---
title: "I have an elephant ear bulb that appears to be dead. It was planted…"
description: "I have an elephant ear bulb that appears to be dead. It was planted in fresh soil. I will be receiving a replacement. Can I plant it in the same soil?"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/649095b43dd35f071148af4a"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "Choc"
published: "2023-06-19T17:51:48.863Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/everythingHousePlants.jpg"
---

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# I have an elephant ear bulb that appears to be dead. It was planted…

_Posted by Choc on 2023-06-19_

I have an elephant ear bulb that appears to be dead. It was planted in fresh soil. I will be receiving a replacement. Can I plant it in the same soil?

## 7 comments

### InkedgirlC commented on 2023-06-19

Not recommended to use same soil

#### Choc replied on 2023-06-19

Even though it was just planted on May 27th?

### Plant mamaZ commented on 2023-06-19

I would buy new soil your soil can be contaminated with a pest even when purchasing it’s best for fresh start with your replacement 🥰 good luck

#### Choc replied on 2023-06-19

Thank you

### Danika commented on 2023-06-20

You can actually sterilize your used soil in the microwave for about 5mins to use again. This will kill any bacteria or pathogens that may be harboring.  
That being said, there may be a reason that original plant died in that soil, most likely that its the wrong kind of soil that doesn’t allow enough oxygen for roots to breathe. Best thing for Alocasia and Colocasia’s (Elephant Ears) is a chunky forest floor mix or Aroid mix, or a soil that has a lot of perlite mixed in (like 1/3).  
Also, your bulb (or corm) could still alive but went dormant. They do that. Plant it in a smaller pot and lightly water (moist not wet) for next month or two, see what happens.  
Hope that helps.

#### Choc replied on 2023-06-22

I already threw it out. I opened up the bulb and it was wet and mushy. I’m starting fresh.

#### Choc replied on 2023-06-22

Thank you

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