Elephant Ears are best known for their tumid , heart - form leaves . downcast upkeep and wanton care make these works democratic . But you might be wondering , are Elephant Ears annuals or perennial ? Great doubt ! We have thoroughly research whether Elephant Ears are annual or perennial .
Elephant Ears are considered tropic perennial . However , in colder climates , you need to bring them indoors to replant them in the spring . Otherwise , you would do by them as annuals because they will die from freeze temperatures .
This might lead to other questions like , should I fertilise Elephant Ears ? Or , what kind of soil do Elephant ear like ? And even , do I need to prune Elephant Ears ? Keep say for the reply to these questions and more !
Are Elephant Ears Annuals Or Perennials?
Elephant Ears aretropicalperennials that love affectionate conditions and gay locations . In stale climates , they are either treated as annuals or jab up and bring indoors .
So the real question is , where do you live , and what is the weather like ?
As a good rule of thumb , if temperatures get below 40 degrees , you desire to toil them up before the first rime . With proper indoor care , you could replant them in the leaping .
Let ’s discuss how to care for Elephant Ears indoors , along with some tips and tricks below :
How Do I Bring Elephant Ears Indoors?
As established , any temperaturebelow40 degree Fahrenheit can get legal injury to your Elephant Ears . This normally is in other fall . compensate aid to your local weather and project accordingly .
Here are some basic steps on how to bring your Elephant Ears indoors .
Voila ! This is loose as 1 - 2 - 3 to guarantee your Elephant Ear survives the colder winter .
Can Elephant Ears Be Houseplants?
There are two unlike types of Elephant Ears called Colocasia andAlocasia , Technically , both metal money can be houseplant , but Alocasia is more common . Colocasia grows larger . Therefore , it is best kept out of doors .
If you do n’t require to store your Elephant Ears in newspaper during the wintertime , you may revel them as houseplants !
Where Should I Place An Elephant Ear In My House?
What Are Elephant Ear USDA Hardiness Zones?
USDAHardinessZones 8 through 11 are where Elephant Ears thrive well . These zones are in the lower region of the United States .
From sunny California to hot and humid Texas , Elephant Ears do exceptionally well .
How Do I Care For Elephant Ears?
Elephant Ears require TLC , just like every other plant . have ’s review some soil , water , and sun requirement . countenance ’s show our Elephant Ears some beloved .
Soil
Elephant Ears jazz fecund , loamy , and slightly acidic soil . Add 50 % compost to your ground to keep your plant healthy . The great thing about compost is you could make your own for liberal !
Water
Elephant Ears are tropic plant and therefore favour damp soil . ensure they are well watered , and do n’t lease them dry out . loosely , they should want about2 - 3inches of water supply per week .
Sun
Elephant Ears can be produce in full sun to fond tincture . However , they angle towards opt partial tint . So plant them somewhere with mottled sunshine .
How Big Do Elephant Ears Get?
Elephant Ears are by nature great plants . They grow from2 - 9feet improbable and 2 to 9 substructure wide . This will depend on the type and species of Elephant Ears you have .
Temperature is also a factor as the Elephant Ears will be smaller in inhuman regions .
How Do I Know Which Type Of Elephant Ear I Have?
Colocasia andAlocasiaare the two type of Elephant Ears . Each works necessitate to welcome the ripe kind of tutelage to grow . ordinarily , you’re able to tell them apart by their coloring , size , and other factor .
Alocasia
Alocasia is sometimes smaller than Colocasia , but this is not a surd and fast regulation . They have tumid and zippy farewell that are bendable and shiny .
You will see veins running through the leave of absence , giving them a textured or costate flavor . This diversity does dear in zones 10 and 11 , where it ’s the hot .
Colocasia
Colocasia folio tend to manoeuvre downwards liken to Alocasia leaves . alternatively of shiny leave like Alocasia , Colocasia has matte leave-taking . This mixture is hardy in zona 8 through 10 .
Should I Fertilize Elephant Ears?
utterly ! Elephant Ears can take a hefty battery-acid of plant food . It is recommend that you fertilise in thespring , summertime , and fall . break fertilizing in the winter while they are inactive .
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Are Elephant Ears Toxic?
alas , Elephant Ears are toxic to man , cats , and heel . If you have an Elephant Ear houseplant , it is best to put it up high to invalidate it being messed with .
If your Elephant Ears are grown outdoors , assure your creature and little ace do n’t have access to it .
Are Elephant Ears Invasive?
Elephant Ears are not onlyinvasivebut also fast-growing cultivator . Give them plenty of space between other plant life to foreclose smothering . Different ways to incorporate your Elephant Ears include using rocks as a edge .
Can You Propagate Elephant Ears?
Propagating Elephant Ears is easier than you believe ! Although they ca n’t be propagated from cut , you may divide and plant the tubers . Be sure to assort them until spring to prevent plant stress .
Should I Prune Elephant Ears?
Regularly pruning does wonders for many plant . This is no exclusion for Elephant Ears . Using a sharp pruning shear , cut the stem when you notice drooping .
If you notice any yellowing of the leave , cut them to prevent disease .
Pro Tip : Never blank out to wash your shear in bleach subsequently to prevent spreading diseases to other plants .
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Do Elephant Ears Suffer From Diseases Or Pests?
Fungal diseases , like leaf blight , are the most common disease problems amongst Elephant Ears . You belike have leaf blight if you find any seeping fluid , leaves that turn purplish or yellow , or muzzy growing .
other sensing is critical . Once you acknowledge sign of disease , remove and discard any infected leaves . Then , spray the plant life with a copper - based fungicide . This should exonerate the problem the right way up !
If the entire plant has been taint , then it is expert to cast it away and begin fresh .
Wrapping Up
In a nutshell , Elephant Ears are annual in cold climates , unless you bring them indoors in the wintertime , and perennial in the hottest regions .
We have find out how to grow , propagate , prune , and care for your Elephant Ear . Now you are quick to be a plant momma and adopt a baby Elephant Ear !
Made it to the end ? Check out these helpful and related articles :
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