Giant elephant ears

[JubaeaMan138]

I just purchased these bulbs need some help the sprouts are the leaves correct so these should be planted with the sprouts pointing up? Also if I'm trying to have a nice cluster should I plant these 2 bulbs close together if so how close?

[The Silent Seed]

The sprouts up - yes - these will "turn into" the leaves. 

i would recommend 2-3 feet apart. the leaves are so big that it will resemble a clump before long (not to mention putting out more "sprouts" from each tuber.) 

Enjoy! 

[JubaeaMan138]

Any idea which species these are . They were purchased as mammoth elephant ears 

[Fusca]

Not sure of the species, but most likely Colocasia.  I've purchased similar sized bulbs claiming to be "mammoth" or "giant" leafed plants with smaller leaves than I expected and others with larger leaves.  When they're sold individually like that they rarely provide species info.  Once they come up, if the leaves point up, the plant is probably an Alocasia; if the leaves point down, it’s probably a Colocasia. I think either way it will appreciate mucho agua.  I just planted one myself last month and it's just now pushing up a leaf so I'm hoping for a "mammoth" leaf!

Jon

[JubaeaMan138]

These states on the tags mammoth but we will see I know the bulbs are really big probably little smaller than a football . All of the other colocasias i've grown have way smaller bulbs 

[Cikas]

15 hours ago, JubaeaMan138 said:

I just purchased these bulbs need some help the sprouts are the leaves correct so these should be planted with the sprouts pointing up? Also if I'm trying to have a nice cluster should I plant these 2 bulbs close together if so how close?

Looks like Colocasia bulbs. They grow really fast. Soon you will have big clumps. Just give them alot of water. They love, love water. 

Edited April 15, 2018 by Cikas

[Chris Chance]

Personally I'm a sucker for big leaves so I would love to try the giant one day. I have others in the garden doing well. It will be cool to see how those look by summer since they're so fast growing.

[PalmTreeDude]

I have "mammoth" elephant ears here in Virginia and I treat them like a banana here, I cut them down in the late fall when it frosts and they die, and then in the next Spring they grow back (with more stalks). 

[HiwaKika]

I'd start them in pots to retain mobility and decide on ideal permanent spots (and spacing) later.

They (developed leaves) don't like strong wind and direct sun for very long especially dry intense SoCal sun. 

You'll get better leaves with deeper color in partial shade and calm air. I try to keep the soil moist during hot months.

Edited April 15, 2018 by HiwaKika