Elephant Ear Bulbs – Which End Is Up and Which End Is Down?

You might be wondering which end of an Elephant Ear bulb is up and which is down. You can read our article on planting elephant ear bulbs and learn more about this houseplant in general. Here are some tips on keeping your new elephant ear plant healthy:
Planting an elephant ear bulb upside down

In case you are new to the world of garden planting, elephant ear bulbs can be planted upside down. This will allow the plant to grow and bloom at the same rate as if planted rightside up. However, it will take a few extra days before the plant can produce an above-ground stem. When planting elephant ear bulbs, always plant them bumpy-side-down. You can also plant them on their sides if you are unsure about how to properly do it.
Feeding an elephant ear houseplant

The top of the elephant ear houseplant bulb should be about one inch below the soil. It is best to place this plant in a bright indoor area and fertilize it at least once a month with a half strength fertilizer. Feeding it full strength may promote rampant growth. Wipe the leaves of your elephant ear houseplant with a damp cloth weekly. Wiping the leaves will help keep the plant’s pores and stomata open, preventing them from becoming clogged and weak.
Growing an elephant ear plant from a bulb

During the late winter and early spring, you can purchase bulbs for growing Elephant Ear plants. Plant the elephant ear bulb root side up and around 8 inches deep. You can plant the elephant ear corm outdoors or in pots indoors. Be sure to give the plant plenty of nutrients and water during the growing season. If you live in a warm climate, Elephant Ears will survive in zones six and nine. When planting the corms, plant them when nighttime temperatures are around 55-60 degrees. If the plants don’t grow very well in full sunlight, you can dig them up, store them, and plant them again next spring.
Keeping an elephant ear houseplant healthy

When winter weather sets in, bring your elephant ear houseplant indoors. The plant will do well in a bright spot of the house with consistent moisture levels. Unlike most houseplants, elephant ears do not require much water once brought indoors, but you should water your new plant every week. The best way to take care of your new plant is to bring it indoors in a sunny location as soon as possible.
Planting an elephant ear bulb in the ground

You can plant an elephant ear indoors during the winter months if you’re not ready to grow one outdoors. The bulbs can be stored indoors and need relatively warm and moist growing conditions. In hot climates, it is recommended to water the bulbs frequently. If you’re planting them in the ground whose end is up, you’ll have to water them daily.
Harvesting an elephant ear bulb

If you’ve planted a bulb of elephant ear, you’re probably wondering what to do with it. The elephant ear spends three weeks growing roots and sending green upward. Once the end of the bulb is up, the bulbs will send their roots down. They will only get better with time. You can keep the bulb until spring, but be sure to check it often for pests and corrosion.
Storing an elephant ear bulb

There are a few steps to taking care of an elephant ear bulb whose end is facing up. The bulbs are tough and will not rot if stored properly. Make sure that the bulb is kept in a cool, dark place. It should be watered when dry but not too often, as the bulbs do not like to stay too wet. Once you have planted the bulb, make sure that you store it the correct way.