How do you use elephant ears in your garden?

Plant elephant ear bulbs 2-4 feet apart. Plant so the growing tip is up. Tubers may be started inside 6-8 weeks before all danger of frost has passed. Plant the tubers individually in 6 inch pots using a good quality potting soil or seed starting soil.

What happens if you touch an elephant ear plant?

Diarrhea. Nausea and vomiting. Redness, pain, and burning of the eyes. Swelling of the tongue, mouth, and eyes.

What are elephant ear plants used for?

Elephant ear plants can be used as background plants, ground covers, or edging, especially around ponds, along walkways, or patio enclosures. Their most common use, however, is as an accent or focal point. Many are even well adapted to growing in containers.

What is similar to elephant ear plant?

The industrial-looking metallic taro (Alocasia plumbea) bears slightly smaller leaves with a dark glossy green or bronze color. There are more than 1,800 species in the Araceae family, and many of them look very similar to the elephant ears plant (Xanthosoma sagittifolium).

Can elephant ears take full sun?

They are at their best in late summer and early fall when most other plants are starting to fade. There are two types of elephant ears: alocasias and colocasias. Colocasias display their leaves with tip of the heart pointing down. They prefer full sun and consistent moisture.

Why do elephant ears turn yellow?

The most common cause of yellowing leaves in elephant ear plants is a watering issue. You see, it’s possible that the leaves could start yellowing due to not receiving enough water. The yellowing could be a sign that the elephant ear plants are struggling and that you need to water them more.

Why do elephant ear plants cry?

I Googled the question and this was the answer: “If your Elephant Ear gets too much water, it will let you know by ‘weeping’ or dripping water from the tip of the leaf. It’s a reminder that a plant’s vascular system devoted to water transport, xylem, begins in the roots and ends in the leaves.

Are elephant ears toxic to skin?

SKIN IRRITATION SEVERE! All parts are poisonous and contain calcium oxalate crystals. This substance is toxic and makes the mouth, tongue and throat feel as if small needles are digging in to them. Poisonous by ingestion, dermatitis, and eye injury.

Do elephant ear bulbs multiply?

When to Divide Elephant Ears Elephant ears can become huge plants with gigantic leaves. Many spread through underground runners, or stolons, and send up baby plants along the way.

Can elephant ears live indoors?

Upright elephant ears (Alocasia) can be brought indoors and grown as houseplants. Keep the plants in bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist, not wet.

Do elephant ears need a lot of water?

Plan on giving plants at least 2-3 inches of water per week. Fertilizing: Elephant ears are heavy eaters, as well as drinkers. Fertilize monthly with a general fertilizer of choice.

Can elephant ears be in full sun?

SUN OR SHADE: Elephant ears can be planted in sun or shade. If you put them in a hot, sunny location, make sure they get a little shade during the middle of the day. ZONE: Elephant ears are tropical plants. In zones 9-11 they can be grown outdoors year-round.

How do you fertilize elephant ears?

Fertilize the elephant ear plant every month in the spring, summer and early fall using a 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to the directions on the fertilizer label. Watch for yellow leaves on the elephant plant.

Where do elephant ears grow best?

The Elephant Ear Plant is native to parts of Asia. As a perennial, it grows best in USDA zones 8 to 11 (warmer climate regions stretching from Florida to Texas), but can be grown as an annual in other areas by digging up the bulb to replant the following year.

Will elephant ears grow indoors?

Elephant Ears (or Taro) are plants naturally found in the tropics grown for their edible corms. They are also grown as ornamental plants indoors. In Africa, Asia, Oceania, etc. the corm (which is mistaken for bulbs and tubers) of Elephant Ear plants are used to prepare various cuisines. In Nigeria, it is called Coco Yam.

Is elephant ear annual or perennial?

Elephant ears, those large-leafed plants grown from roots the size of softballs, give a tropical flair to home landscapes. They’re tender perennials, hardy only in the warmest parts of the United States. In areas with colder winters, they’re annuals and must be lifted in the fall or replanted every year.