How to care for an elephant ear (Pilea Peperomioides): Tips for a lush plant
Here are our top tips for elephant ear care, including everything you need to know about watering, pruning and planting!
Elephant ear care: 10 Tips
2. Use good soil : Regular potting soil works great. Make sure the soil is well drained to avoid root rot. Try our peat-free soil for elephant ears!
3. Light : Elephant ear thrives in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun can cause leaves to turn yellow or burn. Do you have some light? It may work, but growth will be slower, and the plant may have a long stem and paler leaves.
4 . Clean the blades : Wipe the blades with a damp cloth to remove dust. This helps the plant to breathe and ensures that new leaves develop properly.
5. High humidity : Pilea often hangs with the leaves if the humidity is too low. A humidifier or a tray of water can help.
6. Replant : When you get an elephant ear that is too big and the pot becomes too cramped, replant the elephant ear in a larger pot. Be sure to do this in spring or summer for best results.
7. Take cuttings : Pilea is a generous plant that often produces cuttings. To take cuttings, carefully snip off a plant at the base. Plant this elephant ear cutting in new soil or put it in water until the roots are about 3 cm long.
8. Prune regularly : Pruning elephant ear is good when the plant gets too big or gets a long stem, remove some leaves or stems. It stimulates new growth and makes the plant bushier.
9. Fertilize : During the growing season (spring and summer), you can fertilize the plant every two weeks with a liquid plant nutrient. This will help produce new leaves and keep your elephant ear big and green.
10. Avoid pests : Keep an eye out for spider mites or lice. Remove these with a cotton ball dipped in soapy water or use neem oil.
Cuttings of Pilea peperomioides in water and one transplanted in soil.
Elephant ear flower and cuttings
Elephant ear rarely blooms indoors, but if it does, the plant produces small white flowers. Even if the flowers aren't the main attraction, it's always fun to see your plant bloom!
Want to take elephant ear cuttings? It's super easy! Look for small baby plants (also called cuttings) at the base of the plant. Cut these off with a clean knife and put them in water until the roots have grown, or plant directly in soil.
Common problems with Pilea
Yellow leaves : This is often due to overwatering. Make sure the soil has time to dry out between times.
Elephant ear drooping : If the leaves droop, it may be due to too little light or too much water. Move the plant to a brighter location and adjust the watering.
Loses leaves : Pilea peperomioides loses leaves when it is stressed, for example with sudden temperature changes, overwatering or too dry air.
Soil and pot
Pilea peperomioides prefers well-drained soil and a large pot when the roots start to get cramped. If the plant starts to look tired despite proper care, replant it in new soil, preferably in spring or summer.
How fast does elephant ear grow?
It is a fast-growing houseplant if given the right light and care. Rotate the plant a few times a week to keep it growing evenly and not stretching towards the light.
Caring for an elephant ear is easy, and with these tips, your plant will thrive and grow big and green. Take care of it, and don't forget to enjoy each new leaf that appears - it's a reward for your care!
Need more tips? Read more to learn even more about caring for elephant ear and other green plants.
