Elephant ears may grow in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, although they thrive best in dappled or part shade. Darker leaf cultivars require more sunlight to keep their colour.
Elephant ears thrive on rich, humus-rich soil that is damp but not humid. This plant thrives in marshes, swamps, swampy places, and around water features.
Always keep elephant ear plants wet. They can even survive successfully in 6 inches of stagnant water, although it is recommended to water the plant when the soil is damp and not saturated and never allow the soil to dry out thoroughly.
Tropical plants called elephant ears thrive under conditions that closely resemble their natural habitat. In USDA zones 10 or somewhat warmer, they will remain evergreen, but in zones 8 to 9, they are more likely to die once more and reappear in the spring.
Elephant ears are voracious feeders, like many large-leaved tropical plants. Every two to three weeks, apply a water-soluble, high-nitrogen fertiliser.
Throughout the entire growing season, these plants keep on putting out new leaves. To maintain the plant's looking vibrant, get rid of the dying old leaves. Winter pruning is required if you live in zone 8 and anticipate freezing weather to ensure that your plant survives the winter.
Elephant ear can be multiplied most successfully through division at the end of the growth season in the fall. Elephant ears of the Alocasia and Xanthosoma species grow from hard, corm-like roots or rhizomes, while the most popular variant, Colocasia esculenta, develops from corms.
Elephant ears are occasionally grown as patio plants in large containers, however it is crucial to use a potting soil that has a significant amount of living matter to help retain moisture. Compared to in-ground plants, container plants demand a lot more water.
Before the first frost, you can start digging up the tuber in colder locations, and store them in a cool cellar or attic. The roots are stored for the winter in the same manner as dahlia tubers and canna bulbs.
Fungal leaf blight is the most prevalent condition affecting elephant ear plants. If discovered early, it is treatable. This fungus can cause obvious sores on the plant that may exude liquid and become purple or yellowish.