Elephant ears, with their giant, heart-shaped leaves, can turn even the most modest garden into a tropical oasis. But to get them to grow big and stay healthy, you need to know what these plants really want. Here are five crucial tips to make sure your elephant ears reach their maximum size.
Select the right variety Not all elephant ears are created equal when it comes to reaching sky-high sizes or unfurling giant leaves. If you're after the supersized look, you can't go wrong with varieties like Colocasia gigantea or Alocasia macrorrhizos . These species are the true giants of the elephant ear world, with the genetic potential to reach staggering sizes when given the right care.
Provide ample water Elephant ears love moisture! They need to be watered regularly to grow big and healthy. During hot and dry spells, you'll want to water them even more to keep the soil nice and damp. Not giving them enough water will cause them to stay small and their leaves to shrink, so make sure they stay well-hydrated if you want to see them at their biggest.
Ensure proper nutrition Elephant ears need a well-balanced diet for healthy growth, hence apply a slow-release fertilizer with an even N-P-K ratio in the spring and again in mid-summer. This will encourage strong growth. And, for better nutrient uptake, mix organic matter like compost into the soil.
Together, this ensures that elephant ears get all the necessary nutrients they need to flourish and grow big and beautiful. Optimize sunlight.
