How Much & How Often to Water Elephant Ears: Facts & FAQ
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A staple for most people’s gardens and homes is the elephant ear. These beautiful plants can get up to 6 feet tall, and boy, are they a sight to behold! Their large distinct leaves and thick juicy stems make them a must-have for any indoor plant enthusiast.
But one pressing question for elephant ear owners is, “How much and how often should I water my elephant ears?” Many people end up underwatering or overwatering their elephant ears, which can lead to problems such as yellowing leaves, wilting, and even root rot.
So how much and how often should you water your elephant ears? Keep reading to find out.
How Much Water Should You Give Your Elephant Ears?
The amount of water your elephant ears need will depend on a few factors.
- The size of the plant: A bigger plant will need more water than a smaller one.
- The type of potting mix: A well-draining mix will require less water than a dense clay-based mix.
- The temperature and humidity: Hot and dry conditions will cause the plant to lose water faster, so it will need to be watered more often. Plants in cold climates need less water because evaporation is slower.
- The time of year: In the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, it will need to be watered more frequently than in the fall and winter, when growth slows down.
How Can You Tell Whether Your Elephant’s Ear Needs Watering?
There are a few tell-tale signs that your elephant ear needs watering. For example, if the leaves start to droop or turn yellow, that’s usually a sign that the plant is thirsty. Another way to tell is to stick your finger into the soil. If it feels dry several inches below the surface, then it’s time to water your plant.
If you’re not sure whether your plant needs water, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and give it a little bit of water.
What’s the Best Time to Water Your Elephant Ears?
The best time to water your elephant ears is in the morning. That’s because the plant will have all day to absorb and utilize the water. You could also water in the evening, but you run the risk of the water sitting on the leaves overnight, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Be careful not to put water on the elephant ear’s leaves directly. Lingering water could lead to fungal diseases like powdery mildew or leaf spot. Instead, water the soil around the base of the plant.
How to Water Your Elephant Ears Correctly
Follow these two simple steps.
1. Check the Soil
The first step is to check the soil. You can do this by sticking your finger into the soil around the plant. If the soil feels dry several inches below the surface, then it’s time to water your plant.
2. Saturate the Plant’s Base
Once you’ve determined that your plant needs watering, be sure to saturate the plant’s base. That means you should water the soil around the plant, being careful not to get any water on the leaves.
Final Thoughts
Watering your elephant ear is actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. Just remember to water it about once a week and to increase or decrease the amount of water depending on the climate you live in. And if you’re ever unsure, just stick your finger in the soil to check.
The most important thing is not to let the plant get too dry, as that can lead to the leaves falling off. So err on the side of caution and give your elephant ear a little bit of water if you’re not sure whether it needs it. Believe us; your plant will thank you for it!
Featured Image Credit: TSViPhoto, Shutterstock
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