Elephant ears are tropical perennials known for their lush, large leaves. The plants are found in the Colocasia, Alocasia, and Xanthosoma genus, among others. Though botanically distinct and native to different parts of the world, all elephant ears share similar growing conditions. Another common denominator is their fast growth rate. Elephant ears reach their mature size in a single growing season.
They are grown as houseplants or outdoors in a warm climate. Gardeners in cooler climates often move them outdoors during the summer.
The Amazon elephant’s ear plant, also known as Alocasia x amazonica, is a stunning tropical plant known for its dramatically large, arrow-shaped leaves With its rainforest origins, the elephant’s ear plant thrives in warm, humid environments and can grow quite quickly when happy
Eventually though, even a thriving elephant’s ear plant will outgrow its pot or location. Knowing when to transplant an elephant’s ear is key to keeping it healthy and flourishing. In this article, we’ll explore the optimal time and technique for transplanting an Amazon elephant’s ear plant.
Why Transplant Elephant’s Ear Plants
There are a few key reasons you may need to transplant your elephant’s ear plant
- It has outgrown its current pot, with roots bursting out of the drainage holes.
- The plant looks crowded, with leaves crammed together.
- You want to divide the plant to propagate new elephant’s ear plants.
- You need to move the plant to a new location indoors or outdoors.
By transplanting elephant’s ear plants at the right time, you ensure they have the space and resources to continue vigorous growth
When is the Best Time to Transplant Elephant’s Ear Plants?
Without question, spring is the ideal season for transplanting elephant’s ear plants. Here’s why:
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In spring, elephant’s ear plants emerge from dormancy and begin actively growing. Transplanting during active growth minimizes stress.
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Cool, moist spring temperatures provide perfect transplanting conditions.
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Transplanting in spring allows the plant ample time to become established in its new location before summer heat arrives.
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Elephant’s ear plants are still small and manageable in spring, making transplanting easier.
For all these reasons, aim to transplant elephant’s ear plants in early to mid spring, ideally when new growth is a few inches tall.
Wait Until After Last Frost
If you live in a cooler climate, be sure to wait until 2-4 weeks after your area’s average last spring frost date before transplanting. Elephant’s ear plants cannot tolerate any frost or freezing temperatures.
If an unexpected late frost threatens, protect newly transplanted plants by covering them overnight until the danger has passed.
How to Transplant an Elephant’s Ear Plant Step-by-Step
Follow this simple springtime routine for transplanting your elephant’s ear plant successfully:
Choose the Ideal Site
Pick a location that receives 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily and has rich, moist soil. Near a pond or stream is ideal. Ensure the soil drains well.
Prepare the Soil
Incorporate 4-6 inches of compost or rotted manure into the new location 2-3 weeks before transplanting.
Water Well Beforehand
Thoroughly hydrate the plant 1-2 days before to make digging easier and reduce transplant stress.
Dig a Wide Hole
Elephant’s ear plants have large root systems. Dig a hole at least twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
Transplant with Care
Gently loosen the roots and place the plant into the hole at the same depth as before. Refill the hole with soil, firming the soil around the plant.
Water Thoroughly
Water deeply after transplanting and whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Proper watering minimizes stress.
Add Temporary Shade
In warmer weather, shade newly transplanted plants for 1-2 weeks until established. Dappled sunlight reduces transplant shock.
Transplanting Elephant’s Ear Plants in Summer or Fall
While spring is ideal, elephant’s ears can be transplanted in summer or early fall if needed:
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Summer – Only transplant container-grown plants to avoid heat stress. Provide ample water and shade.
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Early Fall – Transplant 6+ weeks before your first fall frost so plants establish before dormancy.
Just know that transplanting in summer or fall carries more risk of shock or slowed growth. But with careful timing and proper care, it can certainly be successful.
Troubleshooting Transplanting Issues
Occasionally elephant’s ear plants may struggle after transplanting. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
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Drooping leaves – Support leaves until the plant recovers. Ensure consistent moisture.
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Lack of new growth – Pamper with ideal conditions and fertilizer to stimulate growth after transplant shock.
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Rotting bulbs – Improve drainage at the transplant site and wait until spring to try again.
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Pests/diseases – Isolate and treat any infections that occur while the plant is stressed.
With attentive care after transplanting and avoidance of extreme weather swings, your elephant’s ear plant will quickly bounce back and resume vigorous growth in its fresh new location.
Key Takeaways on Transplanting Elephant’s Ear Plants
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Spring is the optimal season for transplanting elephant’s ear plants.
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Wait until after the last spring frost if you live in a cooler climate.
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Transplant actively growing plants and provide ample water and shade.
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Summer or early fall transplanting can also be successful with extra care.
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Troubleshoot any transplant issues like drooping leaves or lack of growth.
By following these elephant’s ear plant transplanting tips, you can give your overgrown plant a new lease on life and enjoy its stunning foliage for years to come. The key is proper timing and attentive follow-up care.
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Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Watch out for aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites—these pests often love elephant ear plants. To prevent these, apply a horticultural soap to the leaves.
Fertilizer
Like many large-leaved tropical plants, elephant ears are heavy feeders. Apply a water-soluble, high-nitrogen fertilizer every two to three weeks during the spring and summer.
How to Transplant Elephant Ears
FAQ
When can you dig up and replant elephant ears?
Do elephant ears grow better in pots or ground?
Do elephant ears like sun or shade?
Where is the best place to plant elephant ears?
When is the best time to transplant elephant ears?
The best time of year to transplant elephant ears is in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Transplanting the plants in the spring gives them the entire growing season to establish their roots in the new location and adapt to their new environment.
How do I transplant an elephant ear plant?
When it comes to transplanting an elephant ear plant, the size of the pot you should use is important. Choosing the wrong size pot can lead to a stunted plant, root rot, or even death. To ensure your elephant ear plant is healthy and thriving, it’s important to use the right size pot.
When should elephant ear plants be planted?
The best planting time when starting elephant ears indoors is about eight weeks before the last frost date, to give the young plants a jump on the growing season. Caring for your elephant ear plants requires attention. They are very heavy feeders and take a lot of fertilizer.
Can elephant ear be transplanted?
Elephant ears have large, fleshy leaves and require a soil mix that is rich in nutrients and moisture. You can find special potting mixes for elephant ears at most garden centers. When it comes to transplanting, it’s best to use a pot that is at least twice the size of the elephant ear’s root ball.