Learning How to Take Care of Elephant Ear Plant Correctly & Properly

by

People who want to have elephant ear plant at home should know how to take care of elephant ear plant properly. Elephant ear is known for its bold texture and dramatic effect. Not to mention that it is a flexible plant that can be kept indoor as well as outdoor. There are so many features to love about this plant.

For a starter, it’s super easy to grow. As long as you have moist and rich soil and you can provide a spot that is shaded, you are good. In general, this plant grows from tuber or bulb, but it’s possible to grow them from seed. Once they are mature, they are able to reach impressive and breathtaking sizes quite fast.

Things to Consider

So, how do you take care of an elephant ear plant? First of all, think of the zones. This plant grows well in zones 10 to 11. Elephant ear plants are native to tropical climate, which means that you need to live in warmer regions so they can grow well. They thrive well in areas with temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In case you live in colder areas, you can keep the tuber during winters and replant it in springs. If you don’t mind replanted the elephant ear every year, then it’s possible to do so.

One of the ways on how to take care of elephant ear plant is to pay attention to the sun exposure. Most of the species like partial shade or filtered sun, although some prefer full sun. It depends on their types or varieties, really. But in general, this plant likes indirect sun.

When it comes to soil, the plant requires rich soil. It shouldn’t soggy or saturated, but it should be moist and well drained. If you want to know whether you need to water the plant or not, simply touch the soil. If it is moist, you are good. If it is soggy, then it is over watered. If it is dry, you don’t water it enough. Water it just enough and you should be fine. Make sure that you water the soil; not the leaves.

Tips for Designing with Elephant Ear

Here are some helpful and handy care tips for elephant ear plant that all homeowners can do:

  • You can add the oversized elephant ear to your perennial border so it can deliver dramatic visual effect. If you have colorful flowers, it would be nice to have big and green leaves among them. It would make your eyes ‘rest’ and relax after being presented with tons of colors.
  • Alocasias can be dramatic centerpieces in various mixed containers. They can be used together with flowering annuals and foliage plants. Go with those with moist soil and filtered sunlight. If you want to have a showstopper, consider choosing one of the bigger elephant ear types.
  • Alocasias can also be kept in containers. They can be placed outdoor as well as indoor. These Alocasias in containers are movable, and they can become unique (and movable) focal point. They can also be used to hide the bare and empty spot, especially when the spring-blooming bulbs are dormant.
  • One handy tip in how to take care of elephant ear plant is to color mix and combine different varieties. Purple foliage types will mix well with chartreuse, pink, and silver plants
  • Elephant ear plants can go well with other plants. Use other tropical plants, such as Caladiums, Coleus, variegated tapioca, bananas, or cannas to create appealing visual appearance.

Leave a Reply

No More Posts Available.

No more pages to load.