If you want to move or multiply your impressive tropical plants, learning how to transplant elephant ears is a key skill. This step-by-step guide for the process will ensure your colocasia or alocasia plants thrive in their new location, whether you’re dividing a crowded clump or moving them for the winter.
Transplanting might seem daunting, but it’s straightforward with the right timing and technique. These plants are surprisingly resilient. With a little care, you can successfully relocate them to create a bigger jungle-like impact in your garden or home.
How to Transplant Elephant Ears
This main process covers moving an established elephant ear plant from one spot to another. We’ll cover dividing them a bit later in the guide. The best time to transplant is in the spring or early summer, when the plant is entering its active growth phase. This gives it a full season to establish new roots.
What You’ll Need
- A sharp shovel or spade
- Gardening gloves
- Pruning shears (sterilized)
- Watering can or hose
- Wheelbarrow or tarp (for moving the plant)
- Compost or well-rotted manure
- Fresh potting mix (if potting up)
- A prepared new planting hole
Step-by-Step Transplanting Instructions
1. Prepare the New Planting Site
Never dig up your plant before its new home is ready. Elephant ears prefer rich, moist soil and partial to full sun, though some varieties like more shade. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the plant’s current root ball. Mix some compost into the excavated soil to boost nutrients.
2. Water the Plant Thoroughly
A day before transplanting, give the elephant ear a deep watering. Hydrated plants handle the stress of moving much better. It helps the root ball hold together and reduces shock.
3. Dig Up the Plant Carefully
Start digging about a foot away from the base of the stems to avoid slicing through the tubers. Gently work your shovel around the plant, going deep to lift the entire root system. Try to keep the root ball intact as much as possible.
4. Lift and Inspect the Root Ball
Carefully lift the plant from the ground. Shake off excess soil gently so you can see the tubers and roots. This is a good time to check for any rot or damage. Trim any mushy or dead roots with your clean shears.
5. Move and Place the Plant
Transfer the plant to its new hole immediately. Use your tarp or wheelbarrow to move it if it’s heavy. Place it in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface. Planting to deep can lead to tuber rot.
6. Backfill and Water In
Fill in the hole with your enriched soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate large air pockets. Create a shallow basin around the stem to hold water. Then, give it a very thorough, deep watering to settle the soil.
7. Apply Mulch and Provide Aftercare
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first several weeks. You may see some wilting initially, but the plant should perk up as it establishes.
How to Divide Elephant Ear Plants
Over time, a single elephant ear tuber will produce offsets, creating a large clump. Dividing is the best way to propagate new plants. Follow the same initial steps to dig up the entire plant clump. Then, wash the soil off the tubers so you can see the structure clearly.
Look for natural separations between the main tuber and the smaller offshoots. Each division needs to have at least one growth point or “eye.” You can often twist them apart by hand, but use a clean, sharp knife for tough connections. Let the cut surfaces dry for a few hours before replanting to prevent infection.
Transplanting Elephant Ears into Pots
The process for potting is similar. Choose a large, sturdy container with excellent drainage holes—these plants get big. Use a high-quality, peat-free potting mix. After planting, water well and place the pot in a suitable spot. Potted elephant ears dry out faster, so you’ll need to water them more frequently, sometimes daily in hot weather.
When to Transplant Elephant Ears
Timing is crucial for success. For gardeners in warm climates (zones 8-11), early spring is ideal. In colder zones where tubers are lifted for winter, you should transplant when you replant the tubers outdoors after the last frost. Avoid transplanting in the peak of summer heat or as the plant goes dormant in fall.
Common Problems After Transplanting
- Wilting Leaves: This is normal transplant shock. Keep the soil moist and provide temporary shade if it’s very sunny. It should recover in a week or two.
- Yellowing Leaves: Could be overwatering, underwatering, or shock. Check soil moisture first. The plant may sacrifice old leaves to push energy to new roots.
- Slow Growth: Be patient. The plant is focusing on root establishment underground. Growth should resume once it’s settled.
FAQ Section
Can you transplant elephant ears in the summer?
It’s not ideal. The heat stresses the plant even more. If you must, do it on a cloudy day and be extra vigilant about watering and providing some afternoon shade.
How deep should you plant elephant ear bulbs?
Plant the tuber or root ball so the top is just covered with 1-2 inches of soil. The growing point should be facing upward. Some larger tubers can be planted slightly deeper for stability.
Do elephant ears like to be root bound?
No, they prefer room to grow. Being root bound in a pot will significantly stunt their growth and may cause the container to crack or tip over. They are heavy feeders and need space for their root system.
How often should you water after transplanting?
Water deeply right after planting. Then, check the soil every other day. The goal is consistently moist soil, not waterlogged. The frequency depends on your climate and soil type.
Can I transplant elephant ear cuttings?
Elephant ears are not typically propagated from stem or leaf cuttings. The reliable method is by dividing the tubers or rhizomes, as each piece needs an “eye” or growth node to produce a new plant.
Transplanting elephant ears successfully is all about timing, gentle handling, and consistent aftercare. By giving the plant a good new home with rich soil and ample water, you’ll be rewarded with those spectacular, heart-shaped leaves that make such a dramatic statement. Remember, these are tough plants that can bounce back from a move with a little help from you.