Indoor Care of Elephant Ears

Grow elephant ears in a location that receives abundant, indirect sunlight.

Elephant ears are fast-growing tropical plants popular for their large, arrow-shaped leaves. They are native to tropical parts of Asia and can only survive outdoors in regions that experience very mild winters. Elephant ears make excellent houseplants and can quickly reach heights of up to 2 feet if provided with the right growing conditions. They require regular watering and feeding in order to thrive and do best when grown in a warm, humid environment.

Things You'll Need

• 12- to 18-inch growing container
• Peat-based growing mix
• Spray bottle
• 20-10-10 liquid fertilizer

Instructions

1. Fill a 12- to 18-inch growing container with a peat-based potting mix.

2. Plant the corm, which is the bulb-like root structure, 2 inches deep. If you are adding an elephant ear plant to your container, place it into the potting mixture at the same level it was previously growing.

3. Add enough water to moisten the potting mix well. Place the container in a room that receives indirect sunlight most of the day and maintains temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Water whenever the top 1/2 inch of soil no longer sticks to your finger.

5. Spritz the foliage daily to maintain a high level of humidity.

6. Fertilize every two weeks with 20-10-10 liquid fertilizer mixed at half the recommended strength.

7. Stop fertilizing the plant in early winter. Allow the potting mix to dry out between each watering during this time. Begin watering and feeding regularly again in early spring.

Tips & Warnings

• Elephant ears can be propagated by dividing the corms in spring.

• Try using a room humidifier to add extra moisture to the air. This is especially helpful in winter.

• Do not overwater elephant ears because the roots will rot if they remain too moist.

References

• University of Connecticut: Colocasia Esculenta
• Guide to Houseplants.com: Elephant's Ear
• Elephant Ear: Colocasia Esculenta