Home»House Plants»Alocasia
Elephant ear plantsare known for their large , strike leaves that can lend a tropic style to any garden orindoor space .
These impressive plants , belonging to the genera Alocasia , Colocasia , and Xanthosoma , can transubstantiate any garden with their dramatic , outsize leaves .
Lush display of large Elephant Ear plants
Growing gargantuan leaves on elephant ear plants requires attention to several fundamental factors , including dirt lineament , lacrimation , abstemious exposure , and impregnation . By follow some expert peak and techniques , nurseryman can encourage their elephant ear plants to produce larger , more telling leaves .
#1 – Choose the Right Variety
Picking the right elephant capitulum variety is central for growing gargantuan leaves . Some types by nature produce larger leaf than others .
TheAlocasia macrorrhizosis a top option for massive farewell . Its foliage can reach 3′ to 4′ human foot in length . Colocasia esculenta , also sleep together as taro , is another choice for bragging leafage . This variety is widely produce and can develop telling foliage .
When take a variety , consider the plant ’s matured sizing andgrowing conditions . Some elephant ears prefer spook , while others fly high in brighter light .
search for tidy works with stout stems and vivacious leaves when buy . warm plant have a better probability of producing large , lush foliation as they grow .
#2 – Optimal Light Conditions
Elephant ear plants thrive in fond spook or dappled sunlight . While they can abide full sun , too much lineal sunlight can burn the leave of absence . Varieties with darker leaves may require more sun to keep their colour .
#3 – Soil Requirements
Use racy , humusy , moist , and slightlyacidic soilwith a pH of 5.5 to 7.0 . Incorporate compost into thesoil to improveits richness and moisture keeping . This case of ground is ideal for elephant ears , which prefer boggy or marsh - like conditions .
#4 – Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy . Elephant ears are wetland plant and take a lot of water , specially during dynamic growth . If grown in containers , they might need watering daily or several times a day in quick weather .
#5 – Temperature
Maintain a warm surround with temperatures of at least 70 ° F during the day and 60 ° F at night . Elephant ears aretropical plant and do not tolerate cold temperatureswell .
#6 – Fertilization
utilize a weewee - soluble plant food with a balanced NPK ratio , such as 20 - 20 - 20 , every two to four weeks during the growing time of year . For optimal leaf growing , turn over using ahigh - nitrogen fertilizer , as nitrogen is crucial for promoting lush , green foliage .
#7 – Proper Planting Depth and Spacing
Whenplanting elephant eartubers , ensure they are set 4 - 6 inch deep in the soil , with adequate space between plant life . Larger varieties require more space , about 4 - 6 feet apart , to allow for optimum growth and prevent overcrowding .
#8 – Mulching
employ mulch around the base of the plant to help hold soil moisture and wield a logical temperature . mulch with shredded hardwood or leafcompost can also heighten land fertility , providing the nutrients necessary for robust leaf increase .
#9 – Protection from Wind and Extreme Weather
Choose planting localisation that shield the plant from strong steer , which can damage their large leaves . Positioning plants on the east or northeast side of building or in shelter courtyards can allow for protection and support healthy leaf development .
#10 – Pruning and Maintenance
on a regular basis dispatch yellowing or give way leaves by cutting them off at the base to encourage new growth . Keeping the leaves unobjectionable by pass over them with a moist textile can also assist maintain their wellness .
#11 – Start Indoors
In cool clime , startelephant ears indoors 4 - 6 weeks before plantingoutside to give them an early start . This helps them develop leafage early and adjust better when transplanted outdoors
By follow through these strategies , you may boost the growth of large , healthy leaves on your elephant ear industrial plant .
