The elephant ear (Haemanthus albiflos) from South Africa is not only an exotic but also a very rare houseplant. The fact that it is not so easy to buy makes the propagation of this flower quite interesting, especially since it is not difficult either.
If the flower of the elephant ear is not pollinated, it will not produce fruit and therefore no seeds
Propagation by seed
You can certainly grow elephant ears from seeds. This is particularly easy to do with seeds from specialist shops, because these can be sown immediately. You have to wait patiently for some time for seeds from your own plants. For pollination need two plants that are close together. After about eight to twelve weeks, the seed pods form, which still need some time to mature.
Thoroughly clean the seeds of adhering pulp to avoid mold. As dark germs, the seeds should be covered with soil, alternatively they germinate between two damp paper towels. This takes about four weeks. To thrive, the seedlings need plenty of light and regular watering.
Propagation by onion bulbs
The simplest way of propagation is to plant onions. When you repot your elephant ear in the spring, check to see if any small daughter bulbs have formed on the mother bulb. Carefully detach the small onions without damaging them or the mother bulb.
Do not repot the elephant ear specifically for propagation or just look for daughter bulbs out of curiosity, this will not do your elephant ear any good and it will grow more slowly. Plant the daughter bulbs individually in separate pots with poor soil. Start watering a few days later.
Propagation by leaf cuttings
Producing leaf cuttings is a little tricky with this otherwise easy-care plant, as they tend to rot if the substrate is too wet. Carefully cut off some strong leaves from your elephant's ear and plant them in pots of moderately moist soil.
Propagation of the elephant ear in brief:
- Sowing possible, but tedious
- Propagation by onion bulbs easily and effectively
- Propagation by leaf cuttings requires a bit of care
tips
If you want to be successful quickly or if you have little time for care, then opt for propagation by means of brood onions.