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When you seeelephant pinna in pots , you ’ll know it right forth because the vast parting resemble an elephant ’s auricle . These plants grow outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 12 . Some cultivar can tolerate as far northward as geographical zone 6 .
You may conceive these democratic plants might be hard to care for . However , these are quite easy to farm indoors and can make a wonderful ( and very light-green ) conversation appetizer .
Photo Credit: Instagram @lushlagosonline
Read on to find out how you cangrow these elephant ear plantsindoors and disperse them to get even more unripened goodness .
How To Care For Potted Elephant Ears?
It ’s not difficult to grow elephant ear in pots as long as you front after their introductory care requirements .
Proper care will also greatly quash the risk of illness , which we ’ll discuss by and by .
Note: Not All Elephant Ears are Created Equal
When you purchase an elephant spike plant , there ’ll be another elephant in the room to think : Which elephant capitulum do you have ?
This guide will talk over the genusColocasia , but another genus in the tribeColocasieaecalledAlocasiahas striking foliation and very similar care need .
Several other works consult to as elephant auricle may or may not have similar needs and are unrelated to genus Colocasia .
As a result , you’re able to utilize this as a cosmopolitan scout for genus Colocasia and alocasia .
Still , we strongly suggest you see to it a pathfinder for your specific species or cultivar if you feel any problems , such as ho-hum growth or color changes .
Colocasia’s Background
Colocasias originated in Southeastern Asia and the Indian subcontinent but have since become popular across the orb .
They ’re known for have huge leaves that can be just 5 ’ base long on some species !
There are at least 12 confirmed species and numerous cultivars to choose from .
However , if you live in the Gulf area of the US , be warned that there may be some limitation if you wish to growColocasia esculenta .
Some plants are edible and used in many popular Pacific formula , including the Hawai’ian Hellenic dish poi .
Potting Colocasia
You ’ll want a large , sturdycontainer sizeto plant your elephant ear plant in , as they can acquire quite large very quickly .
Even though they wo n’t get hold of their full height , you’re able to expect a fresh folio as often as every calendar week , with matured leaves sometimes being as large as 3 ’ feet long and 1 ’ animal foot wide .
Depending on the species or cultivar , this works could also be a good 6 ’’ metrical foot marvelous , so you ’ll need a pot that wo n’t tip over easily .
Colocasia is adjust to swampy atmospheric condition , but Alocasia hates having wet feet .
gratefully , you could still make both happy using a well - draining , organically robust territory .
Aroid mixes work groovy , or you’re able to make a soil - free medium using 5 parts orchid bark , one part perlite , and one part peat moss .
The flora will need repot each year to replace the potting mass medium .
If you see signal that the plant is root - bound , this is also the staring time to give it a slimly larger jackpot or divide the plant life for generation .
Environmental Needs
These plants have such huge leafage because their aboriginal habitat is on the woodland storey , where the forest canopy filters light .
As a result , you ’ll want to avoid verbatim exposure to the good afternoon sunlight .
or else , propose for brilliant , collateral sunshine .
A sheer curtain or topographic point beside a south - facing windowpane is everlasting , but you may also place the plant in an east or Cicily Isabel Fairfield - facing window where it can get direct exposure to the more mild morning or evening sun .
Elephant ear plants can tolerate humidness levels of 40 % percent but will rise crowing and fuller if they have levels of 50 % percentage or more .
Because of their large sizing , a humidifier is the best solution , although you’re able to surround the pot with smaller plant to naturally increase humidity floor .
Avoid misting , as this does n’t in reality facilitate the plant , and wet leave of absence can ensue in fungal transmission .
Interestingly enough , the ideal grow temperature for elephant ear is 65 ° to 75 ° degrees Fahrenheit – the average temperature range for most homes .
Be very careful exposing the works to temperature below 55 ° degrees Fahrenheit .
Food and Water
Give your elephant ear plant a dose of 20 - 20 - 20 NPK liquidity houseplant fertilizer every calendar month from spring through August .
Be certain your fertilizer has micronutrients to secure healthy growth , although you may need to add up a teaspoon of Epsom salts once per month to ascertain enough Mg .
Watering elephant ear can be easy and painless when using the soaking and teetotal method .
pose your ringer into the dirt and body of water if it feels ironic 2 ” inches down ( this astuteness works for both colocasias and alocasias ) .
The put-on is to pour out water slowly enough that the potting medium absorbs as tight as you ’re pouring .
Use distilled or natural rainwater , stream slow and equally , work your way around the mint .
Avoid pay off the industrial plant itself wet , as this can increase the risk of fungous infections .
barricade watering when you either see wet beginning to seep from the drainage holes or the surface can no longer absorb as fast as you ’re pour .
Remember to cut back on pee and fertilizer during fall and winter , as the plant will be in its hibernating period .
Grooming and Maintenance
You may find the need to prune the plant for human body occasionally or to remove damage and morbid leaves , but be careful not to overdo it .
to boot , the leaves will want to be wiped 1 to 2 times weekly to see no dust buildup .
If you use a neem - establish folio radiance for wipe , it can also aid prevent pesterer infestations .
Propagation
The master method acting of propagating elephant auricle plant life is through naval division .
Risks and Concerns
Colocasia esculentais highly invasive in the swamplands along the Gulf coast , and there may be restriction on owning this species within that realm .
The plant is at less risk of exposure of problem indoors but can still become infested by :
Fungal infections such as powdery mildew and sooty mold are often side effects of an plague but can also occur if the leaves get wet .
Other , more serious risks make principally by overwatering admit folio spots and root rot .
As with all arum , elephant capitulum plant hold back atomic number 20 oxalate crystals .
While considered only gently toxic to healthy adults , intake of prominent quantity can increase the risk of kidney stones .
Children and dogs gamble multiple symptom , roam from nausea and sick to serious side effects .
Caterpillar and toy dogs are at the high risk , and ingestion could potentially prove fatal at their size .
As a result , it ’s best to keep this industrial plant away from any curious sassing .
