The Donkey Ear Plant is a fascinating houseplant that is gaining in popularity. It is easy to care for and can be propagated quite easily. In this article, we will discuss the features of the Donkey Ear Plant, as well as how to care for it and propagate it. We will also answer some of the most common questions about this plant. So if you are thinking about adding a Donkey Ear Plant to your home, read on!
Donkey Ear plant: origins and names
The Donkey Ear Plant is native to Mexico and Central America. It was first described by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The Donkey Ear Plant is a climber plant that can reach up to 20 feet in length.
The Donkey Ear Plant gets its name from its leaves, which are shaped like donkey ears. The scientific name (Epipremnum Pinnatum) comes from the Greek words “epi”, meaning upon, and “premnum”, meaning a vine. The name “Pinnatum” refers to the pinnate (feather-like) shape of the leaves. The name “Devil’s Ivy” comes from the plant’s ability to survive in low-light conditions. The name “Pothos” is a corruption of the scientific name “Epipremnum Pinnatum”. The name “Sweetheart Plant” comes from the heart-shaped leaves. It is also sometimes called the Elephant Ear Plant or the Angel Wing Plant.
Donkey Ear care tips
Size and Growth
The plant itself can grow quite large, up to 20 feet in length. However, when grown indoors, it is much more likely to max out at around six feet. The Donkey Ear Plant is a fast-growing plant, and it is very easy to care for. It can tolerate low light conditions and can even grow in artificial light. This makes it an ideal plant for beginners or those who do not have a lot of experience with houseplants.
Its sizes just enough for a pot size of 12” to 18” inches, standard for most potted plants. The leaves are what give this plant its name, and they can grow up to 18 inches long and 12 inches wide. The leaves are heart-shaped and have a glossy green color. They are also variegated with white or yellow stripes.
Flowering and Fragrance
The Donkey Ear plant is not one of the more flashy flowers in a garden, but it’s hard to find any plant that doesn’t have its unique quality. The small and green blossoms can be found on inflorescences emerging from leaf axils, and they are usually only seen on outdoor plants. Donkey Ear Plants have a long flowering season and produce blooms in a variety of colors including white, pink, purple, and red [1]. The flowers are small and inconspicuous. Although the Donkey Ear Plant is not known to be fragrant, many people believe that its unique appearance more than makes up for this flaw.
Light and Temperature
The Donkey Ear Plant is a tropical plant, which means it prefers warm temperatures and bright, indirect light. If you live in a colder climate, you can grow the plant indoors near a south-facing window. The plant will also do well under fluorescent lighting. This makes it an ideal plant for beginners or those who do not have a lot of experience with houseplants. Just be sure to keep it away from direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
The best range for this plant is between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate small fluctuations in the weather, but it should not go below 50 degrees Fahrenheit as that will damage its leaves, causing them to drop off after a while. As you may already know from previous readings on botany blogs or class discussions regarding plants indoors vs outdoors temperatures etc., there are many factors involved when deciding how much warmth an individual prefers their home/office space provides – this includes not just ambient air temperature (which changes constantly) but also what type of surfaces the plants are sitting/hanging on, how much humidity is in the air, if there are any drafts or vents nearby, and so on.
Watering and Fertilizing
The Donkey Ear Plant is very easy to care for and does not require a lot of attention. It should be watered about once a week, or when the soil is dry to the touch. Be sure to allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. These plants do not like to be overwatered too, as this can cause root rot. It is best to fertilize your Donkey Ear Plant about once a month during the spring and summer months, when it’s winter it is better to fertilize every two months [2]. Use a balanced fertilizer that is diluted to half strength.
Soil and Transplanting
The Donkey Ear Plant prefers well-draining soil. A good potting mix for this plant would be two parts peat moss and one part perlite. These plants do not like to be transplanted, so it is best to only do so when absolutely necessary, this includes such cases as if the plant becomes root-bound and when its growth is stunted. 
If you do need to transplant your plant, be sure to do so in the spring because this is when the plant is actively growing. To transplant the Donkey Ear, do the following:
- Water the plant a few hours before you plan to transplant it. This will help to make the roots easier to work with and less likely to be damaged during the process.
- y remove the plant from its pot. You may need to use a sharp knife or shears to cut through the roots if they are tightly bound.
- Place the plant in its new pot and fill it with the appropriate potting mix.
- Water the plant well and place it in a warm, bright spot.
If you are unsure whether you should transplant your Donkey Ear plant, it is always best to err on the side of caution and not transplant it. These plants are very sensitive and can be easily damaged, therefore it is best to only transplant them when there are visible problems.
Grooming and Maintenance
The Donkey Ear Plant is a very easy plant to care for and does not require a lot of grooming.
Potting and repotting
Potting and repotting are two different processes. Potting is when you first put a plant in a pot, and repotting is when you transfer the plant to a new pot. The Donkey Ear Plant does not need to be repotted often, but it should be done every two to three years or when the plant becomes root bound [3]. To pot the Donkey Ear Plant, follow these instructions:
- Fill the pot with the appropriate potting mix.
- Place the plant in the pot and fill it with soil, leaving a few inches at the top of the pot.
- Water the plant well and place it in a warm, bright spot.
How to Propagate Donkey Ears
Propagating is easy and can be done in different ways, for example, by taking stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, or division. To do so, take a stem cutting that has at least two leaves and root it in water. Once the roots have grown about an inch long, you can transplant them into the soil. Be sure to keep the soil moist until the plant is established. Leaf-cutting is a nice method to use if you want to create more than one plant. To do this, cut a leaf that has a petiole (leaf stem) attached and dip it in rooting hormone. Place the leaf in a moist potting mix and keep it warm and humid. New plants will sprout from the petiole in a few weeks.
Common problems with Donkey Ear Plants
The most common problem with Donkey Ear Plants is root rot. This can be caused by overwatering or by planting the plant in a pot that does not have adequate drainage. If you notice that the leaves of your plant are starting to yellow, this is a sign that it is not getting enough water. Yellow leaves can also be a sign of too much direct sunlight. If you notice either of these problems, be sure to adjust your watering and light accordingly.
Donkey Ear Pests and Diseases
The Donkey Ear Plant is a tough plant that doesn’t suffer from many pests or diseases.
If you see your Donkey Ear plant wilting or dying, check for root rot by gently removing the plant from its pot. If you see brown or black roots, this is a sure sign of root rot and the plant will need to be replanted in a fresh potting mix.
Donkey Ear Plants uses
The Donkey Ear plant has many uses, and it can be used as both an indoor and outdoor houseplant. It’s also great for container gardening! The leaves of this unusual-looking succulent are brewed into a tea which some people enjoy drinking because they say it helps with digestion (among other things), anxiety relief, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain caused by stomach issues. Just remember to check with your doctor before consuming any plant, as some plants can be poisonous if not prepared correctly.
FAQ
How fast do donkey ear plants grow?
The Donkey Ear Plant is a fast-growing plant but, however, the rate of growth will depend on the environment it’s in. For example, if the plant is kept outdoors and has access to plenty of sunlight, it will grow faster than if it were kept indoors with little to no sunlight.
How often should I water my donkey ears?
Donkey ears should be watered about once a week, or when the soil is dry to the touch. Be sure to allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
Are donkey ears plants poisonous?
No, donkey ears plants are not poisonous. However, they can cause stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. If you have pets or small children, it is best to keep the plant out of reach.
Can you eat donkey ears?
No, you cannot eat donkey ears. The leaves of the plant, though, are used to make a tea that can have many health benefits. However, you must check with your doctor before consuming them because some people might not tolerate this kind well, and might cause an allergic reaction or other side effects.
Do donkey ears bloom?
Yes, donkey ears bloom in the summer months [5]. The flowers are small and white and appear in clusters. Donkey ears typically only bloom once a year. But you probably won’t see the flowers if the plant is kept indoors.
How big do donkey ear plants get?
Donkey ear plants can grow to be about two feet tall and wide. However, they typically only grow to be about a foot tall and wide. If you want it to get bigger, you can keep it outdoors where it will have more space to grow.
Useful Video: Donkey Ear Plant flowering//Complete Care
Final word
The Donkey Ear Plant is a very easy plant to care for and does not require a lot of attention. It is a tough plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. However, it is important to be aware of the potential problems that can occur with this plant. With its interesting appearance and many uses, the donkey ear plant is sure to become one of your favorite houseplants. Thanks for reading!
References:
- https://plantcaretoday.com/donkey-ear-plant.html
- https://succulentsbox.com/blogs/blog/how-to-care-for-sedum-donkeys-tail
- https://www.capegazette.com/article/try-donkey%E2%80%99s-tail-easy-care-houseplant/148492
- https://cementanswers.com/how-do-you-propagate-a-donkey-ear-plant/
- https://crazycrittersinc.com/kalanchoe-gastonis-bonnier-aka-donkey-ear-succulent/