🌴 TIPS FOR GROWING ELEPHANT EARS IN POTS 🐘🐘🐘

Elephant ears require plenty of moisture and fertilizer along with partial shade to thrive. If you give your elephant ear plants the basics they will thrive in your garden. While Elephant Ears is the common name of this beautiful large-leaved plant the scientific name is Colocasia and Alocasia. If you’ve never grown Elephant Ears I highly recommend them along with following the Tips for Growing Elephant ears along with How to Grow Elephant Ears in this video.
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[@swimminwitdafishes8059]

One thing to mention is that the Colocasia varieties can take a lot more direct afternoon sun than the Alocasias. Here in South Carolina, my yard has very little shade so all my Alocasias are potted and kept in bright shade on the patio near the house. I grow all the Colocasias in the ground in direct sun and they do well. This year I think they will do better as I moved some banana trees to provide some dappled sunshine.

[@Mrs.Sunshine22]

I live in South Carolina and just got a BEAUTIFUL plant that looks identical to these in the video, I don't not have good soil, if you're from here you know what that sandy dirt is! Well that's what I have. I also live in the woods so there are a lot of bugs here! I keep a lot of plants on my patio which seems to be the best spot for a lot of direct sunlight for at least 4 hours a day. But I thought I needed to keep this in the shade...🤔 Do you think 4 hours of direct afternoon sunlight would kill my pretty plant? Or is bringing it inside worse for it because how it likes warm humid weather? Sorry been searching for information but South Carolina Specific is better than any video! Although this was definitely a good one as well. ❤

[@vega2600]

Ive been growing giant elephant ears for almost 10 years now. They are really easy to take care of. Try using liquid fertilizer every other watering in the summer. Watch how huge they get

[@lovingsunshine3515]

Do they like full sun? I’d like to plant them around our pool but it gets sun all day long.

[@moniclark9252]

Hey I’m having trouble with mine the leafs keep turning yellow ?

[@NellyC224]

What’s the best fertilizer? Any help is appreciated

[@ladybug4207]

​@@lovingsunshine3515 here in Texas they do best in shady or filtered sunlight. East side is best. If more sun, just water them more. My neighbor has them on west side and they struggle from July to early fall.

[@ladybug4207]

​@@moniclark9252 could be too much water or need plant food

[@mamaj6028]

I use large totes for growing my elephant ears. I researched if the plastic is the same as plastic outdoor pots and it is. I get the ones without lids at the thrift store. I use the cheapest dirt, but amend it with fertilizer, blood meal etc. Mix well. I also grow them in 3 to 4 hours of sun, because full sun is too intense where I live. Love my EE ! ❤ I have about 7 different varieties and more coming in the mail.😁I also have a Canna obsession ! So my yard is semi tropical all summer. Love it. Thanks for this video !

[@lifespanwellnessbeauty-60i64]

Me toi! Canna Lillies and Elephant Ears look great together. ❤

[@ahnaahna7278]

I enjoyed my glorious E Ears! So big and magnificent! I finally last summer, moved them to a patio that has afternoon shade and they did much better. Here in Georgia the hot sun was too hot for them in summer. And ‘yes’ on big big pot!!! Most packaged bulbs come with helpful instructions. Enjoy!! Ahna

[@kimberlywilliamsplummer8572]

Where do I find a pot big enough. Everything I see is $300+!

[@RAvery41]

Best tips on this I have found, I love my giant Elephant ears but they are looking yellow and some sites say over watering them will cause that and I watered them only every 3 weeks or so. I have several bulbs growing in pots now to replant in our back yard.

[@emmahayes2384]

They're glorious, I can't wait to receive mine and watch them grow

[@kittenkorleone2918]

I've been growing these for years. I'm partial to the deep purple/black varieties. Mine have flowered. The flower is so weird and short lived, you may miss it entirely! I grow them in giant pots with a lime colored coleus around the base as a contrast. I weigh down my pot with a big rock at the bottom (before adding potting mix) to prevent tipping over in wind.

[@CTSCAPER]

I like the idea of adding coleus! I may have to borrow that. I usually get my flowers in late-winter while in the house or early-spring if outside. I have yet to figure out why they decide to flower. When one flowers they all do.

[@connievanlandingham7048]

Wish me luck..I'm planting them in an oversized pot for 1st time !! Thanks for the great info 👍! Subbed to your channel! I'll keep ya posted....🙂

[@WendySS22]

@@connievanlandingham7048 I just bought a baby plant. It’s in a small pot. Should I repot into a bigger pot right away?

[@tinaknutsen]

@@WendySS22 If you haven’t repotted- repot now. Go up at least 2 sizes or plant in ground and dig up in the fall before frost hits.

[@WendySS22]

@@tinaknutsen thanks! Unfortunately she died 🥺

[@Willtrax]

We have had our elephant ears for about 3 years also. We have the mammoth elephant ears. The bulbs were like footballs. They've multiplied over the years and the leaves are huge. Some are 5 ft long. We put 20-20-20 fertilizer on them and they love it. Water everyday in the summer. Sometimes twice a day. Awesome plants😎🤙

[@CTSCAPER]

Fertilize and plenty of water. The secret to happy elephant ears.

[@ArielVisionary]

I am also growing elephant ears, and this was very helpful. Love to see the care you give yours.

[@stevenstuart4813]

I use maxi crop seaweed ,start of spring. Let them soak till holes are dug . Sprinke 12-12-12 fertilizer in hole. Every other week they get seaweed,plus 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer. An bam !

[@momof2641]

Absolutely gorgeous!! I’ve grown some beautiful big elephant ears over the years but I never knew until recently that you could bring them indoors over the winter so they don’t die. I’ve always had better luck with them being in a pot and giving them fresh water for about 20 minutes each plant every evening. My husband throws fertilizer in the pots about every 2 weeks and they’ve always been fine with that. It’s very hard watching plants that you’ve really spent a lot of time taking care of it so it can grow to be its best turn around and die at the end of the season. I’m so excited to bring these big babies of mine inside the house and enjoy them all year. My biggest question is do you continue to water and fertilize them the same way you do in the summer when they’re outside. I haven’t gotten any clear instructions on how to care for them properly at the end of the season. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and beautiful babies with us, it’s much appreciated.

[@tinaknutsen]

@momof2641 I put mine in the garage in the fall before frost. I treat with neem oil before bringing in. I keep my garage at 50. I water about every 3 weeks-no fertilizer until spring and I bring outside when danger of frost is gone. They will get some yellowing and look a little sick. This is normal and they will rebound in the spring. You don’t want to water to much in the winter as that can cause rot. Also check for pests throughout the winter and treat with neem oil at first sign. I also overwinter my geraniums and petunias under grow lights in my garage but I keep my elephant ears back away from the grow lights to imitate outside conditions. I also keep a fan running for air circulation. I have the lights/fan set on timers. Well worth the investment as I’ve been doing for years and propagate all my plants in my garage and greenhouse. I

[@ToenzZz]

A plant you can’t kill over water and fertilizer - nice vid - I want one

[@traceyperry5816]

Thank you that was the best info on elephant ears Ive seen 🙏

[@LamarsLawnCare]

Great job and advice, thanks brother 🙂

[@jujubee7351]

Wow just gorgeous!

[@GlueMonkey0_0]

Just got my plant 😄 THANK YOU

[@EmilyKenny-ug2rg]

I just got one about 7-8 ft to have inside and was wondering how many/how strong of a grow light will he want? I want to make sure I keep him happy! They’re gorgeous 🥰 so excited about mine

[@LizzyDel]

Can your show us how to divide/propagate these? I have s as huge one but he has no shoots it tubers. I’ve had it for a few years and Am looking to make another, but I don’t know how to. You are so informative! Thank you for everything!

[@kubamatematyk]

Thanks for a great video! My elephant ear is a more challenging one... it has only 3 leafs. Every time a new leaf grows, the old one dies. Is it normal? What can I do to get more healthy and alive leafs_ :)

[@chuckb9867]

I've got a friend of mine that grows them great little video

[@CTSCAPER]

They're a beautiful plant!

[@jrtilley]

Thanks for sharing

[@hennesseyme9112]

When you grow them in pots in the house do you have to cut them back or just leave them alone?

[@Omgiamsotriggered]

3:38 the middle one leaf dropped, what do u do with the leaf when that happens? Mine fell just this morning and I have no idea what to do with it, do I cut it(and where) or do I let it dry out by itself? Also would you recommend putting perlite in their soil?

[@CTSCAPER]

I cut them about an inch from the stalk and they will dry out. It doesn't really matter where you cut them as long as you don't cut the last leaf on the stem which has the growth tip on it.

[@faithjones9157]

Hello John, nice informative and knowledgeable video, makes me feel like, i can do this 😊

[@CTSCAPER]

You can Faith. Elephant ears are very forgiving as long as you keep them well watered and out of direct sun.

[@faithjones9157]

@@CTSCAPER thanks 🤗

[@m900-01]

Greetings from Germany, Berlin City. My Alocasia goes bigger and bigger, too 😊

[@ScienceTube786]

Nice Video, Thanks, I saw one man growing these in only water? secondly can I place them inside room for clear air?

[@JetJ321]

No wonder mine are dying. I live in central FL zone 9 full sun for most of the day. I water them regularly but they turn brown then yellow then fall.

[@CTSCAPER]

Definitely want to put them in some shade in Florida. Those are growing in Zone 6.

[@carlacourtois5905]

I love your page and subscribed, but still confused? Why Is canna a relative of the elephant ears or Taro Colocasia?

[@Eskargo11]

How about sunlight? I've read they're grown best in sun or part shade but I ask because I have mine currently in a screened in porch area that doesn't get any direct sunlight per se but is certainly getting lots of shaded light all day long..

[@Jennifer-ym9mm]

When newly purchased bulbs, how do I START these, if in a v large pot? How often should I water them to ensure they actually DO start? (Mine haven't started, after about 3 weeks; I'm afraid I've managed to ruin them... yikes!)

[@allthingsoutdoors3261]

They take a long time to start mine took a month before they even poked out of the soil and another 2 weeks before I got leaves

[@carlossouthward8578]

Great job...

[@triciadelahunty4722]

My plant produced a new leaf, and now it is leaning. The leaves are not drooping. I think the plant is too heavy. Should i repot it deeper or stake it?

[@FloridaBikeVlogger]

do they tolerate low light?

[@jasonalvarez2711]

Hi! We have one indoor and I noticed that each time a new leaf starts to unfurl, an older leaf will die. As such I only always have 3 stems. Is this normal? How do I keep an older leaf from dying? We've had it for 6 months now and still just 3 leaves always. Thank you!

[@CTSCAPER]

Jason, I've never had that happen with my Elephant ears. A few questions which are somewhat rhetorical. Are you sure it is an Elephant Ear? How often do you fertilize the plants? How often do you water the plant? (Elephant ears like moist soil when they are actively growing.) Is it possible the plant has been growing in the same pot for years and is root bound? Perhaps a local Mom and Pop garden center can help you with some advice.

[@sofiawils3829]

An old leaf must die when a young one grows because there is not enough fertilizer to grow all the leaves in the pot. It's necessary to fertilize as often as possibe to have many leaves in one pot....

[@andyd834]

For whatever reason mine seemed to love a smaller then you'd think pot. Like a 13" diameter.

[@CTSCAPER]

That's good to know. I'll have to try that with some offshoots of the main plant.

[@danotyone]

what size pot is that orange one, also is that from a bulb?? ive been wanting to buy some from amazon. but i want to know what size pot should i start with for the bulbs? then what is the next size once the get bigger??

[@Jack-er6wi]

So these don’t go dormant? I’m wanting some that I can just store the bulbs indoors over winter to save space. What should I get?

[@WailingHang]

Are they leaves of taro

[@dennisfolsom6558]

Can i grow them outside? I live in Colorado.

[@dianesulpizio2542]

I planted elephant ears along my fence line about 2 feet away, but they are totally growing in a forward position towards my grass. Like not straight up at all. What can I do and why is this? I planted the bulbs straight up and down.

[@CTSCAPER]

Did you plant them in front of a solid fence? If you did, they are reaching toward the light and unfortunately that is how they are going to grow. If it's not a solid fence that's wierd.

[@dianesulpizio2542]

@@CTSCAPER how can I prop them up?

[@reginesmith772]

I just wanna know how to get the to stand up mines are so Big and heavy they just hang over

[@shirleyhartman1964]

Why are my leaves turning yellow a d brown around the edges?

[@rojejome]

Can I transplant my new Elephant Ears into a 5 gallon plastic bucket?

[@Sparks53]

It strikes me that the pots look small for the size of your Elephant Ears, but maybe this isn't the case. I recently bought one, but being double potted with the outer pot not allowing for water to escape, I wonder if this is ideal.

[@CTSCAPER]

I'm sure your elephant ears appreciated the abundant water. Those pots are 18 inches in diameter at the top. A bigger pot would be nice but too difficult to move around the yard.

[@Sparks53]

I see, that could be backbreaking humping those about.@@CTSCAPER

[@Grrrnthumb]

Alocasia grow so fast that you can easily tell if the pot is too small for your personal fertilizing regime by looking at the size of the new leaf. If they're not getting enough nutrients, the newest leaves will be a little smaller than previous leaves no matter what you do. His leaves here look great for that age plant, so his pot size is fine for his conditions. If you are less diligent than him at fertilizing, then yeah you would probably need a bigger pot

[@PrincesReaMaePerpetua]

What fertizser shoud l use to my elephant ears plants, because some of its leaves are turning yellow

[@CTSCAPER]

I use water soluble all purpose plant food, 24-8-16, which is sold everywhere as Miracle Grow.

[@melodylamour6123]

How big are the pots you are using? 5, 10 gallon pots?

[@fredlee7531]

How big are the pots are you using?

[@carlacourtois5905]

Im also confused because what you show in the water is Canna Lillies???

[@WalkingbytheSpiritAlways]

The question that I have is how much sunlight? I bought two this year, and I would like to have one inside a screened porch that only gets indirect sun. Will that work?

[@CTSCAPER]

They may grow; however, they will most likely get tall and lanky and have some of their leaves break from the weight reaching for the sun. The ones I have grow in what is considered partial shade, and they are very happy. Full sun will most likely cause the leaves to turn yellow. Ferns would work great for your situation.

[@WalkingbytheSpiritAlways]

​@@CTSCAPERThank you for responding. God bless.

[@carlacourtois5905]

Im confused you say oversized pot that looks to be no more than 24'

[@carlacourtois5905]

DAM that box of Miracle grow is like Growers Box Eutopia

[@Jack-er6wi]

How deeply to plant the corms?

[@mounamaur3811]

Bonjour est-ce que c'est comestible svp

[@allysonballard599]

I’ve been growing them for 6yrs now and I’m always afraid of over fertilizing and burning my plants up. They’re planted in my yard not in a stream of water so what do you recommend?

[@CTSCAPER]

I would take it easy on the fertilizer so you don't do exactly as you say. If the water isn't as available they might. Give them fertilizer and repeat the application when they start to lose the deep green color or growth slows. You'll notice the difference! The key is to make sure they have enough nutrients so they can grow as fast as they want without overdoing because of your reduced water situation.

[@sylviefeys744]

Could you mike tell me why my big elefantsears is hanging down 3 branches. They are almost on the floor, the rest is right up there!

[@CTSCAPER]

Could the leave be broken? Are they the outermost leaves? One of the maintenance items on elephant ears is to remove the outer leaves if they start to yellow or get torn. Put gloves on; elephant ear sap will give your hands a burning sensation, and use a pair of scissors or pruning shears to prune those three off.

[@sylviefeys744]

@@CTSCAPER it's two of the outer leaves and a small third one yes! The plant is big! The leaves look normal and not broken. Can the stems irritate even by the touching them not cut? So i shpund cut the three outer onces?

[@aldaamaral8121]

I have one for 2 ears and it is small five leaves, one born other dies...very frustrating. I think she does not like too much water...

[@CTSCAPER]

Make sure they have plenty of water but are still able to breathe.

[@Angie-ci1lp]

He’s showing cannas in the water😂 Elephant ears LOVE LARGE POTS and WATER! Bigger pots

[@DrLauraRPalmer]

Oh wow thank you!! Your plants are my goals! Mines won’t grow over a medium small size anymore bc I keep them inside now. :( I’ll try your suggestion!

[@ramirovasquez3828]

Do you have to bring these inside every year? I figure a bulb you could cut it back at the end of the season and leave outside for the following year am I wrong??

[@GotoHere]

In certain zones you can leave in the ground. In colder zones you might need to digging them up.

[@kenyonferguson1243]

Sweet video

[@anastasiakochuk2789]

Hello. Great video. I live in NY, and I have had these for several years. But my elephant ears have not been looking good. Is there a way I can send you the picture of them so that you can tell me what it is I am doing wrong?! Thank you in advance

[@kerryc.7438]

What about cutting leaves off ? Do you do that when they start to wilt , or just let them droop and die? Thanks

[@CTSCAPER]

Once they start to yellow or break I cut off old leaves. The stubs will slowly yellow, then turn brown and dry. Be careful with the center leaf of a stem, it has the growth point on it.

[@Thats_Griffin]

I usually would wait until the leaf is brown. It lets the plant soak up the moister and energy from the old leaf.

[@essie1718]

My stems on my elephant ears are thin and hanging to the floor

[@toniv4189]

I want to grow them. I’m such a newb though. Kind of intimidated. Planning to buy some and give it a go. Thanks for the video. What zone are you in?

[@CTSCAPER]

Good luck! If you can find some that are already growing in pots it will be easier. They are carefree plants, water and fertilizer once in a while and you'll do great. Zone 6.

[@WendySS22]

@@CTSCAPER what’s once in a while? I’m new to this plant. Haven’t even watered it yet. Do they like to dry out in between watering? Or moist at all times? Fertilize every time I water but at quarter strength? Or full strength? They like humidity am I correct? Sorry not sorry for all the questions 🙂

[@CTSCAPER]

@@WendySS22 This is one plant that is ok being damp all the time. I don't recommend letting them dry out between waterings. I fertilize with a liquid fertilizer once a week at the recommendations on the package during the growing season. Keep them in a shady spot but not deep shade.

[@WendySS22]

@@CTSCAPER awesome thanks!

[@debbiemcgee974]

How many do you put in a pot?

[@CTSCAPER]

One. If they are happy, you will soon find other plants growing in the pot as the rhizomes spread.

[@fredlee7531]

Should I remove badly torn ears? If so, do I cut the whole stem from the bottom?

[@skippy8799]

No

[@asamanyworlds3772]

Now I know what I did wroung

[@sunnycharacter]

You talked about setting your Alocasia in stream water, but showed Cannas in pots in the water. Same goes for them?

[@CTSCAPER]

Yes. Not the entire pot, the bottom 2-3 inches.

[@rickkatz4692]

What zone do you live in.

[@CTSCAPER]

6

[@carlaennis609]

Mines are dieing....HELP

[@jenn36]

I have growing this kind of elephant ear plant for couple of years, I am in zone 5b-6. It will take a lot space to bring them inside. Any tips for how to winterize them will be much appreciated .

[@CTSCAPER]

I bring them inside and indeed they do take up a lot of space. Some people take them out of the ground and either leave the stem on the plant or let the bulb go dormant. I've never done either. I like to keep them in the pots because it lets me start the season with an established plant.

[@scottjasher]

Hi I have 3 in large pots however 2 out of the three are not doing well. Leaves turning yellow the eventually brown and die. They are Alicatia and I'm not sure if I'm over or under watering them. I'm watering 3 times a week and about 3 gallons each time. They have been in the pots for 3 months now and have struggled really about a month after they where planted. I used miracle grow potting soil when planted. There located on my back deck and get direct sunlight about 9 hours a day. Please help thank you.

[@callmejd7536]

Try giving them 3-6 hours of morning sun. Good luck!

[@mihovilmikulec]

Water the alocasia plants once every 7 days. Make sure that the soil goes totally or almost dry before watering it again. Also, don't have them on direct sunlight, they will burn. They love high temperature and sunlight but not direct sunlight since they are jungle plants. Ideally you would have them on the eastern side of the back yard / balcony / apartment. That way they will get enough light but not too much direct light. Hope this helps!

[@jackblack9208]

I don't see why people have a hard time growing elephant ears. My neighbor has one in the corner of her back yard. They have migrated into my back yard. I have been trying for years to get rid of them. I've dug them up, constantly pulled them up, tried all kinds of herbicides and I can't get rid of them. It's driving me nuts!!!

[@CTSCAPER]

We have that problem with Bamboo up here. Does the spot in your back yard tend to hold water?

[@carlaennis609]

They're burned from the Sun I can't get them to grow what am I doing wrong help

[@sunnycharacter]

Alocasia for the most part enjoy more dappled sun, or even 3-6 hours morning sun, depending on your zone. He doesn’t talk about zones, which would be helpful. I’m in hot sunny Texas zone 8b, and our sun from noon on is an Alocasia killer!

[@mihovilmikulec]

They love high temperature and sunlight but not direct sunlight since they are jungle plants. Ideally you would have them on the eastern side of the back yard / balcony / apartment. That way they will get enough light but not too much direct light. Hope this helps!

[@RoseGold823]

That concrete under the pots aint helpin

[@CTSCAPER]

It is to me!

[@ReallyMellow]

My problem: they r probably over 6.5 ft tall & the stems cant handle how heavy the leaves r. Should I tie them? What do i w/ the ones langering (5 ft long sideways) too close to the floor? THANK YOU EVERYONE! 🪴 🪴🪴