Caring for Stunning Black Coral Elephant Ear Plants
The black coral elephant ear ( Colocasia esculenta ‘ Black Coral ’ ) is an alien looking plant life know for its mammoth , lustrous dark purple leaf . With parting that can grow over 18 inches across , it ’s easy to see where this plant gets its common name . worry for these tropical dish takes a bit of work but it ’s worth it for the spectacular visual encroachment they provide .
Watering Black Coral Elephant ear
Elephant ears need reproducible wet , especially when actively grow Allow the top inch or two of land to dry out between waterings Provide around 0.5 cups of water every 9 day for a 5 inch potted works that does n’t get direct Dominicus . Larger , in - ground plants need even more hydration . Water at the base of the works and avoid getting water on the leaves . Elephant ears enjoy rainwater so admit them to benefit from natural precipitation when possible .
Soil & Fertilizer
Rich , dampish soil is primal to growing gorgeous elephant ear plants . They thrive in boggy conditions in the wild . tot compost or composted manure when establish and utilise a timbre potting mix if grow in container . wearisome release fertilizer added at planting advance unassailable increment . Most elephant ears are heavy feeders that benefit from regular fertilizing . Use a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2 - 3 weeks during the growing time of year for best effect .
Sunlight motivation
Elephant ears thrive in full sun . In fact , the more direct Lord’s Day they soak up , the darker the foliage becomes . Variegated types appreciate 4 - 6 hours of sun day by day . tax shelter from raging afternoon sun forbid leaf burn . If elephant spike plants do n’t get enough light , the leaves yellow and plants decline . Place potted flora within 3 foot of a cheery window . Pick a maculation with maximum sunshine if growing outdoors .
Overwintering Elephant Ears
Elephant ear ca n’t tolerate any hoar . They die back completely in winter . In moth-eaten climates , you must travail up the tubers and put in them over wintertime for replant the undermentioned time of year . In fall , cut off the leave , leave about 12 inches of stem . Carefully get the picture up the tubers and wash off excess soil . cut back back roots and stems to around 3 - 4 inch . spot in cardboard box filled with Sir Henry Wood sliver and store in a coolheaded , dark spot around 50 - 60 ° F . Do n’t allow tubers to dry out out or immobilize . Check periodically and discard any that start sprouting . Replant the genus Tuber in spring after the last Robert Lee Frost date .
Pruning & Maintenance
Pruning elephant ear meliorate their appearance and health :
Deadhead blossom as soon as they blow over by cutting back to the chief stem .
bump off damaged , morbid , or numb leave as needed .
switch off off bent leaves damaged by breaking wind .
Trim back overgrown industrial plant in other spring .
Divide congested tubers every 2 - 3 years in early spring .
Provide post or protection for potted industrial plant to protect from fart damage .
Cautiously remove self - sown seedlings if they become weedy .
Troubleshooting Elephant Ear problem
Elephant ears are relatively worry - free if give proper care but may encounter :
yellowed foliage – ordinarily indicatory of overwatering . Allow soil to dry out between waterings .
Wilting – Can be due to too much or too little water . ascertain dirt wet .
Leaf patch / blight – Fungal disease exacerbated by wet foliation and humid conditions . Improve airflow and reduce watering .
pestis like aphids – wash out off with water or use insecticidal goop .
laze / snail wrong – Remove mollusks by hired man and apply decoy if severe .
Rodent harm – Place computer hardware cloth around genus Tuber when overwintering .
With their immense , dramatic leaf and tropical vibe , elephant spike make a stunning addition to gardens and containers . While they involve some specialized guardianship , following right growing guidelines will keep your black coral elephant ears thriving time of year after season . With the proper soil , Dominicus , wet , and overwintering term provide , you could revel their bold beauty for years to add up .
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FAQ
Do black elephant ears need sunlight or ghost ?
How big do pitch-dark coral elephant pinna get ?
How to care for a fatal coral works ?
