How to Plant Elephant Ear Philodendrons

Philodendrons are a lush and tropical foliage grown best in zones 10 and higher if grown outside. There are hundreds of species of Philodendrons including a flashy Elephant Ear. The Elephant Ear has large green leaves spanning about six to twelve inches wide. They were named after an elephant's ear because of the striking similarities. Elephant Ears love low light and a moist area to grow. Many garden enthusiasts will plant their Elephant Ears by trees so they climb up and display their large leaves for all to see.

Things You'll Need

• Garden Soil
• Shovel
• Wheel barrow
• Elephant Ear Philodendrons
• Water

Instructions

1. Pick a healthy Elephant Ear Philodendron from your garden store with deep green leaves and no yellow leaves. The leaves should feel waxy and firm.

2. Select and area in your garden that is well shaded. Soft morning light will be fine, but make sure you don't pick a spot with strong afternoon sun.

3. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball of your new plant. Place all shoveled dirt into a wheel barrow. Mix equal parts new garden soil with the dirt from the new hole in the wheel barrow.

4. Place the Elephant Ear Philodendron into the hole. Add dirt to the hole and tamp down the dirt so there are no gaps or spaces around the roots.

5. Water the new dirt and add more soil around the new plant if the soil compresses and sinks in.

6. Water the newly planted Elephant Ear everyday for one week. After one week, water every other day. This watering will help your plant's root grow and prevent the plant from drying out.

Tips & Warnings

• Spread mulch around the new plant. This will prevent the plant from drying out between waterings.

• If you choose an unhealthy plant to start, you run the risk of your plant dying from transplant.

Resources

• A source to purchase Elephant Ear Philodendrons.