Colocasia esculenta (elephant ear) - Ask Extension
Having grown elephant ear successfully in a huge container during summer months outdoors, decided I would like additional info on growing as a housepl...
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Colocasia esculenta (elephant ear) #871066
Asked June 01, 2024, 3:20 PM EDT
Having grown elephant ear successfully in a huge container during summer months outdoors, decided I would like additional info on growing as a houseplant. Thank you
Sussex County Delaware
Expert Response
Hello and thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
I grew Elephant Ears several times as a houseplant (long before I had cats!!)
As you know, Elephant Ears are a large plant so you will need to make sure that you have a large container to grow them in and plenty of space in the location that you are going to place it as the leaves get pretty bit.
They need plenty of light but it must be indirect sunlight as direct sunlight can burn the leaves.
Elephant Ears also prefer humid conditions and moderate temperatures. The temperature should be between 60-80 F and to help increase humidity you can place the plant on a saucer with pebbles and water to create a bit of localized humidity.
Watering can be a bit tricky; do not saturate the soil but do keep it moist. Only water when the soil begins to feel a bit dry. EEs that have been overwatered will indicate that by dripping water from the tips of its leaves. If that happens just let the soil dry out and water it a bit less going forward.
Hopefully these tips will help you. Please reach out again if you need any further information.
Regards,
J.W. Wistermayer
UD NCC Master Gardener
I grew Elephant Ears several times as a houseplant (long before I had cats!!)
As you know, Elephant Ears are a large plant so you will need to make sure that you have a large container to grow them in and plenty of space in the location that you are going to place it as the leaves get pretty bit.
They need plenty of light but it must be indirect sunlight as direct sunlight can burn the leaves.
Elephant Ears also prefer humid conditions and moderate temperatures. The temperature should be between 60-80 F and to help increase humidity you can place the plant on a saucer with pebbles and water to create a bit of localized humidity.
Watering can be a bit tricky; do not saturate the soil but do keep it moist. Only water when the soil begins to feel a bit dry. EEs that have been overwatered will indicate that by dripping water from the tips of its leaves. If that happens just let the soil dry out and water it a bit less going forward.
Hopefully these tips will help you. Please reach out again if you need any further information.
Regards,
J.W. Wistermayer
UD NCC Master Gardener
JW thank you for the detailed quick response. Looking forward to experimenting with indoor EE this fall with a small bulb.
Appreciate your insight and recommendations.
