Buyer's Guide
Elephant ears are beautiful tropical plants that grow well indoors as houseplants. They have large leaves that resemble elephant ears, hence their name. These plants are easy to grow and require little maintenance once they reach maturity. Elephant ears are also known as 'elephant ears' because of their distinctive shape. The flowers are usually yellowish orange in colour, but sometimes white or pink too. You can keep these plants in pots or hanging baskets, and they make great cuttings. Here's everything you need to know before you start growing your own.
An elephant ear plant is an ornamental plant that grows into large clumps of leaves shaped like elephant ears. Elephant ears grow best in warm climates and need bright light but will tolerate some shade. They require regular watering during dry periods and should never sit in water for more than 24 hours at a time. Elephant ears prefer soil rich in organic matter and should be fertilized regularly. The most common varieties include 'Burgundy', 'Coral Red' and 'Red Giant'.
Elephant ears are one of the most common houseplants. But did you know that these beautiful plants aren't really elephants?
They grow quickly and easily. Elephant ears thrive in bright light and warm temperatures. However, they do best in slightly cooler conditions. They prefer soil rich in organic material and water. These plants love to soak up moisture through their thick leaves. As such, they require regular watering during dry spells.
These plants are perfect for beginners. Their compact size makes them ideal for smaller spaces. Plus, they're relatively inexpensive. All you need to start growing elephant ears is a potting mix, fertilizer, and a sunny spot.
Once you see how fast these plants grow, you'll wonder why you didn't start growing them sooner. Elephant ears are extremely forgiving. They tolerate poor soils and neglect. They also appreciate being moved around occasionally.
As long as you take proper care of your elephant ears, they'll reward you with lush green foliage year after year. Plus, they look fantastic indoors. With their large, glossy leaves, they add instant interest to any indoor space.
When choosing a container for your elephant ears, think about where you plan to place them. If you live in a hot climate, you'll probably want to put your elephant ears somewhere cool. Otherwise, you'll need to protect them from direct sunlight.
The same goes for fertilizing. Fertilizer isn't necessary for elephant ears. Instead, use a balanced liquid fertilizer every other month. Keep in mind that this type of fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements.
To avoid overwatering, wait until your elephant ears begin to wilt before giving them a drink. Watering once a week is usually enough. Remember to remove excess water using a soft cloth.
Finally, don't forget to repot your elephant ears every two to three months. Repotting allows you to move your plants to a larger pot. This gives your elephant ears a chance to develop strong roots.
Repotting is simple. Simply cut off the old root ball and replace it with fresh compost. Then, carefully loosen the topsoil and transplant your elephant ears into their new home. Be sure to press down firmly to ensure a solid connection.
If you want to grow beautiful flowers, then you should start by learning how to take proper care of your houseplants. This includes watering them regularly, feeding them nutritious foods, and keeping them away from direct sunlight. There are many different types of plants available, so here are some things you'll want to keep in mind when selecting one for your home:
Select a variety of colors. You may think that just because they have big leaves doesn't mean they're colorful, but most varieties come in a wide range of colors. For example, purple begonia plants are great choices if you like bright colors. They also provide a nice contrast against dark colored walls.
Select a variety of shapes. Plants come in a wide array of shapes such as round, square, triangular, and even heart shaped. These shapes offer a unique style to any space. Try to select a shape that matches the decor of your living room or bedroom.
Select a variety of sizes. Just because a plant is small doesn't mean it won't add color to your space. Smaller plants tend to be easier to maintain. Plus, they usually cost less than larger ones.
Select a variety of textures. Plants come in a wide variety of textures including smooth, rough, and textured. Smooth plants are often used in indoor spaces where moisture isn't an issue. Rough plants are perfect for outdoor areas since they can withstand dry conditions. Textured plants are great for adding texture to a space.
Look for healthy plants. Healthy plants are easy to care for. They don't require excessive amounts of light, fertilizer, or water. Select plants that appear healthy and vibrant.
When you purchase a plant, you'll want to ensure that it gets plenty of sun. Sunlight provides essential nutrients to a plant. When you place your plant outside, make sure it receives about six hours of direct sunlight every day. If possible, try to position your plant near a window. A sunny spot will help your plant thrive.
Growing conditions. Elephant ear plants grow well in full sun, so they do well indoors. They prefer soil rich in organic matter and humus, so add compost to your potting medium. Water them regularly during dry spells.
Soil type. Elephant ear plants thrive in acidic soils, so if your soil isn't naturally acidic, add lime to raise its pH level. This will encourage root growth and prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizer. Elephant ear plants love fertilizer, especially liquid fertilizers. Use a diluted solution once a month to feed your plant.
Lighting. Elephant ear plants enjoy bright light, so place them near windows or under lights. Keep them away from direct sunlight, though, since this can burn their leaves.
Watering. Elephant ear plants appreciate regular watering, although they don't mind occasional drought. Give them about 1 inch of water each week.
Potting mixture. Elephant ear plants prefer loose, sandy soil, so add sand or vermiculite to your potting mixture.
Pruning. Prune your elephant ear plant only when necessary. Remove dead or damaged branches first, then remove any suckers that sprout from the base of the trunk.
Repotting. Repot your elephant ear plant annually. Dig up your plant and repot it in fresh potting soil mixed with half an inch of gravel. Fill the bottom third of the new pot with potting soil, then set your plant in the center. Add more soil until the top two-thirds of the pot is filled with soil.
There are two main varieties of Elephant Ear Plants. Both are commonly known by the name “Elephant’s Foot Plant”. One variety grows up to 1 foot tall and the other up to 2 feet tall. Both grow well indoors and outdoors. They are easily grown from seed and can be planted right outside. These are drought tolerant and don’t mind low light conditions. They are also fairly easy to maintain.
This variety is smaller than its taller cousin. It can reach heights of about 12 inches. Its leaves are heart shaped and green in color. They flower in spring and summer. Their flowers are white and fragrant.
This variety is larger than its dwarf cousin. It can reach heights of up to 24 inches. Its leaves are lance shaped and yellowish in color. They bloom in late spring and early summer. Their flowers are pink and fragrant.
Both varieties of Elephant Ear Plants are easy to grow and can be kept in any indoor garden. Elephant Ear Plants are also pretty easy to propagate. Simply remove the seeds from the pods and place them in moist soil. Keep the soil damp until germination occurs. When the roots begin to sprout, transplant the seedlings into individual pots. Water regularly and keep them away from direct sunlight. Do not fertilize unless instructed to do so by a professional.
FAQs
Elephant ear plants are tropical flowering plants that grow in warm climates around the world. They have large leaves that look like elephant ears when they are young, but mature into greenish-yellow flowers that resemble those of banana plants.
You can purchase elephant ear plants at your local garden center or online retailer. Elephant ear plants are available year round, although their growth slows during cold weather.
Most elephant ear plants will reach about 2 feet tall once they start producing fruit. If yours has been pampered and well cared for, it should get even bigger than this.
If you live in a humid climate, you'll want to water your elephant ear plant every two to three days. If you live in a dry climate, you can wait longer between watering sessions.
Yes, you should feed your elephant ear plant fertilizer every month or so. Fertilizer helps your plant produce more fruits and seeds.
Your elephant ear plant needs bright sunlight to thrive. Direct sun exposure is best, but indirect sunlight is okay too.
No, your elephant ear plant doesn't need high humidity. High humidity encourages mold and mildew, which can rot the roots of your plant.
Keep your elephant ear plant outdoors all year long. But don't let it freeze! Freezing temperatures can kill your plant.
Indoor elephants ear plants tend to stay smaller than outdoor ones. Outdoor elephants ear plants grow taller and wider.
Watering your elephant ear plant twice per week is enough. Don't forget to water your elephant ear plant after a rainstorm.
Feed your elephant ear plant monthly or biweekly. Use a general purpose fertilizer designed specifically for houseplants.
Clean your elephant ear plant weekly. Scrubbing off dirt and dust helps to reduce disease.
