Elephant ears not growing as big as they use to?

Question

Elephant ears are growing about half the size that they use to grow. About 3 years now they have gotten smaller and smaller. I water them almost everyday, but I do not have mulch around them and I do have a weed cloth like thing over the whole bed but I have cut a really big hole for the elephant ears. I have had them about 9 years now. The first 3 they were really really big but have gotten very small. Not sure what to do to get them big again.

Answer 1

Do you leave them in the ground year round, or lift them in the fall?   If you leave them in, my guess is that they have become crowded,  If so, they need to be lifted and divided,  at that time rework the soil with compost and some lime.   I know it sounds like a lot of work, but if too crowded, they get stunted.  Good luck. .

Answer 2

plant food and lots of water. also a mulch cloth is best becuse it protects it during the winter keep ing it warmer therefore letting it come up earlier and grow stronger and larger.

plant food really helps though and you still have the entire summer and part of fall to watch it grow

Answer 3

I had this same problem and noticed I had a big ant colony living near the plant. I took care of the ants and fertilized the heck out of it and now it's fine.

Answer 4

Check to see if there are any critters (moles) or ants around them. Once you've checked that, just keep fertilizing, mulch well and water. Good Luck!!