How to Plant Elephant Ear Bulbs

Not sure how to plant or care for your elephant ear bulbs? Read on below to find out how.

1.) When planting elephant ear bulbs, choose a pot that will be sufficient to support the plants water and stability needs. Elephant ears require large amounts of water, and the larger the pot the longer it will stay moist.

2.) Choose a good quality potting soil and bury the bulb completely in the soil with the neck sticking out. A good rule of thumb is the 2/3rds in the soil and 1/3rd out.

3.) Firm the soil around the bulb.

4.) Water in thoroughly. Depending on the size of the container and type of soil, it may take two or three times to thoroughly wet a large container.

How to Care for Your Elephant Ear Plants:

When to Plant

• Like caladium bulbs, elephant ear bulbs should be planted in your landscape in the spring after the last frost. Temperatures can vary by location therefore nothing substitutes for local knowledge.

Sun to Partial Sun works best

• Elephant ears are tropical plants and thrive on sunlight. Make sure to water often if your elephant ear plant is receiving full sun.

Water Constantly

• Most elephant ear varieties are fast growers and be 6 feet tall or more. With this growth, they will require more water to sustain that growth. Keep the roots moist to avoid stressing out the plant.

Fertilizer

• Just like they need a lot of watering, elephant ears require food to grow. Apply a slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote to keep your plant happy and growing.

End of Season:

• Just like caladiums, elephant ears will go dormant too. Hardiness zones 9-12 can do away with heavy mulch to protect the elephant ear bulb from cold night temperatures. For hardiness zones 3-8, it is recommend that you dig up your bulb. Begin by trimming off the top, dig up the bulbs, shake off the excess dirt and store the bulb in a cool dry area.