Ways To Keep An Elephant Ear Plant Hydrated?

Elephant ear plants, also known as Colocasia esculenta, require adequate watering to maintain their lush green foliage. They prefer damp or wet soil and should be watered regularly, avoiding contact with the soil. The plant should be watered only one top inch of the soil, and during spring and summer, they may need daily watering.

To water elephant ear plants, water them in the morning and from below to keep water off the leaves. Apply a slow-release fertilizer once a month and cut off faded or browning leaves as needed. Elephant ears love water, sunshine, and fertilizer. Plant tubers or transplant container-grown plants into soil amended with organic matter such as chopped leaves, peat, or composted manure.

Soil should be maintained evenly moist but not saturated. Water when the soil starts to feel a little dry, and if the plant gets too much water, it will “weep” or drip water from the tip of the leaf. Established elephant ear plants only need to be watered when the soil’s surface is dry to the touch. Rainfall may be enough to support the plant, but consider spraying the plant with room temperature soapy water every few weeks as a preventative measure.

The elephant ear plant can survive in 6 inches of standing water, but they do best if the soil is wet but not soggy. To ensure proper watering, water the plant thoroughly, then allow the top few inches of the soil to dry out before watering again.