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The elephant ear is one of the oldest cultivate plants , with a rich and tasty account . They can be cultivated indoors or outdoors , and as an cosmetic plant or an comestible dainty , stool them a very versatile plant to have at home .
aboriginal to tropical regionsall over the world , this beautiful plant is consider an invasive metal money in North America . Even so , their massive foliage makes them a plant possessor dreaming . To keep your elephant ear healthy , learn everything you need to help it flourish !
1. Lighting
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While the elephant ear is hardy , some types , such as those belonging to the genus Colocasia , do not do well in heavy steer or direct sunlight . Both damage the foliage .
A sound location indoors is an area with filtered sunlight , such as behind a drape . out of doors , attempt to direct it in a sheltered spot withpartial specter . Because the works likes a luck of moisture , less sun means the soil stays moist for much longer .
Pro Tip : Elephant ear in the Alocasia genus do well in direct sunlight or fond tad . Darker variety also do well in vivid ignitor
2. Soil and Fertilizer Requirements
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Since it is a tropical plant , the elephant ear has a colossal growth wheel , especially in the summer month . Remember to feed and water the soil on a regular basis , as miserable - quality dirt will impair works ontogenesis .
The elephant ear grows best in fertile , moist ( medium to wet),loamysoil . full-bodied ground is best so the tuber or corm can cumulate nutrients . Whether you grow this industrial plant indoors or out of doors , control you use the right amount on the package . Use a granulose feed at first but once lay down give your works a hebdomadary dose of body of water soluble fertilizer ; A good example is fish emulsion . Be sure to keep the territory more or less acidic .
The elephant ear is prone to getting sloshed foot , so its grease should be porous . The soil should n’t dry out too rapidly or continue moisture for too long , but elephants ear love being moist . Often , yellow leafage is a sign of nutrient - inadequate dirt , and over or underwatering .
3. Planting
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If rise indoors , plant your elephant ear in a large mountain , as the plant tends to grow rapidly . The container used should be non - porous , so choose for glassy clay . Ideally , the toilet for Colocasia should be a lower limit of 18 in in breadth and 16 inches in depth;Alocasiamay require containers as big as 36 inch .
If growing outdoors , station it in a hole at least two to three times the size of the genus Tuber or corm you are planting . Plant it 1 to 2 inches below the dirt ’s surface in an area away from other plants . Doing so will give your elephant ear room to expound . Also , this will keep the elephant auricle ’s modest theme from compete with other , stronger works .
4. Watering Schedule
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The elephant auricle is n’t drouth broad so its soil should be uniformly saturated ; Water it evenly for the better possible outcome . If the plant is overwatered it ’ll tell you by dripping water supply from its leaves – that ’s a sign to burn back . Also , the plant postulate less water system in the winter as water engrossment will slow .
It is also good to mist the folio , if needed , to keep them level-headed . However , water from the theme of the plant life to assure no water accumulates on the leave . Pooling of water on the foliage can have negative effects . To be safe , a moisture tester is a just investment for this works because it will aid you curb underwatering or overwatering .
Indoor : Water your flora in small amount doubly a mean solar day , supply the grime is n’t too wet .
Outdoor : lachrymation outdoors should also be a twice - daily affair . However , keep an optic out for the atmospheric condition . In the issue of rain , cut back on watering .
5. Temperature
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The elephant auricle plant is tropical and be intimate lovesome weather and high humidity . Elephant capitulum is a perennial , but it is especially frost - averse and does n’t fare well in temperature under 50 degrees Fahrenheit . Elephant ear do advantageously in temperature above 70 degrees Fahrenheit . Many even result the works outside all twelvemonth long unless there ’s a luck of snow .
In or around the fall , remember to cover the top layer of soil with peat , mulch , or dried woodwind shavings to protect it from the frost . In dusty region prone to snow , it is good to dig up in - ground tubers or cormsafter the first signs of freeze . You canoverwinter elephant ears insideand return them outdoors in outflow .
Elephant ear corm and tuber production are good in strong conditions . Thecorm can be storedthrough winter and replant again in the spring . Do this by cutting off the foliage and allowing the tuber or corm to dry out for a few days . you may then put them into a container with dry potting grease and store them in a cool position .
6. Other Requirements
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Elephant ears tend to collect dust . To clean them , gently pass over down the leaves with a dampish cloth . on a regular basis reduce the plant and remove any browning and dying leaves . When you prune the plant , cut near the base and leave alone about 2 inches above the genus Tuber or corm .
Though the elephant ear isgenerally barren of issue , plant parent should watch out for aphid , white flies , and wanderer mites . They are also susceptible to mosaic computer virus , as well as corm , androot bunk . The plant also might becomeroot bound , especially if kept indoors in a pot .
Lastly but more importantly , assure your darling and kids are careful , as the Alocasia elephant ear ishighly toxic . The Colocasia esculenta , however , is only toxic when exhaust raw . Once prepare , all parts of the elephant ear become a tasty and nutritious add-on to the whole mob ’s diet !
Enjoy the Beauty!
With its vivacious and lovely green leaf , the elephant spike is a beautiful addition to any menage or garden . A short love and upkeep are all you need to arise this gorgeous plant into a gentle giant .
Ensure your darling and child are heedful , as the Alocasia elephant ear ishighly toxic . The Colocasia esculenta , however , is only toxic when corrode bare-assed . Once cooked , all part of the elephant ear become a tasty and nutritious addition to the whole family ’s diet !
