NATURE ATTRACTION – The Elephant Ear makes a grand statement of awe and amazement! Named for its large elephant ear-like foliage and water thirsty habit, you will be shocked at how fast it grows and how much attention it garners. This ‘Ruffles’ variety is very cold tolerant when planted in the garden down to about 10F.
KEY TIPS – Water the plants deeply letting the excess water drain through the bottom of the pot and into an adequate catch dish. This allows the plant to drink from the bottom up as well as top down. Keep moist! If you live where nights rarely drop below 20F degrees, you can leave your plants outside year round if planted in the ground. They will need cutting back after first frost and mulching with 6-8 inches of straw, leaves, or pine needles.
SHELF LIFE – Plant in pots or garden as soon as night temperatures stay above 45F.
PLANT Preparation- Soak in bucket of water for 3-4 hours for a jump start to faster growth.
DETERMINING TOP OR BOTTOM – The top of bulb is usually not as wide as the bottom. If bulb is sprouting they always point up as well.
PLANTING DEPTH – Cover top of bulb with only 2-3 inches of soil being careful not to damage any growth.
POTTED PLANTS- Plant into large 15-20 inch pots separately. They like the room to grow. Also place a catch dish under pot to allow them to drink from the bottom up as well as the top down.
Soil- They like bagged potting mixes for houseplants that will drain well.  Most garden centers carry various brand names with perlite, vermiculite, soil and sand. 
GARDEN PREPARATION – If you live where it rarely dips below 20 degrees, they may be planted directly into the garden. If your soil is clayish amend it with a standard garden soil for adequate drainage.
PLANTING SPACING – If planting in garden or together in one container space 36-48 inches apart. In containers space same distance from other plants.
PLANT HEIGHT – These will grow 4-6 feet in about 60-90 days!
Water- Water the plants thoroughly letting the excess water drain through the bottom of the pot and into an adequate catch dish. This allows the plant to drink from the bottom up as well as top down. Keep moist!
FERTILIZER- To promote more growth use a well balanced fertilizer like Roberta’s Flower Magic Plant Food (M7503) once month all summer.
LIGHTING- Full sun or half a day of sun is sufficient.
Blooming – Blooming is insignificant. Blooms on these plants are creamy white and resemble a calla lily.
TEMPERATURE ZONE 8 to 11- When nights stay above 45 degrees place your plants outside and leave them there all summer long- the hotter the better. The point is they like a change in day to night temperatures to grow. When temperatures drop below 45 degrees in the autumn, bring your potted plants inside. If you live where nights rarely drop below 20 degrees, you can leave your plants outside year round if planted in the ground. They will need cutting back after first frost.
WINTER CARE – In pots bring inside if in cold winter area. Plants slow down a little from November through April. They may drop some foliage though not much. You may cut entire plant back to soil level and watch it grow back very quickly in the home. In the garden, you can leave your plants outside year round if temperatures stay above 10F. They will need cutting back after first frost and mulching with 6-8 inches of straw, leaves, or pine needles.
SUPPORT – No support is needed.
PRUNING – You may cut entire plant back to soil level once a year and watch it grow back very quickly.
GROOMING- Cut away any yellow, brown leaves or broken stems that naturally occur. Monthly misting with a solution of soapy water will insure glossy pest free leaves. Mix ½ teaspoon of standard liquid dish soap in a quart spray bottle of water, shake, and mist the plant profusely.