how do you take care of large elephant ears

1. Cut back the foliage on your elephant ear plants
2. Dig up the rhizome carefully
3. Let these air dry for a couple of days
4. Place in an open container full of peat moss, or you can use dry potting soil. Be sure to cover your rhizome lightly
5. Store them in a dry area that has contact temperatures of 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit

Full Answer

Do elephant ears need to be cut back?

Let the stems of your plants die back naturally with the frost. Cutting them can lead to rot. Cover your plants with chopped-up leaves and lawn grass. This helps to keep the Elephant Ears warm and insulated throughout the winter months.

Do giant elephant 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.

How do you prune giant elephant ears?

2:033:34Trimming a Alocasia Elephant Ear for NEW HEALTHY GROWTH! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo just go right up to it. There chop it right off kind of get away any dirt just. So you're notMoreSo just go right up to it. There chop it right off kind of get away any dirt just. So you're not introducing any disease into the plant.

Do elephant ears like full sun or shade?

Sun or Shade: Elephant ears will grow in sun or shade. If you put them in a hot, sunny location, make sure they get a little shade during the middle of the day. Zone: Elephant ears are tropical plants. In zones 9-11 they can be grown outdoors year-round.

Do giant elephant ears 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. These babies can be separated from the parent plant and installed elsewhere.

Do giant elephant ears spread?

They also tend to have a wide spread as well; most of the common species of the elephant ear grow into a spread (how wide the plant reaches from side to side) between one and four feet. This quickly and easily makes this plant a massive addition to any garden.

Should I cut off dying elephant ear leaves?

Should You Cut Off Dead Elephant Ear Leaves? If your elephant ear plant has dead leaves on it, but the rest of the plant is still alive, it is a good idea to cut off the dead leaves. That way, your plant can devote its energy to growing new leaves and using nutrients for the still alive leaves.

Should I cut off damaged elephant ear leaves?

Damaged growth on herbaceous or nonwoody plants such as cannas, elephant ears, birds-of-paradise, begonias, impatiens, philodendron and gingers can be pruned back to living tissue. This pruning is optional unless the damaged tissue is oozy, mushy, slimy and foul-smelling, in which case it should be removed.

Do elephant ears need to be dug up for winter?

The first step for storing elephant ear bulbs is to dig them out of the soil. It is very important to the success of saving elephant ears for the winter that you dig the elephant ear bulbs out of the ground undamaged. Any damage to the elephant ear bulb may result in the bulb rotting over the winter.

Do elephant ears grow better in pots or ground?

9:1111:54Planting Elephant Ears in Containers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the answer is yes you want four to six inches of soil on top of that tuberous root. So if it'sMoreAnd the answer is yes you want four to six inches of soil on top of that tuberous root. So if it's sprouted that's a great thing bury those sprouts do it gently but bury those sprouts.

What happens if you touch an elephant ear plant?

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.

What month do elephant ears bloom?

springWhat Month Do Elephant Ears Bloom? Elephant ears should be planted in the spring, after the first frost and will begin to flower from late spring to early fall.

Do I have to dig up my elephant ears for winter?

The first step for storing elephant ear bulbs is to dig them out of the soil. It is very important to the success of saving elephant ears for the winter that you dig the elephant ear bulbs out of the ground undamaged. Any damage to the elephant ear bulb may result in the bulb rotting over the winter.

Do you cut elephant ears back in the winter?

Once the first frost has arrived you will need to cut the stems of your elephant ear plant down to 6” in height. Then gently dig the tubers from the ground. Be careful not to cause any damage as this could impact their survival rate. Damaged tubers are much more likely to rot over the winter months.

Do elephant ear plants grow back after winter?

In cold regions, elephant ears perform like annuals as opposed to perennials. Elephant ears will grow back in the spring in zones 8 and warmer. Dig up tubers at the first frost if you live in a cold climate. Bring the tubers indoors and store them in a dark, cool place during winter.

What do you do with elephant ears after winter?

After the danger of frost has passed, simply move the pots outside or replant your elephant ears in your garden.

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How do you care for indoor elephant ears?

To care for indoor elephant ears, you’ll need to keep the plants at temperatures that are above 70 °F (21°C). If it falls below this temperature the plants will go dormant and lose their leaves.

How do you care for elephant ears in winter?

The advice on how to care for elephant ears in your garden during winter will differ slightly depending on the hardiness zone in which you live.

Should you cut back elephant ears?

You should cut back elephant ears if you live in a colder region and want to store the tubers over winter, to then plant out again the following spring.

Are elephant ears good container plants?

Elephant ears can make a dramatic impact as a solo plant in a large container.

Do elephant ears need a lot of sun?

Elephant ears need some sun, but not too much. A very important element in how to care for elephant ears is choosing the right spot for them in the backyard when planning out your flower bed ideas. As they make such a dramatic impact, they can be an eye-catching choice for front yard flower bed ideas, too.

How to keep elephant ears from freezing?

Discontinue watering through the winter. This forces elephant ear tubers into dormancy. Cut all the stalks down at the soil level. In the spring when the temperature is consistently at or above 60 degrees F, water when the top of the soil feels dry. Once the last frost has passed, you can return the pots outdoors.

How to cut out dead leaves from elephant ears?

Sanitize your shears before and after cutting elephant ears, or any other plants in the garden, to keep possible diseases from spreading. Use 1 part bleach mixed with 3 parts water. Dip each blade in the solution for 5 minutes, then rinse and air dry.

What is the best mulch for elephant ears?

The mulch helps insulate the soil. Sawdust, seed-free straw, leaf-mold and compost all make good mulching materials. All parts of the elephant ear are poisonous if ingested. When pruning or trimming, keep any cuttings of the foliage, roots and leaves away from pets and children.

What zone do elephant ears grow in?

The care and effort it takes to overwinter elephant ears ( Colocasia spp. ), which grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11 with some variation within species, depends on your climate.

How to get rid of a tuber in winter?

Brush soil away from the surface and identify the shape and size of the tuber, then dig down around the outside of the root and lift it from the soil. Brush off extra dirt and pack the tubers in dry sawdust or peat moss in a bucket or tub. Keep the tubers dry in a 50-degrees F spot through the winter. Advertisement.

Do elephant ears grow year round?

In frost-free tropical and sub-tropical areas, these lush foliage plants grow year-round with minimal winter care. In frost-prone regions, overwintering elephant ears takes a little more effort, but it's worth it when the 2- to 3-foot-long heart-shaped leaves bring a tropical flair to the garden the following summer. Advertisement.

Can elephant ears be grown indoors?

Overwintering Indoors. Outside of the growing zone -- anywhere colder than USDA zone 8 -- elephant ears are not reliably hardy. The roots will freeze in the cold soil, killing the plants. In cold areas you have two choices: you can grow elephant ears in pots and keep them in a frost-free area over winter in a dormant state, ...

What is the best soil for elephant ears?

The thing these plants desire more is warm soil, which should be a minimum of 65ºF. If you live in a USDA zone of 9 to 11, you can grow these all year round. For cooler zones, then you plant Elephant Ears in the spring and grow them like annuals.

Where to grow elephant ears?

You often find this type of plant in certain areas. Here are some of the common locations gardeners grow their Elephant Ears. Decking, patios, and containers: The plants are perfect for areas around your home that don’t receive full sun. Decking, porches, or patios are ideal, as are areas around water gardens to add a tropical plants feeling.

Why are the Leaves on My Elephant Ears Turning Brown?

While this can be from overwatering or underwatering, the issues are most often because of a lack of water.

How big do elephant ears get?

How To Care For Elephant Ears. Elephant Ears or taking their correct name of Alocasia and Colocasia can grow to a magnificent size. Leaves often reach to 2 feet wide , and their foliage can range from nearly black in color to lime green. It is possible to grow these plants indoors as well as out and are perfect for strategically placed container ...

Why are my elephant ear leaves yellow?

You have several options here as to what may cause this on your elephant ear plant. Again, it could be the amount of sun or the amount of watering.

How to care for rhizomes after first frost?

Here are the steps to care for your rhizomes over the winter after the first frost. Place in an open container full of peat moss, or you can use dry potting soil. Be sure to cover your rhizome lightly. Store them in a dry area that has contact temperatures of 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can you leave elephant ear plants in the winter?

If your USDA zone won’t face any frost and the temperatures will remain high enough, You can leave your plants as these temperatures are more akin to their native Southeast Asian environment. In colder zones, you can follow these steps to winterize your plant and then start growing elephant ear plants the next year.

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 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 ...

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.

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.

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.

Is elephant ear toxic?

Since elephant ear is toxic and invasive in some locations, a good alternative similar to elephant ear is the banana plant. They have a similarly lush, tropical look and are nontoxic.

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.