Elephant Ears Fertilizing Tips
- Use a rich soil amended with compost or manure or a 20-20-20 fertilizer mix
- Feed Elephant Ears once a month, starting in the spring and ending in the fall
- Water when applying fertilizer to protect against fertilizer burn
- Do not fertilize Elephant Ears when the plant is not actively growing
What is the best fertilizer for elephant ear plant?
Fertilize the elephant ear plant every month in the spring, summer and early fall using a 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to the directions on the fertilizer label.
How do you take care of an elephant ear plant?
Fertilize the elephant ear plant every month in the spring, summer and early fall using a 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to the directions on the fertilizer label. Watch for yellow leaves on the elephant plant.
How do you Grow Elephant Ears in Texas?
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 or around water gardens. Keep elephant ear plants consistently moist. They will survive nicely even if covered by as much as 6 inches of standing water.
What is eating my Elephant ear plant leaves?
In gardens, aphids, mites and mealy bugs also can be found on elephant ear plants. All should be washed off or picked off as soon as they are spotted. To avoid stalk rot or fungi that thrive in wet environments, be sure the plants are in loose soil with good ventilation, especially if your climate is humid.
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.
Do elephant ears need plant food?
All elephant ear varieties are considered heavy-feeders, requiring rich, fertile, slightly acidic soil. Fertilize your plants once a month with a slow-release, water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer.
How do you keep elephant ear plants healthy?
Keep elephant ear plants consistently moist. They can even survive nicely in 6 inches of standing water, although it is best to water the plant when the soil is wet and not soggy and never allow the soil to dry out thoroughly.
How often should I water 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.
Can I use Miracle Grow on my elephant ears?
Best Fertilizer For Elephant Ears A water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer is a good option that provides a good balance of nutrition. You can also use all-purpose Miracle Grow to feed Elephant Ears plants.
How do you encourage elephant ears to grow?
Elephant ears require partial shade and ample room to grow. The size of the tuber or bulb will be a reliable indicator of how big the plant will grow: The bigger the tuber or bulb, the larger the plant will grow. Choose a planting area with partial shade that has enough space to host your plants.
Should I cut off yellow elephant ear leaves?
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Why are the leaves on my elephant ear plant 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.
How do you take care of potted elephant ears?
Elephant ears like to stay consistently moist, but not soggy. Be especially careful with watering if you use a pot without drainage holes. Always test the soil with your finger first. Humidity is also important to elephant ears, so it's a good idea to set the pot in a saucer of water elevated by pebbles.
Why do elephant ear plants cry?
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.
What does an overwatered elephant ear look like?
Crown, leaf spot, and stem or root rot: These diseases are caused by overwatering and usually appear as dark brown or black spots on the leaves surrounded by a yellowish rim. To prevent this, avoid over-watering, keep the leaves dry, and provide it with good air circulation.
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.
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 Fertilize Elephant Ears Indoors?
On average, these varieties grow for 3 to 5 feet which is a moderate size of indoor plants.
How to make compost tea?
To make the compost tea, fill a burlap bag with compost and place it in the water. After twenty days, the water will turn yellowish to brown depending upon the concentration of compost. If the water turns brown, you should dilute it before applying it to the plants.
Why add Epsom salt to soil?
If you are using organic fertilizer, you should regularly add Epsom salt to maintain the soil’s nutrient balance. Homemade and natural fertilizers are not that rich in salts to fulfill the elephant ear’s requirements. Also, it is recommended to use both natural and commercial fertilizer from time to time to maintain soil health and plant growth.
Can fertilizer burn plants?
Commercial fertilizers can make your plant grow rapidly with its full potential. However, you need to be very careful this time since a minor mistake can burn your plants. It is recommended to follow a strict schedule and use a specific quantity of fertilizer to get the best results.
Can you see Epsom salt on elephant ears?
Yes, you can see the Epsom salt on the ear pants, especially if you notice its leaves are turning yellowish. Since the elephant ear is a high foliage plant, Epsom salt will help it grow at its best.
Can elephant ears be grown indoors?
The elephant ear is an ornamental plant that belongs to tropical and subtropical regions. It sprouts from a potato-like bulb and has big heart-shaped leaves. You can grow these plants indoors and outdoors. Keep in mind that these plants grow only in favorable conditions like moist soil, filtered sunlight, and adequate nutrients. To ensure maximum growth and the best health, it is critical to fertilize the elephant ear plant at the right time and in the right way.
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.
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.
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 Fertilize Elephant Ears
The soil matters when growing Elephant Ears. Soil rich in organic material, like compost, can help support plant growth. The ideal soil will also be slightly acidic. The soil can be amended with compost or manure when planting. Throughout the growing season, you can top dress the ground with compost or apply a fertilizer product.
Best Time To Fertilize Elephant Ears
If you are wondering when should I fertilize Elephant Ears, the answer is once a month during the spring, summer, and fall. As large plants, regular feedings will help the plant bulk up and support its large leaves. Plants do not need to be fertilized during the winter if they are not actively growing.
Best Fertilizer For Elephant Ears
Well-draining soil rich in organic matter, like compost or manure, are good options for Elephant Ears. A water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer is a good option that provides a good balance of nutrition. You can use Miracle Grow to feed Elephant Ears plants.
What is the best way to grow elephant ears?
Soil & Sun Requirements for Elephant Ears. Elephant ear plants, also called taro, are tropical plants that like warm, moist conditions. It can be grown year-round in southern climates and should be brought indoors to serve as a houseplant in the winter in northern areas. Its best sun conditions are full sun, or partial shade in very warm climates. ...
What are the problems with elephant ear plants?
This isn’t a problem for indoor plants, but take precautions against these animals in a garden setting. In gardens, aphids, mites and mealy bugs also can be found on elephant ear plants. All should be washed off or picked off as soon as they are spotted. To avoid stalk rot or fungi that thrive in wet environments, be sure the plants are in loose soil with good ventilation, especially if your climate is humid.
How long do elephant ear tubers dry?
After the upper foliage has dried up in the fall, dig the tubers up carefully, and let them dry for no more than three days. Leave the foliage on the plant, and pack them in sphagnum peat moss or vermiculite for winter storage. Elephant ear tubers should be stored at a temperature in the 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit range.
How to keep elephant ears dormant?
If you want to let your elephant ear plant go dormant for the winter, you should store the tubers for the winter. After the upper foliage has dried up in the fall, dig the tubers up carefully, and let them dry for no more than three days.
How do elephant ears reproduce?
Elephant ears reproduce by division of corms, which come from their tubers. Not all cultivars available today produce tubers, but you can easily propagate those that do by cutting the tuber into pieces, each with a corm on it, similar to the eyes of a potato.
What are the bugs on elephant ears?
In gardens, aphids, mites and mealy bugs also can be found on elephant ear plants. All should be washed off or picked off as soon as they are spotted. To avoid stalk rot or fungi that thrive in wet environments, be sure the plants are in loose soil with good ventilation, especially if your climate is humid.
