The elephant ear plant growth rate depends on the conditions it is growing in.
In ideal conditions, it responds well to compost, a soil amendment with a balanced pH.
The compost can be added as a top dressing, or it can be broken down by the plant into compost.
In colder areas, you can add a layer of organic mulch.
During spring and summer, you should fertilize the plants with diluted fertilizer.
What Affects the Growth Rate of Elephant Ear?
Despite its name, the elephant ear plant is a tropical plant. This low-maintenance tropical plant is easily overwatered, which can reduce its growth rate.
Water the plant thoroughly at the roots. You can also feed it with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer once a week. Don’t forget to water your elephant ear plant once a month. It can go without water for several days.
When it comes to irrigating the elephant ear plant, you need to be careful. In hotter regions, you may need to water it up to twice a week.
Even though the leaves are thick, it is important not to overwater the plant. Soil saturation is the enemy of any tropical plant.
Make sure that your plants receive the appropriate amount of sunlight and moisture. Otherwise, you might end up drowning them.
When you are pruning your elephant ear plant, keep in mind that it will grow much slower.
The growth rate of your plant will be lowered. However, if you prune it carefully, you can maximize its potential. If you don’t prune it at the right time, it may not recover as quickly.
You should prune your elephant ear plant during its dormant period (mid-summer) and avoid pruning until it is completely dormant.
Although the elephant ear plant can be grown successfully in your home, the plant requires constant watering.
Ideally, the elephant ear plant needs to be watered every two weeks. You can prune it at this time because the leaves are large and you can easily see if they’re still growing properly.
Once it has grown to its full potential, you should be able to eat the fruits. If you have an abundance of light, then you should cut it regularly.
Can Elephant Ear GRow Indoors?
In addition to their natural habitat, elephant ear plants are easy to grow as indoor houseplants.
They prefer indirect sunlight, but you can also grow them in full sunlight if you have a large garden.
To grow your elephant ear plant, make sure the location of the plant is sunny and gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. They need to be planted in a sunny spot in the south or west and have ample light.
The best time to transplant your elephant ear plant is in the spring. It will spread quickly. To transplant it successfully, you must ensure that there is no evidence of frost in the soil.
When you transplant an elephant ear plant, be sure to choose a container that is large enough to accommodate the growth. It can’t survive in a small container and needs a roomy container.
When replanting, you should buy a new pot with a shallow bottom.
The elephant ear plant has a heart-shaped stem and large, spongy leaves. The plant grows between 2 and 3 feet and is quite resilient to overwatering. It needs a consistent water supply, so make sure it has a well-drained area.
A well-lit area will also help the plant develop a strong root system. In addition, the plant needs a sunny location to thrive.
Conclusion
The elephant ear plant grows at a moderate rate and needs a lot of sunlight and acidic soil. Depending on the variety, the plant can grow up to 9 feet tall.
To avoid losing its leaves, it is best to provide sturdy support for the plant. If the trunk isn’t strong enough, you can cut it back.
The plant can also deteriorate. Aside from its poor growth, the elephant ear plant can also cause structural damage.