elephant ear plant nz

Be careful not to cut into or damage the bulb itself. Check the top five inches or so of soil around the plant for dryness and adjust watering as needed. What does it mean if the leaves of your elephant ear are turning yellow? Large, shiny green, leathery, arrow-shaped leaves <75cm long on stalks <1.5m high. One reader kept this plant in a 5 gallon container for close to 20 years. If you live in a tropical, warm climate, you may not need to dig up your plant. Keep a close eye on your outdoor temperatures, as damage can occur below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Leaf Blight – Fungal diseases can be common for elephant ears thanks to their constant begging for moisture, made doubly difficult when you can’t dry out this plant to fight the fungus. Storage Lookbook. "It's good to know the right temperatures to plant elephant ears. I thought the photos were excellent and it was extremely easy to follow the steps. Leaves contain a milky sap. I hope to get really large ears to use for concrete bird baths! There are more than 3,000 species out there! Your site helped me identify it and how to properly take care of it. ), This article contains incorrect information, This article is missing information that I need. Good drainage is a must when planted in the ground. If you live in USDA hardiness zone 8 or above, you can leave your elephant ears in the ground to regrow the next spring. Tip: If you want a unique variety, I suggest going with one of the black elephant ears, like ‘Black Beauty’, also known as the “black magic plant.”. ", "The step-by-step instructions were a tremendous help to me. Elephant ears like humid areas but not necessarily direct sunlight. Then, when it’s warm enough, transfer them to your garden. Colocasia esculenta is a tropical plant grown primarily for its edible corms, a root vegetable most commonly known as taro (/ ˈ t ɑː r oʊ, ˈ t æ r oʊ /), kalo (see §Names and etymology for an extensive list), or godere. Start your tuber in a large pot indoors in mid-late April. in the Dallas area, and my elephant ears thrive here every year, so in answer to the incorrectly answered question, Can you grow elephant ears in clay soil--Yes, you can. Hawaiians in particular used the corms for poi and leaves for luaus, though much of their production has been replaced with modern agriculture. Test the drainage by digging a hole about 1 foot (0.30 m) deep and filling it with water. If you notice dark brown or black spots with a yellowish rim on the leaves, remove the damaged leaves, move the plant away from your other plants, and treat with a fungicide spray. While my earlier warnings of digestive issues from consuming this plant may put a few readers off their feed, it is true that every part of this plant is edible as long as it’s prepared correctly. Absolutely! Wear gloves when you’re trimming the leaves if you have sensitive skin. Repeat after me: moisture, moisture, moisture. Your choice. Their araceous flowers grow at the end of a short stalk, but are not conspicuous; often hidden behind the leaf petioles. Even though elephant ears are tropical plants, it is possible to over-water them. Large perennial (<3 m tall) with a thick, fleshy rhizome with milky sap. Family. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. If you’re a bit boggled by all the different names you see associated with the elephant ear plant, don’t be discouraged. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Click on another answer to find the right one... Support wikiHow by Aphid wasps, Trichogrammatidae, and Eulophidae can also control thrip populations. The Elephant Ear (Colocasia) is a tropical plant that grows up to 9 feet (2.7 m) tall and sprouts large, arrow-shaped leaves that resemble the ears on an elephant. Shop elephant ear (l8541) in the tropical plants section of Lowes.com. ", was or how to take care of it. Here is a genus native to the tropical areas of the Americas and prized for their carbohydrate-rich corms, or bulbotubers. Huge, heart-shaped leaves come in black, purple, emerald green, chartreuse, yellow, or a mix of colors. It is also a common food staple and an ornamental, though the leaves are different from the Colocasia in that they aren’t peltate. Elephant ear plants, or Colocasia, are tropical plants grown from tubers or from rooted plants. This plant often produces a clump of plants in a smaller space rather than running rampant. To find your USDA Hardiness Zone, check the map here. Elephant ears, the common name for three distinct species of plants, are grown for their attractive foliage. Glossy scarlet or orange berries. Check the bulbs every so often. Wear gloves when planting or handling your plant if you have sensitive skin. Main menu Home & Living Features. ​Planting elephant ears in pots is nice when you need to overwinter them, because you can just drag them indoors or pull them into your greenhouse for the cold season. Elephant's ears offer some of the boldest foliage you could ever want in a garden. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. How to Plant Elephant Ear Tubers: Plant elephant ear bulbs outside after all danger of frost has passed and daytime temperatures remain above 70 degrees.Elephant Ears are tropical plants and cannot tolerate any frost.They only emerge when the soil is warm. A: Depends on where you live and what type you have. Elephant ears belong to two species of plants: Colocasia and Alocasia. Transfer the started plant outside when night temperatures are over 50 degrees. spring (14) Planting Zone. Amazon elephant's ear is typically not susceptible to diseases but over-watering can lead to fungal infections. Araceae (arum) Also known as. ", "Article was great, had everything I wanted to know. They are not native to Florida but have become naturalized in some wetland areas in the southern half of the state and are widespread. Particularly for any Zone below 7a, overwintering indoors is recommended. % of people told us that this article helped them. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Native to tropical and subtropical Asia to Eastern Australia, there are 79 species of this popular potted house plant. ... NZ_MS Lookbook ; Storage Lookbook. This will help avoid overcrowding. Most people plant them deliberately, but if they are not carefully controlled, they can take over your entire yard. It can be a house plant in the winter and summer with some time spent outside in warm weather, helping to prolong its life. In USDA plant hardiness zone eight and above, elephant ears can be left outside year-round. Some types, such as Colocasia esculenta, can be potted in shallow water, submerged during the summer around the edges of a pond, for instance. Dig up and replant some of your elephant ear plants to spread them out. Elephant ear leaves are mildly toxic and irritating to the skin. The bulbs will push upwards as they grow so it's important to leave enough space that they won't break through the soil. Wrap the bulbs in leaves from the plant, sphagnum peat moss, or garden vermiculite to protect them further. Prevention is best as it is nearly impossible to eliminate the fungus on an infected plant. ), which grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11 with some variation within species, depends on your climate.In frost-free tropical and sub-tropical areas, these lush foliage plants grow year-round with minimal winter care. Plants in the aroid family with large shield-like leaves are often dubbed "elephant ears." Not quite! Share your questions there, too, while you’re at it. Because they are a water-loving plant, you might think that any browning at the tips is a sign of over-watering. Pay attention to the size your choice of plant may grow to and plant accordingly, giving them room to stretch out so they don’t hog the sun from one another. From shop DESIGNitPRETTY. I can’t help you with the animals ;). I water it twice daily, giving about a gallon each time. ", Wanted to make sure I gave her good instructions. ​Let’s face it – elephant ears can get pretty big. If you really want people to wonder about you, try saying this out loud at your next dinner party. Black stems, leaves shaped like small cups. "I got my first bulb this spring. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. So many elephant ears, so little time! They're grown from tuberous rhizomes and can reach impressive sizes quickly. Recreate tropical conditions in your garden by keeping the soil moist and not letting it dry out. Great info. Read on for another quiz question. I am growing them in pots and they are, "I wasn't sure if I needed to plant the complete tuber underground. Long, dark-olive leaves. Avoid planting where previously infected plants had been. apart (45-60 cm), tall Elephant Ear varieties (over 5 ft. or 150 cm) about 3-4 ft. apart (90-120 cm). Drooping leaves signal that the plant needs more water. General description. Not exactly! This simple but thorough tutorial was very helpful! This article received 30 testimonials and 93% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. For tips on maintaining you elephant ear plants by trimming the leaves and transplanting them, read on! ", southern-facing beds this spring. If they get less than that, the leaves will start to turn yellow as the chloroplasts die off. Q: There are so many different kinds of elephant ears! Dig a 6 in (15 cm) border around the bulbs. ", "Very well-written. And yes, you can grown elephant ear plants as indoor houseplants. Alocasia, genus of broad-leaved perennials in tropical & subtropical Asia to Eastern Australia; Caladium, ornamental plants with arrowhead-shaped leaves originally from South America; Colocasia (taro), a genus of flowering plants native to tropical Polynesia and southeastern Asia If it takes longer than 4 hours to empty, you have poor drainage. 5 out of 5 stars (1,794) 1,794 reviews $ 59.97 FREE shipping Favorite Add to RARE Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’ - Free shipping! Fertilize about once a month. Thank you! However, they have the potential to be invasive in warm climates and wet locations. Last Updated: March 22, 2020 Perhaps you could start a trade with them, sharing the different colors, shapes, and sizes between you for years to come. If you want slow or non-runners (gee, I can really relate to those types), the clumping varieties with their attractive vase shape may work better for you. From shop EurekaFarmsLLC. ", depth of planting. Thanks. Especially comfortable, since I chose a 36", "This article helped me with winter storage and growing in the winter. Droopy leaves mean you need to water the plant. Perhaps you like the deep, glossy, purplish-green of the black elephant ear plant, like the Colocasia Black Coral. While the flowering plants in this closely related genus are known as “elephant ear,” you wouldn’t think that their other names include “Angel Wings” and “Heart of Jesus,” unless you usually think of elephants with angel wings sprouting from their backs. Why should you wear gloves while trimming elephant ear leaves? The elephant's ear is a hybrid that has become a fairly popular ornamental house plant, and is one of the easiest to find and buy from the Alocasia genus. Keep them out of reach of children or pets. Check what zones of the type you pick are hardy to — Colocasia “Pink China” is possibly hardy to Zone 6 but some others, like Colocasia gigantea “Thailand Giant Strain,” are quite settled in the Zone 8b area. Colors of the foliage may be anywhere from purplish black, green or green/white variegated. Elephant Ears are large attractive plants that command attention in your outdoor garden or can be used in your indoor space for cleaning your air. I will probably have to change locations when it gets brutally, "This is a clear, easy-to-follow article packed with information. But too much sun is a problem because it dries out the soil, not because it yellows the leaves. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. $ 69.00. When potted, it can go outside in the summer and inside for the winter. Insecticidal soap and some pesticides can help, though thrips are hard to control due to their rate of reproduction and slender shape. What does it look like? The best time to cut the leaves is early to mid fall. [citation needed] It is the most widely cultivated species of several plants in the family Araceae that are used as vegetables for their corms, leaves, and petioles. There’s a better option out there! Small and medium sized Elephant Ears should be spaced 18-24 in. unlocking this expert answer. Why do you recommend digging them up over the winter? Alocasia Elephant Ears (aka Alocasia Microrrhiza) has very large pure green leaves with distinctive veining, and strong stems. Pick another answer! Dasheen, chembu, eddoe, and tarul are just a few of the names belonging to this genus, with others that are even more a mouthful to say. Elephant ear Botanical Name. This can invite moisture building and destroy your hard work. This article has been viewed 1,341,224 times. Try again! Several genera in the family Araceae (Arums) . After scanning perhaps hundreds of pictures of elephant ear plants, you may find yourself filled with a burning desire to add these tropical beauties to your own garden. Or something with deep pink stems and bright green leaves, like the Pink China. Some fungicides can help protect healthy plants. Yup! Divide the elephant ears when they outgrow the plot. Some of them are small, and some grow to be gigantic elephant ear plants if they’re given optimal growing conditions. Elephant Ear Size When kept indoors with proper care you can expect your plant to reach a maximum of 6 foot or more in length. Elephant ears are a partial sun plant. Elephant ear leaves aren't sharp-edged. Skip the airtight containers, though. . Alocasia Elephant Ears. Only 17 left in stock - order soon. Using a raised bed or installing a drainage system in your garden can help avoid overwatering. Larger bulbs will need slightly deeper holes. We're always looking to improve our articles to help you become an even better gardener. Can it grow in a big pot/planter indoors? Phyllosticta leaf spot – Again, moisture is the culprit for the spread of this fungus, which shows as little purple or black spots. This lush plant is a fast grower, delivering you a tropical vibe for summer. You may end up with more elephant ears in your small space than you wanted. If you live in a colder climate, consider keeping your elephant ear plant indoors, at least to overwinter. Prevent Elephant Ears from Taking Over Your Garden. Deep green leaves with bright white stems. To grow elephant ear plants, plant the bulbs in the spring, during April or May, in an area that receives indirect sunlight and has moist soil with good drainage. If you live in a climate zone where there's no danger of the tuber freezing, or you can insure that it has enough mulch covering it to make freezing a non-issue, then you can leave it in the ground. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Sit them outside or bring them indoors. I put in a large planter and was wondering about care. Elephant ears are a tropical plant, so they need warm weather to sprout. While a few varieties may put a root or two over the dividing lines, most Colocasia are either clumpers or runners. For tips on maintaining you elephant ear plants by trimming the leaves and transplanting them, read on! Elephant ears require a lot of water, especially when they’re first planted. Elephant ear plants are a popular landscaping plant with broad, flat, green leaves. Depending on the type, these tropical plants prefer sun or partial shade, though some might like full shade even better. You can discard the leaves or keep them to wrap the bulbs in for storage. If there's still no sprout after 3 weeks, carefully dig up the bulb to inspect it for rot. How long can they live in a pot in the house? Elephant Ears needs room to grow. ", "I am well satisfied with the information I got from this. Give the taller varieties room to grow, as some can reach eight feet tall! Read on for another quiz question. Then again, that might not be a good idea if you have a lot of vegetarian friends. While it’s a bit more picky than something like a cast iron plant or a zz plant, ​with a little attention you can have your elephant ear thriving. To grow these stunning plants, plant the bulbs in the early spring with the right soil conditions. A: First of all, find ones that match the zone you live in. Don't oversaturate your soil when you water your elephant ears. Mix compost matter or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Caladiums are generally Zone 10. Standard fungicides can take care of this issue, but try to avoid the problem to begin with by directing water to the roots and not the leaves. In cooler areas (zones 3-8) the bulbs are planted in the spring and usually grown as annuals. These are plants that need a lot of water! ELEPHANT EAR CARE. This website was very helpful in introducing me to the plant! perennial (14) Plant Type. Putting them in mesh bags and tucking them in layers of peat moss is good storage method. jumbo (4) upright (2) Planting Season. The evidence speaks to a beginning in Southeast Asia, though this is still widely debated. All my questions were, "I wanted to grow elephant ear plants, but had no idea how. I created Epic Gardening to help teach 10,000,000 people how to grow anything, no matter where they live in the world. Zone 8b and further south may be able to overwinter outside with some protection but a hard winter might make its spring comeback difficult. By using our site, you agree to our. If you don’t have room in your house for them, then dig up the tubers, allow them to dry a bit, and store them in a dry spot that stays around 45 to 50 degrees all winter long. I read everything you had about them. Try again! If you’re after a good indoors house plant, check out the Alocasia species. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. Alocasia brisbanensis. You will be receiving one plant between 2.5 and 6 inches in height shipped in a 3 inch deep pot. Elephant ears have very large heart-shaped leaves borne on 2-3 foot (.6-.9 m.) petiole or leaf stalks. Look for a fertilizer that’s high in nitrogen. The mammoth leaves can be more than 3 feet long on plants that can grow higher than 6 feet tall. Regular gardening gloves are enough to protect your hands. The roots will be able to grow down and the greens will grow up naturally. Treat it like any other perennial and bury it under a layer of mulch at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) deep. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Its Arrowhead-shaped leaves grow to a length of 20 to 50 cm on long. Click on another answer to find the right one... Did you know you can read premium answers for this article? Elephant ear plant care, that is. The bottom may also have some root hairs leftover from the previous season. They have the thin-but-rounded edges common to large leaves, so you're in no danger of accidentally slicing your hand open. Where is it originally from? In zones 9-11 they can be grown outdoors year-round. In spite of that, some of their Colocasia varieties have been preserved by agricultural scientists and new ones are being bred. The Elephant Ear (Colocasia) is a tropical plant that grows up to tall and sprouts large, arrow-shaped leaves that resemble the ears on an elephant. A larger plant will cover a smaller one, for example, so the leaves of the smaller plant can't get enough light. All colocasia and alocasio bulbs are on sale now at savings of up to 77% off. The ideal daytime temperature will be around 70 °F (21 °C). She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Elephant ears are tropical foliage plants with large dark green leaves. A lot of brown or yellow leaves are a sign the plant is either not getting the right amount of sunlight or isn't getting enough water. Keep children and animals away from the plants. Never let the plant dry out between watering. Colocasia Illustris, Black Beauty, and Coal Miner are the only ones with below-ground runners. "Great, thorough step-by-step instructions. How to Plant Elephant Ear Bulbs and Seeds As far as how deep to plant elephant ear bulbs, you should plant tubers fairly close to the soil’s surface, perhaps two to four inches. artificial plants & flowers Artificial Elephant Ear Plant in Pot $10.00 The ear of an elephant; Plants. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Grow-Elephant-Ear-Plants-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Elephant-Ear-Plants-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Grow-Elephant-Ear-Plants-Step-1.jpg\/aid19529-v4-728px-Grow-Elephant-Ear-Plants-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":308,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":487,"licensing":"