HOW TO GROW ELEPHANT EAR PLANTS IN POTS AND IN GROUND | GARDEN ZONE 5B

Summary

This video offers a comprehensive guide to caring for elephant ear plants, covering soil mix, fertilization, and pest control. It distinguishes between the three types of true elephant ears: Colocasia, Alocasia, and Xanthosoma. The host shares tips on pot and ground planting, including using compost and granular fertilizer for slow and quick nutrient release. Shade considerations for hot climates and spider mite treatments are also discussed. Additionally, the video addresses common issues like yellowing leaves and provides a step-by-step guide for preparing these plants for winter, ensuring they thrive year after year.

Takeaways

• 🌱 There are three types of true elephant ears: Colicasia, Alocasia, and Xanthosoma.
• 🌿 When planting in pots, use a good soil mix and consider the price range.
• 🌳 Add compost and granular fertilizer to the soil mix for a balanced nutrient supply.
• 🌞 For potted plants, a combination of slow-release (compost) and quick-release (granular fertilizer) nutrients is beneficial.
• 🏡 When planting in-ground, dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the plant and add compost or granular fertilizer at the bottom.
• 🌞 Elephant ears prefer part sun, especially in hotter climates, to avoid sunburn.
• 🌳 In-ground plants can rely on soil nutrients and slow-release fertilizers, while potted plants benefit from weekly liquid fertilizer.
• 🐛 Spider mites are a common pest for elephant ears and should be controlled with regular spraying and washing.
• 🍂 Yellowing leaves can be due to various factors including overwatering, sun exposure, pests, or fertilization issues.
• 🌬️ To prepare for winter, dig up the plants, cut off roots and foliage, and store the bulbs in a cool, dry place.
• 🌱 For those in climates with frost, keep the plants in the ground or pots until the first frost to maximize energy storage in the bulbs.

Q & A

What are the three types of true elephant ears mentioned in the video?

The three types of true elephant ears mentioned are Colicasia, Alocasia, and Xanthosoma.

What is the recommended soil mix for planting elephant ears in pots?

The video suggests using a good soil mix within your price range, emphasizing that the best quality in that range is appreciated by the plants.

Why is it important to add compost and granular fertilizer when planting elephant ears in pots?

Compost and granular fertilizer are important because they provide a slow feed for the plants. This is combined with a quick feed from liquid fertilizers for a balanced nutrient supply.

How should you prepare the planting hole for in-ground elephant ears?

The hole should be twice as wide and deep as the plant, with compost or granular fertilizer added at the bottom before planting.

What is the recommended sunlight exposure for elephant ears in Ohio zone 5b?

In Ohio zone 5b, the video recommends part sun, meaning morning sun and afternoon shade for the elephant ears.

How can you prevent spider mites on your elephant ears?

To prevent spider mites, the video suggests spraying the plants weekly with Captain Jack's Dead Bug and hosing the leaves off to maintain a moist-free environment.

What are the common issues that can cause elephant ear leaves to turn yellow?

Yellowing leaves can be caused by over-fertilization, too much or too little water, too much or not enough sun, pest issues, or simply the natural aging of older leaves.

How should you prepare your elephant ears for winter storage?

The plants should be dug up, roots and foliage cut off, and the bulbs allowed to dry. Once mostly dry, they are stored in paper bags in a cool, dry, and low humidity space.

When is the best time to wake the elephant ears from their winter storage?

The best time to wake the elephant ears from their winter storage is in February, according to the video.

What should you do if you want to store your elephant ears in pots for the winter?

If storing in pots, ensure the soil dries out completely before cutting off the foliage and storing the pot in a cool, dry place.

Why are elephant ears a desirable addition to a garden according to the video?

Elephant ears are desirable because they are a striking plant that, once experienced, gardeners often choose to grow year after year.