Plant And Grow Elephant Ear Bulbs 101 - Epic Gardening

Contents

The elephant ear plant, known botanically as Colocasia or Alocasia, is famous for its enormous leaves. These bold plants are excellent for layered landscape designs thanks to their heavy, dark, and sometimes patterned foliage.

Elephant ears come in a wide range of colors, from green to deep purple and nearly black. If you are thinking about planting elephant ear bulbs in your garden, you are in the right place.

This guide covers essential tips for planting and caring for elephant ear bulbs so you can grow impressive, healthy elephant ears in your landscape.

Urban Worm Coco Coir

Our Rating

Urban Worm Coco Coir

VIew At Epic Gardening

Epic Organic Garden Straw

Our Rating

Epic Organic Garden Straw

VIew At Epic Gardening

Espoma Bio-tone Starter Plus Organic Plant Food

Our Rating

Espoma Bio-tone Starter Plus Organic Plant Food (4 lbs.)

VIew At Epic Gardening

What Are Elephant Ear Bulbs?

Upright elephant ears are classified as Alocasia, while those that go dormant are Colocasia. Both grow from bulbs, although the more accurate term for these structures is corms.

Once planted, elephant ears grow quickly and can double or even triple in size when given proper care. They are often grown in containers and are easy to propagate by dividing the corms and replanting them elsewhere.

Elephant ears became especially popular in the late 1990s, when tropical plants surged in popularity thanks to their wide range of sizes and colors. They remain favorites in warm, tropical regions because of their dramatic size and ability to add bold personality to any garden.

With that in mind, let’s look at how to plant elephant ear bulbs properly so you can enjoy this striking plant at its best.

What You’ll Need

Before planting elephant ear bulbs, keep a few key points in mind. Providing the right basic care will ensure lush, dramatic foliage throughout the growing season.

Climate

Elephant ear plants thrive in full sun and grow quickly in summer. They prefer warm weather around 50°F (10°C). With proper care, they can survive winter as well. Covering the soil with a thick layer of mulch helps protect the corms during cold weather and improves their chances of surviving freezing temperatures.

These plants need plenty of sunlight to reach their full size. Partial shade is helpful during extremely hot afternoons, since intense heat can scorch the leaves of some varieties. Morning sun is ideal, while the harsh afternoon sun can be too strong for sensitive types. In winter, provide as much direct light as possible.

Soil

Elephant ears grow best in loamy soil enriched with plenty of organic matter, which you can supply by adding compost. The soil should stay consistently moist throughout the year, as these plants require a lot of water to reach their full size.

A slightly acidic soil pH is ideal. Because the soil must retain moisture without becoming waterlogged, it helps to amend garden beds with a rich container mix or a high quality potting soil. This ensures the plants receive the nutrients they need during the growing season.

Spacing

The proper spacing for elephant ears depends on the variety you are growing. Some large types need up to 10 feet of space, while others require around 6 feet, allowing their roots and foliage to spread comfortably.

Check the spacing recommendations for your specific variety and plan your planting layout accordingly. If bulbs would be too crowded in one area, relocate extras to another part of the garden or plant them in containers.

Choosing the Right Corm

Before planting elephant ear bulbs, choose healthy tubers. Select ones that are large, plump, and firm, as these have the energy needed to produce big, lush leaves. When planting, set the bulbs at least five to six inches deep so they have plenty of room to grow.

Elephant ears often perform best in large containers because it is easier to keep the soil consistently moist, but they can also be planted directly in the ground. If planting in garden beds, cover the corms with at least one inch of soil.

How to Plant Elephant Ear Bulbs

If you have a spacious garden, start by choosing the right location. Pick a spot that receives plenty of sun and stays above 55°F (13°C). Before planting elephant ear bulbs, work two inches of compost into the soil to supply the organic matter these plants rely on.

Elephant ears grow best in soil with a pH between 6 and 7. If your soil is too acidic, adjust it with lime or sulfur as needed. Dig a hole four to six inches deep and place the bulb inside with the flat end facing downward. Cover it completely with moist soil.

Feed your elephant ears with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks to encourage fast growth. If any leaves turn brown, trim them off before the problem spreads, and water regularly to prevent browning in the first place.

In winter, reduce watering and trim the foliage as needed. You can also move the plant indoors for protection, which we will cover in the next section.

How To Overwinter Elephant Ear Bulbs

Since it is easy to replant elephant ear bulbs, you can dig up the corms whenever needed, but handle them with extreme care to prevent damage. Treat them as you would other flower bulbs.

Wait until one to two weeks before your average first frost date. Remove all the foliage with sharp, sterilized pruning shears, cutting just above the ground.

Use a small hand trowel or hori hori garden knife to dig up the corms. Where possible, loosen the soil around each elephant ear bulb, then pull it up gently with your hands. Leave any young, developing roots attached to other bulbs. Carefully remove excess soil from the roots and trim off any long or damaged roots with pruning shears.

Lay your corms on the ground and use a garden hose to wash them clean. Let them dry in a cool, dark place for about a week. Cut off any remaining dead foliage, then loosely wrap each elephant ear bulb in paper or newspaper. Store the tubers indoors in a box or other breathable container through winter.

Check them every few weeks for signs of pests or disease. If you notice any problems, treat the bulbs with a neem oil spray and let them dry completely before wrapping and storing them again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What month do you plant elephant ear bulbs?

You want to plant elephant ears some time in spring, after the soil temperature has reached 50°F. Remember, these are tropical plants that don’t tolerate cold very well.

Do elephant ear bulbs come back every year?

Especially in more temperate regions, yes. They will return from the corms in spring. In colder regions, it may be best to overwinter your bulbs in cardboard boxes.

Can elephant ear bulbs be left in the ground?

In zones 7 through 11, you can plant elephant ears in spring and leave them in the ground through winter.

What do you do with elephant ear bulbs in the fall?

You can either prepare the soil with a thick layer of mulch, or you can remove the bulbs from the ground about 1 to 2 weeks before the first frost to overwinter in boxes.

Should you soak elephant ear bulbs before planting?

No. Avoid this, as the bulbs should be kept dry when they’re not in the ground. Soaking can cause various fungal rots and water borne illnesses.