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Photo: Elephant Ear

Photo: Elephant Ear
Photo: Elephant Ear

General description

Colocasia as well as its close relative, Alocacia, is a tuberous bulb plant growing from 3 - 5 feet. Generally they are grown outside in semi-tropical and tropical areas. They can be grown in northern areas but must be dug up for the winter months. This is a very showy, back border plant. They perform best in shade and must have good drainage

Plant requirements

This plant has no description yet.

Maintenance

Elephant ears are a tropical plant and like high humidity, heat, and partial to full shade. Think of them in their native habitat of a deep, tropical, jungle.

However, if you do not live in the tropics you can get away with putting them in the sun for a while each day. We have told people that morning sun is ok. Full sun would be ok, in a climate that does not get the intense sunlight of Florida and Texas.

In general, elephant ears with green leaves can take more exposure to sun than very dark leaf species.

Soil and Water
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist or wet, slightly acidic soil. They need plenty of water. We find it difficult to over-water these plants as they can learn to grow directly in ponds in your yard.

After planting water generously. Sprout 3-8 weeks. End of season do not remove leaves. Remove if damaged. Apply half strength 20-20-20 every 3 weeks during growing season

Practical use

This plant has no description yet.

Properties

Height
1 - 60 cm
Soil type
Any
Sunlight
Partial shade, Full shade
Moisture
Moist but well-drained