Do you want to add a bold, tropical look to your garden? If so, then the Colocasia gigantea ‘Thailand Giant’ is the perfect elephant ear for you!
Adding Bold Texture to Your Landscape with Colocasia Gigantea ‘Thailand Giant’
Colocasia gigantea ‘Thailand Giant’ is one of the largest elephant ear bulbs available, and it makes a dramatic statement in any garden. Growing up to 9 feet tall, this tropical plant features huge leaves that point upwards and create an eye-catching display.
Features:
- Huge leaves that point upwards
- Creates an eye-catching display
- Can be used to form a tall screen or planted as a corner accent
Thailand Giant is an ideal choice for adding bold texture to your landscape.
Plant Care Tips for Elephant Ear Bulbs
When it comes to planting elephant ear bulbs, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First and foremost, the bulbs should be planted at a depth of 5 inches (13 cm); they should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the soil surface. If you are planting multiple plants together, the bulbs should be 2 to 4ft (60 to 122 cm) apart; however, this does depend on the variety so always check the needs of your particular plant before proceeding with planting.
Watering Elephant Ears
When it comes to watering elephant ears, they are quite high in water needs and the bigger they grow, the more water they will require. To keep them healthy and thriving, it is best to water them regularly throughout their growing season.
Staking
It is also important to note that these plants do not need staking; some varieties may even thrive if planted in a pot and grown as a marginal pond plant.
Soil and Drainage
When it comes to keeping your elephant ear plant happy, it is important to ensure that the soil remains moist but not wet. To prevent water distribution and root rot, proper drainage should be ensured; this can be done by adding a layer of gravel or stones at the bottom of the pot before planting.
Humidity
Additionally, as these plants are tropical in origin they love humidity so you can encourage it indoors by placing a saucer of pebbles and water near your plant.
Winter Care
During Iowa winters, elephant ears may go quiet; however, with proper care and attention throughout their growing season they will come back to life in spring.
Choosing the Right Size Elephant Ear Bulb
Another important factor to consider when planting elephant ear bulbs is size. Do bigger elephant ear bulbs make bigger plants? As with other bulbs, elephant ear tubers are graded by size. Large tubers that measure 9-11 inches in diameter will grow into larger plants with strong stems and abundant foliage, while those with smaller tubers will possess fewer leaves. When selecting the right bulb for your garden, it is important to take into account the size of the tuber and its potential growth capacity.
Choosing the Right Pot Size
To ensure that your elephant ear plants reach their full potential, it is important to choose the right pot size. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- For smaller varieties, use a pot that is at least 18 inches wide and 16 inches deep.
- For larger Alocasia varieties, use a larger 36-inch pot.
By choosing a large enough pot, you won’t need to repot your elephant ear plants for a long time as this will allow them to develop fully.