ears Drooping leaves can be cut off with a sharp blade. Yellowing or brown leaves can be cut off at the stem. Disinfect the blade with each cut to prevent the spread of disease. This will give the plant more energy to put towards new growing leaves.

Do elephant ears do well in pots?

If you decide you don't want to plant your elephant ear plants in the ground, container growing is perfectly acceptable for these plants. Elephant ears do well in containers so long as you provide them with the right sized container, proper soil, and adequate sunlight.

Why is my indoor elephant ear plant dying?

There are many reasons why your elephant ear plant could be dying. The most likely causes are that they aren't receiving the right amount of water or sunlight. But a lack of nutrients or space or growing them in the wrong climate could also be the problem.

Why do elephant ears turn yellow?

Cold temperatures will turn most tropical plants yellow, including elephant ears. If you keep your plant indoors, then keeping it next to an air conditioner or vent blowing out cold air could also contribute to its discoloration. Some colocasia will turn outright brown when exposed to the cold for too long.

Are elephant ears toxic to touch?

Elephant Ears are poisonous to children. Touching the stems or leaves can cause skin irritation and possibly a rash and itching. Eating the leaves, stems, or sap can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat and lead to swelling.

Is Epsom salt good for elephant ear plants?

Epsom salt helps ferns and plants similar to ferns, such as elephant ear, have rich, dark foliage. Add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt to a gallon of water and spray ferns and elephant ears to achieve the look.

How often do elephant ears get new leaves?

The growth expected from elephant ear plants is moderate. During the active growing season you can expect around 1 leaf every month or slightly less than this. If you notice that your plant hasn't produced any new growth in the past 6 months then it might not be very happy.

Why is my elephant ear plant dropping leaves?

In most cases, Elephant Ear plant leaves droop due to overwatering or under-watering. Other common causes of this problem include pest infestation, disease, low humidity, fertilization errors, and insufficient lighting.

Why is my indoor elephant ear plant dying?

There are many reasons why your elephant ear plant could be dying. The most likely causes are that they aren't receiving the right amount of water or sunlight. But a lack of nutrients or space or growing them in the wrong climate could also be the problem.

Can you bring elephant ears inside for winter?

Elephant ears can be moved indoors and grown as a houseplant during the winter months. To give it the best growing conditions place it in a bright, south-facing window. They also need warm temperatures in the 70s and plenty of water. Also, elephant ears require humid growing conditions.

What do you do with elephant ears in the winter?

It's a fairly simple process: After your first frost, cut the stems to about 6 inches tall. Put the tubers in a grocery bag, plastic pot or bulb rate and cover with a mix of peat moss and soil. Add water to the container and store it in a cool, dark place to ensure the tuber stays dormant throughout the winter.

Why are my indoor elephant ears turning yellow?

Too much or too little water can cause leaves to turn yellow or brown. One other factor to consider when your elephant ear plant becomes discolored is watering frequency. Both over-watering and under-watering can cause the leaves of any plant to form yellow spots, before the color takes over the whole leaf.

Elephant Ears Gardening Uses

There are a number of uses for elephant ears in the garden. These plants come in a variety of colors and sizes. Elephant ear plants can be used as...

Planting Elephant Ear Bulbs

Growing elephant ear plants is easy. Most of these plants prefer rich, moist soil and can be grown in full sun, but they generally prefer partial s...

How to Take Care of An Elephant Ear Plant

Once established, elephant ears require little attention. During dry spells, you may want to water plants regularly, especially those growing in co...

How to grow elephant ears?

Planting Elephant Ear Bulbs. Growing elephant ear plants is easy. Most of these plants prefer rich, moist soil and can be grown in full sun, but they generally prefer partial shade. The tubers can be placed directly outdoors once the threat of frost or freezing temperatures have ceased in your area. Plant the tubers about 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm.) ...

What is an elephant ear plant?

Image by Lori L. Stalteri. The elephant ear plant ( Colocasia) provides a bold tropical effect in nearly any landscape setting. In fact, these plants are commonly grown for their large, tropical-looking foliage, which is reminiscent of elephant ears.

How to store a sage plant after a frost?

Cut the foliage back to about a couple of inches (5 cm.) after the first frost in your area and then carefully dig up the plants. 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.

Can elephant ears survive winter?

Elephant ears cannot survive winter outdoors. Freezing temperatures kill foliage and damage tubers. Therefore, in areas with harsh, cold winters (like those in northernmost regions), the plants must be dug up and stored indoors. Cut the foliage back to about a couple of inches (5 cm.) after the first frost in your area and then carefully dig up ...

How Often Do You Water Elephant Ear Plants?

Elephant ear plants require lots of water and don’t mind living in moist soil. You may need to water the plant daily during the growing season and ensure that the soil does not dry out entirely during the warmer summer months. However, you won’t need to water the plant as much during the winter months.

How Much Sun Does an Elephant Ear plant Need?

You should place your pot in an area of the home with bright windows that will cast a lot of indirect light on the plant. Avoid too much direct sunlight, as too much harsh sun can bleach or discolor the leaves.

Can You use Mulch on this Plant?

Placing mulch or other organic matter around the top of the planter can help keep the potting soil moist and help regulate the soil temperature. This prevents the plant from drying out too much or getting too cold.

When Should you Repot an Elephant Plant?

The best time to repot an elephant ear is during the spring. Check out the complete how-to repot plants correctly guide since the tips are transferable to this plant.

Can You Plant Elephant Ears Outdoors?

The plants will do well outdoors year-round in zones 10 or 11 and die back in the winter months in zones 8 or 9.

What Do Elephant Ear Plants Look Like?

Elephant ear plants have enormous, heart-shaped (or elephant ear-shaped) leaves that can reach up to three feet long and two feet wide when growing wild in the tropics. They can come in rich green, variegated, or purple colors.

Do Elephant Ear Plants Like Coffee Grounds?

Coffee grounds can act as a replacement for natural pesticides and Fertilizer, and they can help add nitrogen, moisture, and acidity to the soil. Many plant varieties benefit from sprinkling coffee grounds on the soil, but you have to be careful with some plants because they are sensitive to the effects. Elephant ears are one such type of plant.

How do you take care of an elephant ear plant indoors?

During the growing season between May and October, apply liquid fertilizer at watering time approximately every two weeks. A special green plant fertilizer will do the trick.

How to repot the elephant ear?

Replace your elephant ear every spring. Prepare a new humus-free, neutral to acidic and well-drained soil.

What fertilizer should be used for elephant ear?

During the growing season, between May and September, bring a liquid green plant fertilizer twice a month. Stop all application in autumn-winter, during its resting period.

Why do elephant ears have new leaves?

A drop in temperature can cause the leaves to fall off, but if your elephant ear has not been exposed to frost, new leaves will appear during the growing season. Growing alocasia in an apartment is quite tricky, but some species of the genus have been designed to make it easier.

How to get rid of dust mites in a greenhouse?

Alocasias are an easy prey for dust mites. Clean the dust from its foliage to avoid invasions. Raised in a greenhouse, it can also be attacked by scale insects. Remove these invaders with a pad soaked in methylated spirits, and rinse the foliage well.

How to protect a rhizome from cold?

Dust should not be allowed to accumulate so that the plant can flourish. In autumn, mulch the foot abundantly to protect the rhizomes from the cold. The plant is not at all rustic.

Where do elephant ears grow?

Known as Alocasia, the elephant ear is a spectacular green plant. This evergreen perennial is native to tropical forests and warm, humid areas. In France, it is cultivated indoors. The peculiarity of this plant is its large shiny leaves in the shape of elephant ears.

How to increase humidity in elephant ear plants?

Your plant will appreciate medium-high humidity, to help increase humidity daily you can do the following: Place a tray of pebbles with water underneath your plant to evaporate. Mist your plant daily. Place near a humidifier. Next is the temperature, elephant ear plants like it warm and temperate.

When is the best time to repot an elephant ear plant?

Spring is the best time of year for repotting, your plant is just coming out of dormancy and is just about to start putting out lots of new growth. Repot using a standard house plant potting mix, add extra organic materials if you think you need to increase drainage. How to repot elephant ear plants:

What temperature do elephant ears like?

Next is the temperature, elephant ear plants like it warm and temperate. To be more specific, they do not like anything below 16 °C (61°F) year round, even in the winter. If the temperature drops below this for an extended period of time it can encourage your plant to go into dormancy.

How often do elephant ears grow?

The growth expected from elephant ear plants is moderate. During the active growing season you can expect around 1 leaf every month or slightly less than this . If you notice that your plant hasn’t produced any new growth in the past 6 months then it might not be very happy. If you haven't already, try repotting your plant or adding fertiliser, this is a great way to give an extra boost and help with new growth.

What is the compound in elephant ear sap?

Elephant ear plants produce something in their sap known as calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested, this compound can produce some very unpleasant side effects in both humans and animals. While the effects are very rarely fatal, if you have children or pets in your home ensure that your plant is out of reach to avoid any injury. You can check out our full list of pet friendly plants over on our website.

How to increase drainage of pots?

Another way to increase drainage is to add a layer of pebbles into the base before planting, this allows excess water to drain away from the soil with ease .

How to increase humidity in a plant?

Your plant will appreciate medium-high humidity, to help increase humidity daily you can do the following: 1 Place a tray of pebbles with water underneath your plant to evaporate 2 Mist your plant daily 3 Place near a humidifier

How to keep elephant ears healthy?

Humidity. Maintaining a medium to high humidity will assist in keeping your Elephant Ear above all, happy and healthy. If your plant is housed in a spot with a humidity level consistently outside of this range click here for detailed tips on how to specifically increase or decrease humidity levels.

What kind of soil do elephant ears like?

Elephant Ear require rich organic and moist soil that is well draining. Therefore, it is best to try and avoid wet, mucky or dry, sandy soils.

How big do elephant ears get?

Elephant Ear Size. When kept indoors with proper care you can expect your plant to reach a maximum of 6 foot or more in length. Mature Elephant Ear plants can grow up to 8 foot tall, similarly this is around the same size of actual African Elephant Ears of 6 feet.

What is the best light for a plant?

Light Requirements. The preferred light position is bright indirect light, thus for best growth requires this in order to thrive. In addition, a sign your plant is getting too much light during the day is burnt leaves.

Can you keep a greenhouse outside?

If you live in a colder climate or during winter months with temperatures below this a greenhouse is recommended. Being kept outside of this temperate range for prolonged periods of time can eventually lead to poor plant health.

Can elephant ear plants be poisonous?

These plants are considered to be toxic thus can consequently be deadly if consumed. However, due to copious amounts of leaves and stems needed to be ingested for a lethal dose, it is unlikely to result in a fatality. Make sure to carefully monitor pets and especially children around your elephant ear to avoid any potential risks.

What kind of soil do elephant ears like?

Elephant ears grow best in a rich, humusy soil that is moist to the point of being wet. This plant is ideal for boggy areas, marshes, swampland, or around water gardens.

What zones do elephant ears live in?

Temperature and Humidity. Elephant ears are tropical plants that do best in circumstances that mimic their native habitat. They will be evergreen in USDA zones 10 to 11, but will likely die back to the ground in zones 8 to 9 to return in the spring.

What is an elephant ear?

Elephant ears are tropical perennial plants grown for the appeal of the large leaves rather than for their flowers. Elephant ear is the common name is used for several species in three plant genera— Colocasia, Alocasis, and Xanthosoma. The most commonly grown plant Colocasia esculenta, also known as taro. Whatever the species, elephant ears are ...

Why do elephant ears droop?

Elephant ears droop if light, water, or fertilizer levels are off. Large leaves can also droop if they become too heavy, and you can remedy their weightiness with stakes to support the plants. Plants will also decline if temperatures are too cold for them.

How to get rid of spider mites on a plant?

An infestation can lead to leaf drop and stunted growth. Another sign of spider mites is webbing found on the plant. To get rid of spider mites, you can use a steady stream of water from a hose to wash them off. Apply an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil as organic methods to keep them away.

Can you plant elephant ears in a pot?

Potting and Repotting Elephant Ears. Elephant ears are sometimes grown in large containers as patio plants, but it is important to use a potting mix with a lot of organic matter that holds moisture.

Can elephant ears grow in shade?

Grow elephant ears in slightly acidic soil in partial shade. As a native wetland plant, elephant ears like a lot of water. This makes them a good choice for wet areas where gardeners usually have trouble finding suitable plants. Some varieties are well suited for planting in large containers.