The Dinner Plate Plant, a popular variety of Elephant Ear, offers a striking visual impact in both gardens and indoor settings. Its impressive size and unique foliage make it a favored choice for those looking to add a dramatic flair to their plant collection.
Understanding the Dinner Plate Plant
Known as the Dinner Plate Plant, this Colocasia esculenta cultivar, like ‘Diamond Head’, is named for its large, often dark, glossy, heart-shaped or shield-shaped leaves, which can reach up to 15 inches long. Unlike some related plants, Colocasia leaves tend to droop downwards. Originating from tropical and subtropical regions of eastern Asia, this plant offers a distinct aesthetic.
Care Requirements
Light
Dinner Plate Plants perform best in locations that receive bright, indirect light to partial shade. For varieties with darker foliage, more sun can enhance their rich, deep coloration. Too much direct, intense sunlight can lead to leaf scorching, while insufficient light may result in leggy growth and smaller leaves.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important for Dinner Plate Plants. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Check the soil moisture by feeling the top inch; if it feels dry, it is time to water. Adequate drainage is necessary, even though these plants can tolerate very moist or boggy conditions.
Soil
Ideal soil for the Dinner Plate Plant is rich, well-draining, and capable of retaining consistent moisture. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, can significantly improve soil quality for both container-grown and in-ground plants. While they prefer a heavy, loamy soil, they can adapt to various soil types as long as sufficient moisture is provided.
Temperature and Humidity
These plants thrive in warm temperatures, ideally above 60°F (15°C), and are sensitive to cold drafts. They are not frost-hardy, so protection is necessary when temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C). High humidity levels are also beneficial for their growth and can help prevent leaf edges from browning. Indoors, humidity can be augmented using pebble trays, humidifiers, or by misting the foliage.
Fertilizing
During the growing season, from spring through fall, provide the Dinner Plate Plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks. These plants are heavy feeders, and consistent fertilization promotes vigorous growth. As the plant enters dormancy in cooler months, reduce or cease feeding.
Planting and Growing Environment
When planting Dinner Plate Plants outdoors, choose a sheltered location that offers protection from strong winds, as their large leaves can be susceptible to damage. Plant tubers about 3-4 inches deep and space them 24-36 inches apart to allow for their mature size. These plants serve well as focal points or in mass plantings.
For container planting, select a pot with adequate drainage holes. Growing them in containers offers flexibility, allowing them to be moved indoors during cooler months. In regions with cold winters (USDA Zones 1-6), tubers can be lifted from the ground after the first frost and stored indoors in a cool, dark, and dry place, covered with peat moss or wood shavings, until spring. Container-grown plants can also be brought indoors, either to be treated as houseplants with reduced watering or allowed to go dormant in a cool, frost-free area.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or a nutrient deficiency. Ensuring consistent soil moisture and regular fertilization can help address these issues. Browning leaf edges often suggest low humidity, underwatering, or too much direct sun exposure. Increasing humidity and maintaining proper watering practices can mitigate this problem.
Common pests include spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Regularly inspecting the undersides of leaves helps in early detection. If pests are found, they can often be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil applications. Addressing pest issues promptly prevents significant damage to the foliage.
Propagation
The primary method for propagating Dinner Plate Plants involves the division of their tubers or rhizomes. The best time to do this is during the plant’s dormant period or when repotting. Carefully excavate the plant to expose the tubers. Separate individual tubers or sections of rhizomes, ensuring each piece has at least one “eye” or growth point. These divisions can then be replanted directly into prepared soil or containers. This method creates new plants genetically identical to the parent.