Wondering why are my elephant ears not coming up? Here are the top causes + solution ideas for each elephant ear problem!
Elephant ears are a gorgeous tropical plant. They are bulbs that you can plant in the early spring or winter and the large, lush leaves will emerge in the spring.
But – what if your elephant ears are not coming up?
I planted elephant, ear bulbs, all along the border of our front yard garden bed.
They were glorious and beautiful, and made such a fun statement. However, the next year, none of them came back up again.
Whomp, whomp, whomp indeed.
This prompted me to do a lot of research into why elephant ears do not emerge from the soil and I’m going to share all of that knowledge with you here today.
![why are my elephant ears not coming up](https://keepyourplantsalive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/why-are-my-elephant-ears-not-coming-up-512x1024.jpg.webp)
Why Are My Elephant Ears Not Coming Up?
Here are the top causes of elephant ear bulbs not coming up and solutions for each problem!
Insufficient Humidity
Problem: Elephant ears require a humid environment to thrive, and low humidity can hinder their growth.
Solution: Increase humidity around your plant by misting it regularly and keeping it well watered.
Indoors, you can place a tray of water nearby, or use a humidifier.
![](https://keepyourplantsalive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/elephant-ear.jpeg.webp)
Unsuitable Soil and Potting
Problem: Poor soil drainage and inappropriate pots can impede elephant ear growth.
Solution: Use well-draining, nutrient-rich soil and choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent water logging, which can lead to rotten bulbs.
After our elephant ear bulbs did not come up, I did a little digging – literally. It appears that they had rotted in the soil.
I assume this is because we have clay soil, and it rains a lot all winter long.
Lesson learned – they really do need well draining soil.
Temperature Fluctuations
Problem: Elephant ears are sensitive to temperature changes, which can affect their emergence.
Solution: Protect your plant from cold drafts and ensure a consistent tropical temperature range.
Assuming your bulbs are outdoors, they might get too cold over the winter. If you live in a very cold area, consider digging them up and storing them indoors for the winter.
![giant elephant ear plant ourdoors](https://keepyourplantsalive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/IMG_9347-768x1024.jpg.webp)
Improper Planting Depth
Problem: Planting bulbs too deep or shallow can hinder sprouting.
Solution: Plant bulbs at the correct depth of 2-3 inches, allowing the top to be slightly exposed.
Patience During Dormancy
Problem: Elephant ears have varying dormancy periods, and impatience can lead to unnecessary concern.
Solution: Be patient, avoid disturbing the bulbs, and continue providing proper care.
![](https://keepyourplantsalive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/elephant-ears-768x1024.jpg.webp)
Incorrect Lighting Conditions
Problem: Inadequate or excessive light can stunt growth and prevent emergence.
Solution: Place your elephant ears in bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight.
Watering Imbalance
Problem: Overwatering or underwatering can negatively impact growth and sprouting.
Solution: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, allowing for proper drainage and avoiding waterlogged conditions.
![giant elephant ear leaf close up](https://keepyourplantsalive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/IMG_9350-768x1024.jpg.webp)
Nutrient Deficiency
Problem: Lack of nutrients can slow down or halt the growth of elephant ears.
Solution: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Pest and Disease Infestation
Problem: Pests and diseases can weaken plants, inhibiting sprouting and growth.
Solution: Regularly inspect your elephant ears for pests and diseases, and promptly treat any issues you find.
Any more questions about elephant ear growth?
Thanks for reading!
![About Me Plant picture](https://keepyourplantsalive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/About-Me-Plant-picture-1024x1024.jpg.webp)
![Morgan mcbride headshot](https://keepyourplantsalive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Morgan-mcbride-headshot.jpg.webp)
Hey there, I’m Morgan, a houseplant enthusiast from sunny Charleston, South Carolina. Growing up surrounded by my mom’s lush orchids and African violets, I discovered the magic of bringing nature indoors. Thanks to the pandemic, I delved deeper into houseplants, discovering their power to uplift moods and transform spaces. I’m here to spill all my secrets, helping you pick the perfect houseplant – and make it happy. Let’s keep your plants alive, together! 😊