Wow, another plant I’ve learned about thanks to this forum. Love it here 
Dani said:
Wow, another plant I’ve learned about thanks to this forum. Love it here
Fun fact! Every plant that’s not a fern, moss, or conifer can flower!
Dani said:
Wow, another plant I’ve learned about thanks to this forum. Love it here
Fun fact! Every plant that’s not a fern, moss, or conifer can flower!
@Dani
That’s actually fascinating… didn’t realize so many plants can flower.
Linden said:
@Dani
That’s actually fascinating… didn’t realize so many plants can flower.
It really opens up a whole new appreciation for plants 
Aroids are fascinating! Their flower shapes direct scent like a radar dish, and some only release scent at specific times. One species even syncs its scent with breaks in rainfall in its habitat. There are also unique pollination strategies where flowers start as male, coat beetles with pollen, then later in the female stage, create a wash that collects the pollen from the beetles to produce seeds. They’re incredible.
Here’s a great video by my favorite botanist, who visits a greenhouse with Aroid expert Tom Croat.
@Rin
This is awesome info, thanks so much! I tried smelling mine but didn’t catch anything, so it might be one of those time-dependent ones. I’m hoping to bring it indoors soon before the frost hits so I can keep it alive.
@Rory
If you research its natural pollinators, you might get a clue on when it releases scent. If moths pollinate it, it’s probably night. If it’s beetles, then maybe late morning or early afternoon.
@Rin
That was such a fun watch! I could listen to that guy all day… would follow him anywhere!
Zya said:
@Rin
That was such a fun watch! I could listen to that guy all day… would follow him anywhere!
There’s a part two that’s just as good. I’ve rewatched both a bunch of times. The guy’s a bit crass but so passionate. His trips to New Caledonia and Chile are must-watches if you like this stuff.
I love elephant ears but don’t know much about them. Do they grow better in pots, and how much light do they need? I’m in Zone 7 and know they need a lot of water.
Lyle said:
I love elephant ears but don’t know much about them. Do they grow better in pots, and how much light do they need? I’m in Zone 7 and know they need a lot of water.
I’m in zone 8a. I bought a big bulb from Lowes and put it in a pot. It does best in partial shade, so I have it up against my house. It wasn’t doing well in full sun on the patio. It’ll grow in the ground too, but I prefer it potted for flexibility.
Wow, I never knew these could bloom!
Mackenzie said:
Wow, I never knew these could bloom!
Yep! Every plant that doesn’t produce pine cones or spores can flower.
Interesting!
Please update with a photo when it’s in full bloom! I’d love to see it.
My elephant ear flowers too, and the smell is amazing!
Penn said:
I’ve never seen one flower. Is it hard to get them to bloom?
Not really. Mine bloom every year as long as I keep up the ideal growing conditions. Just be careful with watering – too much can cause stem rot.
Here’s a useful article with tips: How to Grow and Care for Elephant Ear Plants.
Where are you located? Beautiful plant!