I purchased one of those "softball" elephant ear bulbs recently at WalMart on a whim. Definitely wasn't one of my smartest moves cause I have no clue what to do with this thing. I stuck it in the ground about a week ago, watered it well, then decided to move it to replace the location. The bottom of the "softball" was covered with (sorry if this grosses you out) white worms. There's no holes in the bulb so they aren't inside. Does that mean too much water? too deep? The bulb is hard as a rock.
Suggestions? I did some research in the database but couldn't find anything regarding the worm issue.
Thanks!!!
Elephant Ear Question
Dear Sledder, have no fear.
You could cut that bulb into a hundred pieces, and each piece will grow a new plant, a little nibble isn't going to hurt.
I suggest an immeadiate "soil transfusion", take out the bulb, spray it off (dechlorinated water).
I have further explained the soil transfusion here:
http://alocasiaaddict.com/files/soiltransfusion.html
If there are "nibbles" on the bulb, allow the bulb to callus over, or dry the skin for an hour or two. (scab theory) This will protect the wound. Spring out a dollar for a BRAND NEW bag of topsoil from walmart or wherever. The bag must not be contaminated. Re-pot the bulb and keep medium moist and away from where the bugs appeared. Preferable in shade till sprouts. Then follow sun acclimation schedule.
For more info on the sun acclimation schedule go here:
http://alocasiaaddict.com/files/caresheet.html
I have enclosed a picture of my sprout to support the fact that you can cut a bulb into a hundred pieces to grow a new plant.
If this info doesn't work hire a gardner !
Are you serious? I could cut it up? Would that encourage growth? And how long does it take to set root? I have a new bag of top soil and could easily put it in a pot. Your suggestion of size of pot? And (sorry so many questions) how deep?
Thank you soooooo much!!
"T" :)
Maybe you should master growing one plant.....grasshopper...
This message was edited May 12, 2004 9:43 AM
**giggle** Yes Master....... :)
so,,,,size of pot? how deep?
Size of pot at least 2x diameter of bulb. Depth at least 4x height.
good thing I asked...cause it wasn't what I was thinking.
Thank you "master". LOL
And as you're in PA not FL you won't really get much growth for a month or so if left outside.
They need heat to punch them up.
It's too cool at night up this way to make much headway.
This also sets you up for rot.
You will get a spike or maybe a small leaf and then it will sit there for weeks.
I'd start the pot indoors in a WARM area and allow it to get a headstart.
Once you get a true leaf or two (and the temps have come up) then take it out and harden it off.
Ric
How about my greenhouse? It's not heated but certainly gets hot in there when the sun is out. Logic tells me that they don't like too much sun though.
I just knew I should've left it sitting in WalMart....Guess I fell for the picture advertisement. :(
That's PERFECT!
In in greenhouse in a pot in the sun (keep slightly moist).
Up here the Sun is less intense and they can easily take full full Sun outdoors w/ plenty of moisture.
I place my pots in pans of water so they don't droop on hot days.
They sould easily hit 6' high w/ 42" leaves by late August.
Ric
Okie dokie...thanks ever so much for all the help. If my softball decides to grow I'll post pics so you guys can see "your" success cause it sure won't be mine. :)
"T" :)