One term that has been used in more than a few ways is the term elephant ear. An elephant ear of course could belong on an elephant, it is a sweet carnival treat and the third way elephant ear is used is a plant that has big leaves. As you can guess it we are not going to talk about how an elephant hears or as much as it may come up later the sweet treat recipe. Yes we are going to talk about one of my favorite plants elephant ears.
The Elephant ear is a member of the Caladium family. The large colorful leaves have a shape that resembles an elphant ear. These plants can grow three to five feet tall. Originally from the tropics or sub-tropical area they love sunshine, heat and high humidity. Easy to grow and love both sun and shade. Take note that this plant can be poisonous to children and pets.
Elephant Ears are grown from tuberous bulbs. Each year in the fall after the plants die back dig up the bulbs. In the off season clean and store them in a cool, dark area until time to plant next spring. It will take several weeks for the plant to emerge after planting. But once you see sprouts it will grow taller very fast. If you live in the southern warmer part of the states they can remain in the ground over winter with proper mulching.
While these plants grow up they also like to spread out. They love moisture and desire soil that drains well. You may want to install a border edging 3 to 6 inches deep into the soil around the plants.
If you’re looking to enhance your garden with some stunning foliage, Elephant Ears are a fantastic choice. These plants can bring a tropical vibe to any landscape with their large, lush leaves. For those wondering about the best practices for planting, understanding how deep to plant Elephant Ears can make all the difference in ensuring they thrive. The detailed guidance on planting depth is essential for their healthy growth and impressive size. Don’t miss out on the valuable tips that can help your Elephant Ears flourish!
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