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How to Care for Indoor Elephant Ear Plants

Shirley Bovshow is giving you professional tips on how to care for elephant ear plants.
Indoor Elephant Ear Plant Care
Level:
Beginner
How-To:
Plant Care

CARE INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Environment: A large space and large container for your Elephant Ear plant are ideal.
  • Sunlight: Put near bright sun (south or west window), but not in direct sunlight. This can burn the leaves.
  • Ideal temperatures: 60-80 degrees
  • Humidity is important: Place plant on a saucer with pebbles and water to create a humid ambiance. (Or you can use a mister)
  • Watering: Soil should be maintained evenly moist but not saturated. Water when the soil starts to feel a little dry.
  • If your Elephant Ear plant gets too much water, it will let you know by “weeping” or dripping water from the tip of the leaf.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PLANTING FROM A BULB:

Fill large container 3/4 of the way with rich, well-draining potting soil.
Place the bulb root side down and cover with soil and water.
The top of the bulb should be at least 1” below the soil.
Place in a sunny spot indoors and follow the care instructions above.

TIPS:

Fertilize your elephant ears plant with a general indoor plant fertilizer at half strength 1 x per month.
Full strength is too strong a dose for a houseplant and may cause rampant growth before it's ready for it.
Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth 1 x per week to keep the "plant pores" or "stomata" open.
Dusty, clogged leaves can lead to a weak plant that will be more susceptible to illness and pests!

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