This is my first time trying to grow these plants.
I planted two different bulbs for elephant ears this year and planted them in the same semi shade raised bed. One has (in two months) grown leaves about 18 to 24 inches the other about 6 inches. Is it a sun issue or one just slower than the other?
George in San Antonio
This message was edited May 22, 2005 12:27 PM
best growing conditions for elephant ears
Jester, do you know which ee's they are?
I don't know. I just got two big bulbs off the rack at the home depot. cost about $4 each so they aren't fancy.
If the bulbs looked alike, they should both grow the same. The smaller one might just be a younger one. Give them time.....I would bet it will catch up soon. I have some in shade and some in full sun....either way they work. The full sun just takes more water.
thanks, they are beautiful plants and very gratifying to grow,
Jester, about 4 years ago I picked up a couple of ee bulbs at Walmart and boy have they multiplied. I have them planted around a young white oak tree so they have some shade. About once a week I drain water from my small goldfish pond into the bed. They grow like crazy and bloom every year. I have never fertilized since I assume they are getting what they need from the dirty pond water. Hope this helps you. Jenny
I would say you probably have Colocasia esculenta but you might have gotten lucky and picked up some uprights. I have not seen those out this year though. For me, they do best in partial shade. Although I do grow them in full sun in my pond. I have had the best luck throwing them in a hole with some organic matter and plenty of water. They usually do the best once the temperatures heat up. They are slow to sprout, but once they do, stand back! LOL What Brinda said is true, smaller ones are going to usually put out smaller plants. Is it possible one has better soil than the other?
same soil. The smaller one I moved to a more sun/less shade spot and its starting to take off. The bigger one has three leaves that are 2 foot plus across.
They should be very happy there in your zone 8 for a good long time. I have to haul mine in. :( Enjoy them!!