Hi - this is my first post. I planted 4 elephant ears (colocasia) from Plant Delights about a month or so ago. They arrived just fine, even in the heat. I planted them immediately in a new bed that I amended with peat moss and compost. My native soil is clay and if you dig very deep, will certainly hit white rock. My fontanesii deteriorated fast, with the leaf gradually lowering to the ground. Plenty of moisture and no discoloration. The rhubarb went downhill soon afterward, with new small leaves barely emerging, then shriveling. The black magic has done better but looks like it is deteriorating as well. I "saved" it today by removing from the bed and potting in a mixutre of topsoil and humus/manure compost. At least I think I saved it. The only one doing well is the yellow splash...and I'm glad for that. This is my first time to work with elephant ears and I have been so excited...but not sure what is wrong. Can they get too much water? Or is there maybe too much peat moss in the soil? It still looks and feels alot like clay to me. I have not tested the pH of the soil, I should probably start with that. Anyway, anyone who knows elephant ears, I'd love any help. And one more thing, I mulched the entire bed with hardwood mulch about 2-3 inches.Thanks so much.
Colocasia soil problem?
Are they in full sun? Colocasia likes to be wet, constantly, especially in full sun and when the temps are high. I have moved my ears around so much since moving here to TX. I have finally found a spot they like. I amended our delta muck with peat, compost, rabbit manure and nature's helper composted bark. The spot is sun till around 2pm, sheltered from the wind, and constantly moist but not soggy.
Our soil pH was high(around 7.8-8.0), as was the pH of the water and it contains some salt. I added gypsum to help move the salts away from the plants and it helped a lot.The peat moss lowered the pH of the soil, and I used liquid sulphur to bring it on down to 7.0. I fertilize regularly. With the heat they burn up the Nitrogen pretty fast.
My ears aren't the best, not like Tropicman's, but they're getting there! At least they're not dying like they were last year.
Yes, full sun most of the day. I think my bed may qualify as soggy though. The bed borders the lower area between my house and neighbor, which I thought would be perfect to keep everything moist. I also have 6 banana plants and several canna, all of which are doing well. Only the elepant ears are having trouble! I have never tested soil pH before, but I think I'll go out and get something to do that this weekend. I just applied my first round of all-purpose miracle-grow from hose-end sprayer. I read somewhere else here that once a week is good? If so, that is more than I would have guessed, but can certainly make it part of my routine.
To me, I find getting things late in the season isn't good. Try buying in the early spring.
ely