Elephant ear is a stunning plant with large leaves and wavy edges. In this post, we will see the growing requirements of elephant ear plants and how to care for them to have a thriving plant in your garden.
Light Requirements
The Elephant ear plant prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can burn the plant's leaves. Also, make sure you rotate the plant monthly for balanced growth.
Water Requirements
The plant needs watering once a week in order to keep the soil evenly moist and not soggy. You can mist between the waterings to provide humidity.
How Fast Does it Grow?
Elephant ear plants grow relatively fast in prime conditions and can reach up to two feet in height. To ensure that your plant is healthy, fertilize it with indoor plant food 1-2 times per month, preferably in summer and spring.
Maintaining a Healthy Elephant Ear Plant
- Pruning: Since the plant has voluptuous leaves, they will droop as they age. So trim these off to give the plant more energy to grow new leaves.
- Trimming: If a small portion of a leaf is damaged, trim off the damaged part, such as discolouration and blemishes. But make sure you follow the natural lines and shape of the leaf.
- Cleaning: Remove the dust regularly to ensure that the plant can soak up as much light as possible. Use a damp cloth to gently wipe the leaf clean while also supporting the underside with your other hand.
How to Grow an Elephant Ear Plant?
- Growing: With the right light, temperature balance, and adequate water, the plant can be a fast grower. If you don't see any growth after some time, you may consider adjusting one of its elements. You can use diluted fertilizer during summer and spring to give your plant a vitamin boost.
- Repotting: Elephant ears plants need to be repotted only every few years, especially if you see the roots outgrowing the pot. If you want the plant to grow larger, use a new pot larger than the current one. If you want the same size, you can keep the same pot and simply change the soil.
How to Propagate Elephant Ear Plant?
- Divide the roots: Remove the plant from its current container and decide which area you will divide. Ensure that there is at least one bud in each clump of tubers. Untangle the roots carefully and pull them apart.
- Place in fresh soil: Plant the new division in fresh soil and water thoroughly.
- Stabilize: Keep the new pots in a warm area with bright indirect light. The soil should be moist but not drenched.
Common Problems with Elephant Ear Plants
- Yellowing edges: The edges of the large leaves may turn yellow due to the imbalance in the light-to-water ratio. You can do small weekly tests of giving more or less light or water, testing just one adjustment at a time until the yellowing has stopped.
- Dark spots: These occur due to overwatering, which causes a fungal disease. You can remove damaged leaves, cut off the diseased areas, and spray a fungicide.
- Droopy leaves: The leaves can droop and bend backwards due to underwatering. So give your plant enough water and let the roots refresh.
Concluding
Proper maintenance and care and appropriate growing conditions can help your plant thrive. Follow the above rules to have a beautiful and healthy elephant ear plant.