Elephant ear plants, encompassing species from genera like Colocasia and Alocasia, are beloved for their dramatic, oversized foliage that adds significant visual interest to gardens and indoor spaces. Propagating these plants is a straightforward and rewarding endeavor for home gardeners, offering an accessible way to expand a collection or share with others.
Propagating Elephant Ears
Elephant ears can be propagated through two primary methods: utilizing their corms and tubers, or dividing the entire plant. Both methods generally yield better results when the plant is actively growing or preparing for a growth cycle.
From Corms and Tubers
Propagating from corms or tubers initiates new growth from these underground structures. The best time is spring, after the last frost, when soil temperatures have warmed to at least 65°F (18°C), encouraging sprouting.
Dig up the parent plant or remove it from its container, shaking off excess soil to expose the corms. Identify firm corms with visible growth buds. Larger corms can be cut into sections, ensuring each piece has at least one growth node and some root material.
After cutting, allow corm sections to dry for a day or two in a warm, dark place to prevent rot. Prepare pots with well-draining potting soil, ideally a mix rich in organic matter. Plant each corm section with the pointy side facing upwards, about 1 to 2 inches deep, or 4 to 6 inches deep for larger corms, then cover with soil. After planting, water the soil to settle it around the corms, but avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture before sprouting can lead to rot. Providing warmth, around 70-75°F (21-24°C), will help stimulate emergence, which can take several weeks.
By Division
Propagating by division involves separating sections of a mature plant that already possess roots and foliage. The ideal time for division is in the spring, as new growth begins, allowing sections ample time to establish before cooler temperatures arrive.
Dig up the entire plant, loosening the soil around the root ball to minimize damage. Once the plant is out of the ground or pot, shake or brush away excess soil to expose the roots and corms.
Identify natural divisions or offsets, which are smaller plants that have grown from the main corm and have their own root systems. Use a sharp, sterilized knife or pruning shears to separate these sections from the parent plant, ensuring each new division has healthy roots and at least one shoot. Sterilizing tools with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) helps prevent disease transfer. Replant the newly divided sections immediately into prepared soil, either in new containers or directly into the garden. Ensure the planting depth is similar to how they were previously growing, and firm the soil around the new plants.
Caring for Newly Propagated Elephant Ears
After propagation, consistent care is important for the establishment and growth of new elephant ear plants. Initial watering should be thorough to settle the soil around the roots, but subsequent watering needs careful monitoring. Newly planted elephant ears require consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil to prevent root rot. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Young plants benefit from bright, indirect light rather than intense, direct sun that can scorch their developing leaves. An area with partial shade or dappled sunlight is suitable for outdoor plants, while indoor plants thrive near a bright window with filtered light. Maintaining warm temperatures, between 70-85°F (21-29°C), supports vigorous growth. Regularly monitor the young plants for signs of new leaf development, which indicates successful establishment.