- Elephant ears grow very tall and there are reports of plants growing up to 12 feet tall. In most cases they only grow 4 to 6 feet. The leaves are heart shaped and spread to 3 feet wide.
- To get a quick start on the growing season, start plants inside. It might take up to four weeks for the plants to begin growing, so start them six to eight weeks prior to the date of the expected last frost. Plant bulbs in pots filled with potting soil Plant the bulb 2 inches deep with the pointed side of the bulb up. Keep the soil moist and keep the pot in a warm area. Once they do start to grow, they will grow very fast.
- Move potted plants outside or plant bulbs directly in the ground or in containers once the weather is warm, Dig a hole 1 1/2 times the length of the bulb and plant the pointed side up. If the bulb does not seem to have a pointed side, plant it sideways. Bulbs should be spaced 8 to 10 feet apart or more, and only one bulb to a pot. Place in a sunny area or in partial shade. The green leaf varieties will withstand a sunny area, but the purple ones need a little bit of shade.
- Elephant ears require a great deal of water and fertilization as they are very heavy feeders. Keep the soil moist and water if the leaves start to droop. Mulch around the bottom of the plant to keep moisture at a maximum. Many of these plants grow in pools of water and thrive. Fertilize at least once a month during the growing season with half strength 20-20-20 fertilizer or a water-soluble garden fertilizer.
- Leaves will turn yellow then droop to the ground, but cut them off and more will grow. Near the end of the season, the leaves will yellow and die back. Elephant ears need a period of dormancy even when growing in a tropical area. Just cut the leaves back and, when the plant is ready, it will start to grow again. In cold regions, the bulb must be dug up and stored during the winter.
- When the weather gets below 60 degrees F, leave the yellowed leaves on until they dry. This will enable the bulb to store up energy. Once a frost occurs, dig up the bulbs. Do not wait too long because the bulb will become mushy and will have to be discarded. Bulbs should be somewhat firm. Knock the soil off and place the bulbs in a well-ventilated, warm area out of sunlight for one day. Store them in a plastic container with a lid filled with slightly moist peat moss. Place the container in an area where the temperature will not go below 60 degrees F. In the spring, bring the bulbs out and start all over again.
- The larger the bulb, the larger the leaf will be. If the bulbs are going to grow in containers, make sure the container is at least 18 inches wide and deep. Place a good deal of stone in the bottom of the container because the leaves will get caught by the wind---and if there is not some weight holding them down, the pots will tip over easily. Some varieties of elephant ears are used for food in some areas of the world, but there are also many varieties that are poisonous. It is best to discourage animals or children from chewing on the leaves.
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