I just found a package of 6 bulbs that I bought a while back, but they still seem to be doing OK. They actually have roots growing out of the bags. I would hate to give them away or trade them and they not do well, so I am thinking about putting them in pots. Has anyone grown them in large pots sucessfully? If so, did you plant them alone, or with something else in the pot? Thanks.
Can I grow Elephant Ears in pots?
Yes, they do fine in pots, will require more watering. Did not underplant but thats a good idea for them, until they fill out. Thanks for the idea:)
I grow lots of varieties in pots, --the edible ones will make good leaf in a pot [if it is big enough], --but they need some more room for good size corm production, --they will make a lot of small plants in a small pot, --Michael Porter
I would discourage underplanting --looks good in the short run, but creates a mess when your bulbs start throwing off "pups" you want to separate, and may compete adversely for soil and nutrient share.
Instead, for looks, if you must, get a number of very small pots that will fit inside along the rim of the larger pot. Put slighly less soil in the main pot, so the smaller ones fit down in. Do "underplantings" in the small pots --if you pick the right plants, the inserted pots will soon "disappear", creating the same effect as the more dangerous direct approach.
Use a large pot, they like to be overwatered anyway. I have all my EEs in pots and they are just fine! I must say I didn't start them from bulbs though, so be careful that the bulbs don't rot before they sprout.
Make sure they're BIG pots!
An over crowding pot? LOL, I planted one large bulb last year. Now I've more than 5 that is visible and the pot is about to burst.
That's exactly what I was thinking. I wouldn't use a pot that I value, because if you leave the thing in there long it's going to split wide open.
Well, there ARE dwarf or miniature e. ears.
Those big leaves are so carefree! The plastic pot is light and easily movable. BTW, at the end of the season, I just simply cut them down, invert the pot over another pot sitting indoor. Leave them unattended, and bring them back outdoor at the beginning of the growing season. Some cannas received the same treatment, and they do just fine.
Thanks for all of you help! I will get them planted as soon as the rain clears and I can find a BIG pot.
I had my EE's in abig planter last year I dug the root ball up and put it in a plastic bag.. inanother plastic bagfor the winter in the hallwayearly this spring Ifound two shoots had pushed their way through the two plastic garbage bags.. now that's a shoot..try poking your finger through a doubled plastic garbage bag..
I took the main bulb out of the center and gave it away..and planted the 6 or so pups in a big 30" pot...they are doing nicely.. but I have to epoxy the drainage holes up..as they just don't stay wet enough in such a tall pot.. even with a saucer underneath.. and always filled with water .I guess the roots aren't down low enough to really benefit from the low water table.. last years planter.. only 12" deep. but 2' x 2'. had no drainage at all.. as it was lined with a plastic pond liner.. and they loved the boggy conditions they always had.. so now a tall bog this year is in the making... Gordon
Wow, thanks for the input Gordon! We have EEs here in ditches, so I guess they do like their water!
my EE's in Nebraska. Four seasons in the same pots. Gonna hafta repot for sure this year!
These huge EEs were potted up this winter! The smaller ones will probably get huge too in no time.
