What can I do with my elephant ears that have grown only a few inches all summer?

I have them in potting soil and have moved them inside cause of the heat. I give them Miracle grow once every 1-2 weeks. They started from the root but just haven't taken off as expected. I keep the soil moist. The leaves come up but don't really open up. I live in Missouri.

What can I do with my elephant ears that have grown only a few inches all summer?
You are doing all the right things except you kept it indoors. Elephant ears actually like it hot, sunny, and humid but light intensity is key. 80+ degrees F is just fine for them as long as the soil is kept moist. In Missouri, you would have to keep them in partial shade during the months of June through August. Preferable spot is the North-East side. Humidity of about 50-80%. These plants are relatively slow growers.





Indoors, supplemental lighting is definitely a must unless you have a bright south window. More information for you on the links below.





Horticulture student.
Reply:The heat you have been having in missiori lately has been excessive. If they were outside for any lenght of time the last two weeks the roots may have been heat damaged. Its going to take some babing to get them going again. just keep going the way you are; don't over water or the root, which may have been damaged, will rot. good luck and watch out for those missiouri chiggers!!
Reply:How long have you had these plants? After a couple of years, they get smaller and smaller in pots. We just buy new ones when they start doing this.





They need a little sun in the mornings and shade the rest of the day.





We have some that are growing 100% in tree shade. They are about two feet tall and will not get bigger in this area.





Don't be afraid to throw away plants and start over.





It's getting too late to plant outside, but maybe you can keep your e.e. has a houseplant. Give it indirect bright light.