How to Care for an Elephant Leaf Houseplant

The elephant ear plant, also referred to as taro, is a tropical plant which loves heat on its leaves and moist conditions for its roots. This plant does best when it can live in humid areas, but it will also survive in temperate cultures further north when it is cultivated then stored for the winter. The plant derives its name from the large, green leaves sprouting from a central stalk which fades in the fall to return after storage in the spring.

Plant pot
Liquid fertilizer
Peat moss

Instructions

- 1
  Plant the elephant ears outside where there is ample rainfall and a chance for the soil to stay moist. You will need to move the plant inside for harsh winter months, so do not place the plant where it cannot be removed.
- 2
  Sprinkle the soil with liquid fertilizer, which saturates the soil easier and is better able to blend with moist soil. The fertilizer is important to the plant due to the constant water absorption through the tubers. The water spreading through the tubers needs extra nutrients to help the plant thrive.
- 3
  Prepare the plant for moving during cold winter months. If the outdoor temperature reaches below 50 degrees, you will need to store the plant for winter. Cut the foliage from the plant and dig up the tubers. Wrap the tubers in sphagnum peat moss then store them in a basement or cool crawl space.
- 4
  Keep the soil around the plant loose to allow for drainage and avoid root rot. Place pots in plants if your garden is especially vulnerable to moles, voles or gophers. Pick off pests on leaves such as aphids and mites to avoid leaf destruction.

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