Elephant Ear Plant

Elephant Ear Plants need plenty of water and should be watered frequently. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not soggy. It's important to keep the soil evenly moist to ensure the Elephant Ear Plants grows healthily, but the soil should not become soggy as this could lead to root rot. Check the top 1-2 inches of soil for moisture before watering.

Elephant Ear Plants are a tropical plant and prefer bright indirect sunlight and should be kept in an area with at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight each day. They should not be kept in direct sunlight for extended periods of time, as this can cause their leaves to burn and scorch. The perfect location would be a bright window in a west or south facing direction.

Elephant Ear Plants like to be kept in temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 85°F (29°C). As long the temperatures don’t dip below 60°F (15°C) the plants should be able to thrive happily.

Elephant Ear Plants thrive in humid environments, but they can tolerate lower levels of humidity when necessary. Ideally, the environment should have a relative humidity of around 65%. Humidity levels can be increased for the plants by putting them near a humidifier, a bowl of water or misting the plants with a spray bottle.

Elephant Ear Plants prefer soil that is light and well-draining. Use a potting mix specifically designed for houseplants or a mixture of two parts loam, one part peat and one part sand. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6.5-7.0.

Elephant Ear Plants should be fertilized once every two weeks during the active growing season. A balanced fertilized should be used, or a fertilizer specifically designed for houseplants. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen for optimal growth. The fertilizer should be applied at half strength and watered into the soil.

Elephant Ear Plants can be prone to infestations of aphids, scale, mealybugs and spider mites. Treat any infestations as soon as they are noticed. For serious infestations, use an insecticide or contact your local cooperative extension for specific advice. Other pests that could harm an Elephant Ear Plant include caterpillars and slugs. Use a pesticide or insecticide to treat these pests.

Elephant Ear Plants should be repotted once a year. Transplant the plant into a slightly larger pot and use a potting mix specifically designed for houseplants. If the environment is right, Elephant Ear Plants can grow quite rapidly, so be sure to monitor the size of the plant and its root system. When the pot starts to become overcrowded, it is time to repot.

Unlike other houseplants, Elephant Ear Plants should not be pruned frequently. Pruning only when necessary will help the plant to maintain its size and shape. When pruning, use sharp and sterile pruning shears and remove any dead, wilted or damaged leaves. Prune the top of the plant to help encourage new, healthy growth.

Mulching the soil around the Elephant Ear Plant with a thin layer of peat, maple leaves or compost can help to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Mulch should be applied in late spring or early summer, when the soil has had a chance to warm up.

Elephant Ear Plants can be propagated by division, stem cuttings or seed. Division is the quickest and simplest, but stem cuttings are also an effective method. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant from its pot and separate the healthy rhizomes (roots). Remove any damaged or dead leaves, then repot the plant in a new pot with fresh soil. To propagate by stem cuttings, cut a piece of stem with several leaves attached. Submerge the stem in water and wait for it to develop roots. Plant it in a pot with fresh soil once the root system has developed.

Due to their tall and wide leaves, Elephant Ear Plants may need staking or support in order to stand up straight and not flop over. Provide additional support by inserting a stake into the soil and tying the leaves to the stake gently with string or twine.

Elephant Ear Plants should be given a rest period during the winter months. During this time, reduce watering and let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. This will help the plant to rest and prepare for spring growth.

Elephant Ear Plants can be toxic to both dogs and cats when ingested. If ingested, the foliage of the Elephant Ear Plant can cause mild gastrointestinal problems, so it is important to keep them away from pets.