Beginner Gardening: Elephant ears (caladium) multiplying- how do I handle this?, 1 by mrshoover

mrshoover wrote:
Hi,
I bought a home in November, and there were huge Elephant Ears growing about 4 ft. high and 2.5 ft. wide on the side of my house. I have never gardened before, so I didn't know what to do with them. Over the winter the leaves died and now they are coming back. In addition to the old plants however there are a lot of smaller plants sprouting everywhere. Should I allow these to grow (it seems I don't actually have to do anything to get them to grow)? Or should I weed them out? Also, what should I do with the old dead stuff around the base of the big plants (see picture)? I haven't touched them since we moved in because I'm afraid I'll mess them up. HELP!!
Thanks!