How to Water Your Elephant Ear Plant (Colocasia)

How to water

Feel the soil, the top layer (about 2 inches) should be dry before giving more water. If the soil is still wet you risk giving the plant too much water and it can rot.

If the soil is wet - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.

public/content/YeE-el6vQ1m_I9rI4_VQzQ.webp

Water over the soil

Pour water over the soil or put the plant directly under a tap
Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes
If you have a tray under the pot, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water
If you watered under the tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

Even if the Elephant ear likes consistent moisture they still like to dry up just slightly between waterings.
— Planta tip

public/content/C-_dcTUVRpmgqnGw79OqRg.webp

Bottom watering

Fill the plant tray with water
Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray
Wait for about 10 minutes
Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray
If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray
Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

Water bath

Fill a bucket with lukewarm water
Lower the whole pot down into the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water
The water will start to bubble - wait until it stopped
Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off
Put the plant back in the cachepot or tray
After 1 hour, check that the plant isn’t standing in water. If it is, it might get overwatered and rot

Foire aux questions

When should I water my Elephant ear plant?

You should water your Elephant ear (Colocasia) plant when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. If the soil is still wet, wait longer to prevent overwatering and rot.

What is the best way to water an Elephant ear plant?

You can water an Elephant ear (Colocasia) plant by pouring water over the soil until it drains from the bottom. Alternative methods include bottom watering or giving the plant a water bath.

How do I bottom water an Elephant ear plant?

To bottom water, fill the plant tray with water, ensuring the soil touches the water. Let it soak for about 10 minutes, then check if the soil is moist throughout; if not, add more water and wait another 20 minutes before removing any excess.

Can I let my Elephant ear plant sit in water?

No, you should never let your Elephant ear (Colocasia) plant sit in collected water after watering. Always remove any water from the tray or cachepot to prevent root rot.

How do I give my Elephant ear plant a water bath?

Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and lower the entire pot into it until the soil is submerged. Wait for the bubbling to stop, then lift the pot and let the excess water drain off before placing it back.

Is bottom watering sufficient for Elephant ear plants?

While bottom watering is effective, it does not wash away salts and minerals from the soil. You should also water over the soil occasionally to flush out these accumulations.

How to water an Elephant ear plant

Feel the soil to check if the top 2 inches are dry.

Pour water over the soil until it starts to run out from the drainage holes.

If you have a tray under the pot, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards.

If you watered under the tap, make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting the plant back.