Hi all. I haven't tried growing EEs in a long time so this past spring I bought and planted one in a pot, I used Miracle grow soil and fertilized it regularly. Now that it's time to dig them up here to move inside for the winter I unpotted it and found the main bulb rotted away but the offshoots are fine. I assume that I may have overwatered it, it spent the summer under my covered back patio deck. It grew just fine. Well, the offshoots anyway. I have most of them outside drying but put one offshoot in a clay pot and brought it in to try to grow it overwinter for fun.
Could I have overwatered this? Drainage didn't seem to be a problem but next spring I'm going to add lots of extra perlite to the mix to be safe.
Opinions welcomed and thanks!
Tom
Elephant ears watering practices question
Tom,
I don't think it is possible to overwater EEs, since they seem to like having their feet wet (I use a saucer under mine) but I too have had the big bulb rot on occasion. Possibly the well-drained soil would help move the water more quickly to the roots, and away from the tuber.
Susan in Minneapolis
Hi Susan thanks for replying! I used Miracle grow soil and I usually add equal parts perlite but didn't that time. Lesson learned I guess. The offshoots will get a more airy mix next spring if they survive the winter in the attic....
Tom
Tom-
I posted some comments in your thread in the Bulb forum.
ROX
We usually loose the main planting bulb.
It gets used up in the new growth.
Not to worry..............
The 'new' main bulb will appear as the foliage dries up and falls off.
Ric
Thanks Ric, maybe that is the case then.
Rox, I saw your reply, thanks again!
Tom