With their huge, heart-shaped leaves and tropical vibe, elephant ears are must-have plants for gardens and patios. But sometimes these dramatic beauties outgrow their space and need dividing or moving to a new location. Knowing the optimal time to transplant elephant ears ensures success with the least stress on your plants.
In this article we’ll explore the best season and techniques for transplanting elephant ears so you can keep these stunning plants flourishing year after year.
Spring is the Ideal Season for Transplanting Elephant Ears
Without a doubt, spring is prime time for moving or dividing elephant ear bulbs. Here are the key reasons why
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Elephant ears emerge from dormancy in spring, sending up fresh new sprouts ideal for transplanting. You can clearly see the young plants and roots to handle with care.
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Transplanting in spring allows elephant ears the full growing season to establish in their new location before going dormant in fall.
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The plants are small and manageable in spring.Trying to move huge elephant ears later in the season can damage the plant.
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Cool spring temperatures and plentiful moisture reduce transplant stress.
For all these reasons, aim to transplant elephant ears in early to mid spring when new growth is a few inches tall. This timing gives them plenty of time to root before summer heat arrives.
Wait Until After Last Frost for Cold Climate Gardeners
Gardeners in zones 8-10 with frost-free winters can transplant elephant ears anytime in spring or even in winter. But for those in cooler zones, timing is key.
Elephant ears will not survive freezing temperatures. Wait to transplant until 2-4 weeks after your area’s average last spring frost date. Check your local frost dates, and don’t rush it!
If an unexpected late frost threatens your newly transplanted starts, protect them by covering with sheets, burlap or plastic overnight until the danger has safely passed.
For overwintering elephant ears in cold climates, dig up bulbs before fall frosts hit and store them dormant in a cool basement until spring. Replant them after the soil has warmed up again.
Step-By-Step Spring Transplanting Instructions
Follow these simple steps for transplanting elephant ears successfully:
Choose an Ideal Site
Pick a sheltered spot that gets 4-6 hours of sun daily, with organically rich soil. Elephant ears thrive in consistent moisture, so select a low spot or plant beside a pond or stream. Quick drainage is also key to prevent rotting.
Prepare the Soil
About 2-3 weeks before transplanting, prepare the site by mixing in 4 inches of compost or rotted manure. This boost of organic matter helps elephant ears establish quickly.
Water Well Before Digging
Thoroughly hydrate elephant ears a day or two before transplanting. Watering reduces stress and makes digging easier.
Dig Wide Holes
Elephant ears have expansive root systems. Dig each hole at least twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
Carefully Transplant
Gently loosen the roots and place in the hole at its original depth. Refill with soil, tamping down firmly.
Water Thoroughly
Water deeply immediately after transplanting. Then water whenever the soil dries out to keep roots hydrated.
Provide Shade if Hot
Add temporary shade cloth if transplanting later in spring when temperatures rise. Dappled shade helps reduce stress.
Follow this springtime routine, and your elephant ears will quickly bounce back and reward you with vigorous growth all season long!
Dividing Congested Clumps in Spring
In addition to transplanting bulbs, spring is ideal for dividing overcrowded elephant ear clumps. Here’s a simple process:
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In early spring, use a shovel to dig up the entire clump. Shake off loose soil.
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Gently pull bulb clumps apart with your hands, dividing into smaller sections. Don’t worry about small roots breaking
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Replant divisions immediately in prepared soil, spacing 3-5 feet apart.
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Water thoroughly and fertilize monthly. New growth will emerge quickly!
Dividing overgrown elephant ears revitalizes them and creates new plants easily and economically. Just be sure to do it in spring when they are actively growing.
Can You Transplant Elephant Ears in Summer or Fall?
While spring is best, elephant ears can be moved in summer or fall in a pinch provided extra care is taken:
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Summer – Transplant only container-grown plants, not garden plants due to heat stress. Provide ample shade and irrigation. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
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Fall – Move or divide elephant ears in early fall while the soil is still warm. Stop 6 weeks before your first fall frost so plants can become established before going dormant.
Just know that transplanting in summer and fall is riskier and may slow plants down. But with proper timing and ideal care, it can certainly be done.
Preparing Elephant Ears for Winter Dormancy
If you live where winters dip below freezing, elephant ears must be overwintered indoors dormant. Here’s how:
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In early fall before frost, dig up bulbs and allow to dry in indirect sun for 1-2 weeks so cuts callous over.
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Remove foliage, leaving the neck intact.
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Place bulbs in slightly moist peat or vermiculite. Store in cool basement around 50°F over winter.
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Check bulbs occasionally and water slightly if needed to prevent shriveling. Don’t let them get soggy.
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In spring, replant the dormant bulbs outdoors after risk of frost has passed.
With proper overwintering care, elephant ear bulbs can live for many years and grow bigger each season!
Troubleshooting Transplant Issues
Elephant ears are generally easy plants to move if done at the right time. But occasionally issues pop up. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
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Leaves droop – Drooping leaves after transplanting are normal. Gently support leaves with bamboo stakes until plants recover. Make sure soil stays moist.
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Few or no new leaves – Lack of new growth indicates transplant stress. Pamper plants with ideal growing conditions and fertilizer to stimulate growth.
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Rotting bulbs – If bulbs rot after transplanting, the site likely has poor drainage. Improve drainage and replant in spring.
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Pests or diseases – Sometimes transplant shock weakens plants, allowing pests and diseases to attack. Isolate and treat affected plants.
With attentive care and a little TLC, elephant ears should flourish in their new location with no setbacks at all. Just be sure to give them time to adjust.
Transplanting your elephant ears while they’re still small in spring is the key to success. Follow these tips for moving elephant ears, and you’ll be rewarded with vigorous, healthy plants that put on a spectacular show all season long. Pretty soon you’ll be dividing them regularly to multiply your impressive elephant ear collection!
What You Need To Plant Elephant Ears
When you plant elephant ears, choose the best spot for them based on their needs and the look you want. All you will need is a shovel or garden spade, some mulch and water. One other thing to ensure is that the threat of frost is over. Adding manure or other organic matter to the soil can help it grow plants, but it’s not necessary.
Elephant Ear Plant Spacing
When planting multiple elephant ear plants, space the plants at least the same width as the mature size. So, if you want the elephant ear plant to grow to be 4 feet wide, you should put the bulbs or young plants at least 4 feet apart, center to center. This also is true around other plants and structures. You want to provide enough space for the plants to grow large and healthy. This gives the plants enough room for their roots to grow, makes sure the soil has enough nutrients, and lets air flow around the plants.
You should pick a big planter with a strong base if you want to grow elephant ears in a garden pot. These plants can get very large and heavy and will catch the wind with their large leaves. The pot needs to be strong enough not to topple over and have enough space for the roots to grow.
TIPS FOR GROWING ELEPHANT EARS IN POTS
FAQ
Can you dig up elephant ears and replant them?
When should you separate elephant ears?
Do elephant ears like sun or shade?
When is the best time to transplant elephant ears?
The best time of year to transplant elephant ears is in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Transplanting the plants in the spring gives them the entire growing season to establish their roots in the new location and adapt to their new environment.
How do you transplant elephant ears?
Holding the elephant ears plant upright with one hand, scoop the dug soil into the hole with the other hand until you fill the hole. Gently press the soil around the plant with the flats of your hands to firm the plant in the hole. Regular watering is essential for newly transplanted elephant ears.
When should you plant elephant ear bulbs?
Plant elephant ears when temperatures have warmed up in the spring and any danger of frost has passed. Elephant ear bulbs will not grow in cold soil, so wait until the soil temperature reaches 65ºF. If you’re hoping to get a jump start on planting, you can plant the bulbs in pots indoors about four to six weeks before you transfer them outside.
What happens if you plant an elephant ear plant too deep?
Planting the plant too deep can cause the roots to rot and the plant to die. The top of the root ball should be level with the soil line when it is planted in the hole. Transplanting an elephant ear plant is an important part of ensuring the longevity of the plant.