Elephant Ear Nutritional Information

All about the elephant ear

Elephant ears, or caladium, are big leafed bulb plants that are members of the Araceae family, which includes philodendrons. Their nutritional needs vary depending on whether they are grown inside or outdoors.

Organic Matter

Elephant ears feed on organic matter, such as rotted leaves and manure. Plan on mixing this material into the soil before outdoor planting when dangers of frost have passed.

Indoor Container Planting

Try indoor planting for an early start on outdoor growing. Place each bulb in a deep pot that is 18 inches wide. The website Dutch Bulbs suggests quality potting soil, a "handful" of fertilizer and soil polymers, which help hydrate the bulb. Water deeply, then wait for shoots before watering again. Feed every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.

Outdoor Care

In addition to organic matter, apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer once a month when planting elephant ears outdoors. Dutch Bulbs says to keep the soil moist and mulched, but avoid standing water.

Considerations

The elephant ear plant is native to Central and South America. Further north, it needs to be moved indoors in containers or bulb storage during the winter. This is true except in zone 10 areas, which become no colder than 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

References

• Dutch Bulbs: Elephant Ears
• Natural Resources Conservation Service: Organic Matter in Soil

Resources

• Plant Delights: Tony on the Road: Cool Colocasias, Elephant Ears for the Garden