How to encourage growth of an elephant ear plant?

Question

Hi!
I bought an elephant ear house plant a few months ago, and for the first few months it was growing nicely, shedding its leaves often but also growing new ones very fast. The plant is not too large, when I bought it it had 4 big leaves, up until a few weeks ago it had 5-6.
I decided I wanted to move the plant to another pot that was nicer and would also allow for it room to grow and expand.
Since I have repotted it (and I was very careful about not damaging the roots in the process), the plant seems to have gone through a bit of trauma.
It stops replenishing it’s leaves and it has not been perspirating water from it’s tips like it used to. The leaves are slowly all falling and dying.. there are two leaves left, they don’t look in the greatest shape but I feel like I can save it if I knew what to do.
Do you have any advice for my poor plant?

Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

Tali

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Answer 1

I think your plant needs more light. Even in a sunny window, indoor light is no match for even part-sun outdoors. Initially, your plant lives off the tuber's stored energy but to carry on it must have sufficient light to produce enough energy to send up new shoots. If you don't have an outdoor place you can put them after acclimation to outdoor conditions, obtain a plant light. In a pot, it is dependent on you to regularly fertilize it. A monthly application of a high nitrogen fertilizer such as 20-20-20 or 20-10-10 should do (these are estimates). Follow instructions on the container.
It doesn't look like your plant is diseased but here is a good reference on what to look for: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/elephant-ear/elephant-ear-plant-diseases.htm