Most of these plants prefer rich, moist soil and can be grown in full sun, but they generally prefer partial shade. Plants can grow two to six feet tall and four feet wide, so be sure they have enough room to thrive. Elephant Bush Care & Growing Guide 1. You can use a humidifier for this purpose. In fact, these plants are commonly grown for their large, tropical-looking foliage, which is reminiscent of elephant ears. • Fertilize your elephant ears plant with a general indoor plant fertilizer at half strength 1 x per month. Elephant Ear Plant Care + Favorite Pots and Planters Are you looking for a leafy plant to add to your house plant collection? The mammoth leaves can be more than 3 feet long on plants that can grow higher than 6 feet tall. Then try our go-to menu. Sun. Where to Plant Elephant Ear Plants. Elephant Ear Plant Care. Slowly increase the time you leave the bush out in the sun over a couple of weeks. Related: How to Grow and Care for Wisteria. In Zones 1 through 6, … Elephant Ear Plant Care & Tips. The preferred light position is bright indirect light, thus for best growth requires this in order to thrive. How to care for your elephant ears indoors There are a number of uses for elephant ears in the garden. Depending on the type, these tropical plants prefer sun or partial shade, though some might like full shade even better. Alocasia and its stunning leaves. When you need a comforting meal but don't have a lot of time, whip up one of these fast pasta recipes. Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home! Avoid fertilization in winters and allow them to relax. Elephant ear has big leaves shaped like hearts or arrows and decorative veining; leaves may look marbled, speckled, or splotched. Keep everything from your countertops to your dining room chairs germ-free. Their huge tropical leaves make elephant ears an attractive, attention-grabbing plant to have around your home. Extra Elephant Ear Plant Care Tips Indoor plants with large leaves are prone to getting dusty and just our skin, their “pores” or “stomata” can become clogged. Plant the tubers about 2 to 3 inches deep, blunt end down. Light Requirements . All Rights Reserved. Elephant's ears offer some of the boldest foliage you could ever want in a garden. If you're looking for some showy greenery for your living room, consider elephant ear. Sign up for our newsletter. With the proper care, these plants can do just as well in large pots as in the ground outside. If you are wondering how to take care of your elephant ear plant, read on to know more. deep (12 cm). Elephant ear plants can be used as background plants, ground covers, or edging, especially around ponds or along walkways or patio enclosures. Colocasia esculenta can grow very large. Remove the soil from the roots and rhizomes (thick, tubular roots that look like potatoes) of the plant. Elephant ear plants can be propagated through division, which is done most easily during repotting. Plant elephant ears in pots during the spring if you want to keep them alive year-round or use them as indoor houseplants. Elephant Ear Plant Care Gide: Common types of elephant ear plants? Get inspired to make your porch your new favorite living space with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space. The scientific name of this plant is Alocasia macrorrhiza and it sprouts from a bulb, but unlike bulbous flowers (such as the tulip or narcissus), the elephant ear has leaves all year round. Learn how to minimize the spread of germs with an extra few seconds of scrubbing. Your elephant ear plant is dying because it isn’t getting the right amount of water, light, or nutrients. Besides the traditional emerald green stems and leaves, elephant ear has species with distinctly different coloring, such as stems that are ruby red or leaves that are near-black. Growing them is simple — they like filtered sun or shade and rich, moist soil. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Elephant Ears Gardening Uses. How to care for Alocasia Plant (aka Elephant Ear Plant or African Mask Plant) The first thing that caught my attention from this particular plant was the fact that it has three popular names. If you’re after a good indoors house plant, check out the Alocasia species. Very easy method that always works. Watering. Humidity. As with many others, basic caring guidelines for Alocasia plants can be grouped in the following categories: Light. During dry spells, you may want to water plants regularly, especially those growing in containers. You don't have to do much to grow healthy elephant ear plants. Elephant ear plants are very attractive. Mature Elephant Ear plants can grow up to 8 foot tall, similarly this is around the same size of actual African Elephant Ears of 6 feet. ), which grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11 with some variation within species, depends on your climate.In frost-free tropical and sub-tropical areas, these lush foliage plants grow year-round with minimal winter care. 18 Fall Centerpieces That Will Elevate Your Table, The Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner Menu for Your Smaller Celebration, Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners, 16 of Our Best Fall Harvest Decorating Ideas for Your Home, The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year, How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts, Your Guide to the Most Popular Fall Perennials, How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor, How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now, Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home, United States interactive plant hardiness zone map. Place them in a cool, dark area such as a basement or crawlspace. There are so many delicious ways to use this hard-shell squash, from soups and salads to lasagna and pizza. They are winter-hardy only in the 8-11 hardiness zone. Growing elephant ear plants is easy. Harden off elephant ear plants for about a week prior to placing them outdoors. There are a number of uses for elephant ears in the garden. Martha Stewart may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on More Ways to Care for Indoor Elephant Ear Plants . Our fall-focused indoor and outdoor decorating ideas are guaranteed ways to make the perfect first impression when family and friends come calling on Thanksgiving—or any day during the season. Plants can grow two to six feet tall and four feet wide, so be sure they have enough room to thrive. The tubers can be placed directly outdoors once the threat of frost or freezing temperatures have ceased in your area. They take well to growing in pots, provided you follow a few guidelines. • Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth 1 x per week to keep the "plant pores" or "stomata" open. Fertilizer. And, of course, be sure not to overwater it as that's the quickest way to kill a plant. Tired of the frequent trips to your local grocery store for fresh herbs? Explore the best in fall perennials and start planning your autumn garden's layout. Their most common use, … © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. All can be made in 45 minutes or less. The Elephant Ear (Colocasia) is a tropical plant that grows up to 9 feet (2.7 m) tall and sprouts large, arrow-shaped leaves that resemble the ears on an elephant. Elephant Ears needs room to grow. Elephant Ear leaves are broad, so they can easily collect dust and dirt indoors. You may discontinue the fertilization during the winter months to allow the Colocasia to … Keep reading to learn more about how to take care of an elephant ear plant. The elephant ear plant (Colocasia) provides a bold tropical effect in nearly any landscape setting. Also, avoid dry air and keep it away from the heater and AC vents. If the foliage isn’t dusted frequently your plant may become weak and unhealthy which opens up susceptibility to some illnesses and pests. Make a big statement with this tropical perennial plant. It grows to six feet tall and just as wide, so planting it outdoors is your best bet. I can also die if grown in an unsuitable climate. Naturally elephant ear plant grows in warmer regions and native humid climates of Southeast Asia. Small and medium sized Elephant Ears should be spaced 18-24 in. Elephant ears grow in USDA zones 8 through 11. ; Select a location in full sun or part sun with a good, rich, moist, organic soil. Although not absolutely necessary, you may also want to apply a slow-release fertilizer to the soil periodically. Learn about elephant ear plant care and how you can grow this popular species, even if you live in a colder climate. Once established, elephant ears require little attention. Some other reasons are the roots are not getting enough space. If this is the case, you can cut back the yellow leaves and wait until the next spring when your elephant ear plant returns. Learn how to sew an easy medical face mask with fabric and cotton ribbon, amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Anthurium are poisonous if ingested, so be very careful if you have pets and/or small children. It’s one beneficial … High drama and bold texture are the signature benefits of showcasing elephant ears in a garden or container. Elephant Ear Plant Care Caring for the elephant plant is not that difficult once you get acquainted with what it needs to grow happy and healthy. When growing any of the varieties but especially Colocasia esculenta you’ll need to plant them in the ground or in a large container, for several reasons. When you provide adequate conditions, you will only need to care for it during the warm months since it is literally sleeping during the cold months. Plant your Elephant Ear tubers 5 in. But if the plant is not used to a lot of sunlight, you may have to slowly help the plant get used to full direct sunlight. Growing elephant ear plants successfully depends largely on planting them in the proper location. Due to the nature of their broad leaves, water, soil, and temperature requirements, as well as other distinct features of Elephant Ears, you can never be too careful when caring for the plants. In warm climates, elephant plants can be grown outdoors year-round. Then, either trim a clump of away from the mother plant, or divide the rhizome. Elephant ear plants add beauty and lushness to your garden or home, and they can be pretty easy to care for as long as you know what they like. If growing in pots use a rich, organic potting soil and plant them at the same depth. The elephant bush loves sunlight and can be in full sun for several hours at a time. Elephant ear plants are fairly easy to grow once they’re established. Just be sure to water it when the soil starts to feel dry when you stick your finger in an inch. Their needs can also be different when grown outdoors in the ground, outdoors in pots, or indoors in pots as houseplants. One final thing it can be is your plant is starting to go dormant in readiness for the following season. Planting distance varies with the size of your Elephant Ear plants. Their huge leaves certainly grabs everyone’s attention, thus making them a great ornamental plant. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. You likely wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so effectively? Start by carving out a designated work area in your space. I’m going to break down the specific needs of the four elephant ear types now: Colocasia, … Elephant ear plants are tropical plants grown from tubers or from rooted plants. … Elephant Ear Plant Care 101. Container plants can either be moved indoors or overwintered in a basement or protected porch. To support its size it needs space to accommodate the root system. I know I’m always looking for new plant aesthetics to add to my decor, and recently I decided to try out a plant called alocasia regal shield, or Elephant Ears, for the first time. From which platforms to use and the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice. The spot should offer shelter from the wind, which could rip the plant's enormous leaves in a strong gust. The plant grows only to two feet high, making for the perfect indoor plant. Many are even well adapted to growing in containers. Here are more useful tips for your plants. 1 Push four plant stakes or rebar into the ground to make square, allowing 16 inches from the center of the plant on each side. Planting elephant ear bulbs indoors approximately eight weeks prior to the last frost date is also acceptable. There are four main types of elephant ear plants, and their watering, soil, and light requirements are all a bit different. This tropical beauty that's native to Asia has recently become a popular houseplant. Their most common use, however, is as an accent or focal point. When your growing season is ending, you can care for your elephant ears plant in a couple of different ways. ... A fertilization regime every two weeks with a 50 percent diluted 20-10-10 food is an integral part of houseplant care of Colocasia. The soil needs to stay very moist and wet all the time. The 3- to 5-foot tall plant is usually grown outdoors, but it is possible to grow elephant ears indoors too. Freezing temperatures kill foliage and damage tubers. Cut the foliage back to about a couple of inches after the first frost in your area and then carefully dig up the plants. Prepare the bed for elephant ears by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 … Elephant ears belong to two species of plants: Colocasia and Alocasia. Elephant ears (Colocasia and Alocasia) are tropical plants grown for their stunning, often enormous leaves, which can be lime green, variegated or nearly black.These summer-loving plants grow from a bulb that should be planted in the spring. Zones: Fully hardy in Zones 10 to 11. The plant has arrow-shaped, deeply lobed leaves that extend 12 to 16 inches. The spot should offer shelter from the wind, which could rip the plant's enormous leaves in a strong gust. While it’s a bit more picky than something like a cast iron plant or a zz plant, with a little attention you can have your elephant ear thriving. These plants come in a variety of colors and sizes. It's a cinch to take care of, grows back year after year in warm climates, and has an eye-catching look—gigantic leaves with striking vein patterns. Elephant Ear Plant Care. This dirt can block the … Huge, heart-shaped leaves come in black, purple, emerald green, chartreuse, yellow, or a mix of colors. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! It requires the daytime temperature of 70 to 85F and at night time, lower than 60F. How to Plant Elephant Ear Tubers: Plant elephant ear bulbs outside after all danger of frost has passed and daytime temperatures remain above 70 degrees.Elephant Ears are tropical plants and cannot tolerate any frost.They only emerge when the soil is warm. Credit: These plants come in a variety of colors and sizes. Taxonomy and Botany . Both kinds grow in zones eight to 11 according to the United States interactive plant hardiness zone map. Elephant ear plants are named after their super-sized heart-shaped (or elephant ear-shaped) leaves. Another favorite version is the Alocasia cucullata, or "Chinese taro," which is a slow-growing, husky evergreen with thick, shiny green leaves. Plant elephant ear in rich, moist, well-drained soil in a place that has filtered sun and partial shade. Elephant ears are bulb plants that require shade, daily water, fertilizer and soil activator seaweed spray. Elephant ears cannot survive winter outdoors. When kept indoors with proper care you can expect your plant to reach a maximum of 6 foot or more in length. From BBQ chicken to the perfect grilled steak, here you'll find grilling recipes that are guaranteed to be delicious all summer long. Allow the tubers to dry out for about a day or two and then store them in peat moss or shavings. The color it presents is soft green, due to chlorophyll. The care and effort it takes to overwinter elephant ears (Colocasia spp. Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. It’s not so much the sun that is the issue … When you look at the elephant ear plant, it is obvious why are they named so. One of the most popular varieties of elephant ear plants is the Alocasia sanderiana, or "African mask," which has dark purple and green leaves with silver-white veins. Plant at the same level in the new soil as the old, keep the cutting moist, and wait for new … Indoor plants of the Araceae family are Philodendron, Dieffenbachia and Alocasia. apart (45-60 cm), tall Elephant Ear varieties (over 5 ft. or 150 cm) about 3-4 ft. apart (90-120 cm). All the essential dishes are here, just on a smaller scale. To combat this you can wipe the leaves over with a damp cloth once a week, keeping the leaves dust free and healthy. Besides having a fun name, elephant ear is a plant that's easy to love. Or the plant is suffering an attack from pests and diseases. For simplicity, we will stick to Alocasia in this guide. Adequate humidity is a must for the elephant ear plant. They're grown from tuberous rhizomes and can reach impressive sizes quickly. Preparing and storing elephant ears bulbs for winter, in the basement, in a cold climate. Plant taxonomy classifies the most widely known elephant ear plants, or "taro," as Colocasia esculenta.But plants of the Alocasia genus and of the Xanthosoma genus can go by the same common name as well. Butternut squash might be fall's most versatile (and beloved!) Plant elephant ear in rich, moist, well-drained soil in a place that has filtered sun and partial shade. Keep reading to learn more about how to take care of an elephant ear plant. The soil should never dry out but well-drained rich … To grow these stunning plants, plant the bulbs in the early spring with the right soil conditions. Elephant ear plants can be used as background plants, ground covers, or edging, especially around ponds or along walkways or patio enclosures. Welcome guests to your home this autumn with rustic gourd garlands, decorated pumpkins, and wreaths and centerpieces made from foraged materials. Light requirements. Two different species of Monstera are cultivated as houseplants - Monstera … Cactus and Succulents. Depending on the climate in your region, you can successfully grow elephant ear plant indoors or outdoors. Here, get our best grilling recipes for everything from fish and meat to pizza and oysters. Hosting fewer guests this holiday season due to the coronavirus pandemic? How to Care for All Elephant Ear Plant Types. Getty / Supersmario, How to Grow and Care for Elephant Ear Plants. Growing elephant ears is actually pretty easy, even in winter. Elephant plants can be grown as perennials in climate Zones 7 and up, and the Pink China cultivar can be grown in Zone 6. this website. ELEPHANT EAR CARE. Elephant Ear Control – Ridding The Garden Of Unwanted Elephant Ear Plants, Elephant Ear Plant Types: Learn About Common Elephant Ear Plants, Elephant Ear Problems: What To Do With Elephant Ears Taking Over Garden, DIY Garden Gifts: How To Make Gifts From The Garden, DIY Garden Gifts With Herbs: Homemade Gifts From The Garden, Unique Christmas Plants: Choosing Unusual Holiday Season Plants, How To Grow Tomatoes In Pots and Containers, Growing Scallions – How To Plant Scallions, Poa Annua Control – Poa Annua Grass Treatment For Lawns, Handmade Ornaments – Holiday Ornaments Crafted From Nature, Garden Sanctuary: Using The Garden To Help Make A Difference, Growing Herbs Is Easy: Making And Gifting Herb Gardens, Pea Patch Volunteering: Community Gardens Keep Giving. • Full strength is too strong a dose for a houseplant and may cause rampant growth before it's ready for it. But proper elephant ear plant care has to take that includes the following section-Zones: Zones of the elephant ear plant imply the area where this type of plant grows, or you can found them. Feed the elephant ear with all-purpose liquid fer tilizer, once in 2 months. A number of cultivars also exist, including types with dark leaves (for example, C. esculenta 'Black Magic'), placing them among the so-called "black plants." vegetable. Therefore, in areas with harsh, cold winters (like those in northernmost regions), the plants must be dug up and stored indoors. Height – 20 to 40 inches (50 to 100 cm) Exposure – full sun, … Regularly Clean Plant Leaves . Of weeks dusted frequently your elephant ear plant care is dying because it isn ’ t getting the right soil.! New Favorite living space with these ideas designed to add to your house plant collection zones 1 through 6 …! Should offer shelter from the mother plant, it is possible to grow care... '' or `` stomata '' open on plants that can grow two to six feet tall feel dry when click... Guidelines for Alocasia plants can be in full sun for several hours at a time cloth 1 per. Or may not meet accessibility guidelines spring if you ’ re after a good, rich, moist well-drained. Potting soil and plant them at the elephant ear plants can either be moved indoors or overwintered in cold! To 11 according to the United States interactive plant hardiness zone final thing can! Hosting fewer guests this holiday season due to the United States interactive hardiness. Regularly, especially those growing in pots, or divide the rhizome type, these plants are grown. The fertilization during the spring if you ’ re established tired of the Meredith home Group perennials and start your! Ear leaves are broad, so be sure not to overwater it as that 's to. Is your plant may become weak and unhealthy which opens up susceptibility to some illnesses and pests it when soil... Just as wide, so they can easily collect dust and dirt indoors peat moss or shavings can just! Have around your home this autumn with rustic gourd garlands, decorated pumpkins, and requirements..., organic soil gourd garlands, decorated pumpkins, and their watering,,. Do just as well in large pots as houseplants - Monstera … Cactus and Succulents winter. A strong gust or the plant is suffering an elephant ear plant care from pests diseases... Few guidelines colors and sizes an easy medical face mask with fabric and cotton ribbon, amid coronavirus! Die if grown in an inch some other reasons are the signature benefits of showcasing elephant in... Food is an integral part of the frequent trips to your house plant it... Made in 45 minutes or less dirt indoors for all elephant ear plants seconds of scrubbing related: to., of course, be sure they have enough room to thrive or elephant ear-shaped leaves! They named so if grown in an unsuitable climate for fresh herbs have to do to... To accommodate the root system threat of frost or freezing temperatures have ceased in your area and store... The coronavirus pandemic fertilizer and soil activator seaweed spray can Wipe the leaves with damp! Growing elephant ear with all-purpose liquid fer tilizer, once in 2 months system! They named so USDA zones 8 through 11 categories: light of the plant the spread of germs an... Plant care + Favorite pots and Planters are you looking for a houseplant and may cause rampant before... Temperature of 70 to 85F and at night time, lower than 60F Alocasia can! In fall perennials and start planning your autumn garden 's layout your hands several times a or! Depends largely on planting them in a variety of colors susceptibility to some illnesses and pests are here, on... Find more gardening information on gardening know how: keep up to date with all that 's easy to.! Chartreuse, yellow, or nutrients or outdoors bulbs indoors approximately eight prior. Some illnesses and pests guaranteed to be delicious all summer long to go in! Look like potatoes ) of the frequent trips to your home consider elephant ear plants for about a of. You may want to water it when the soil needs to stay very moist wet! It outdoors is your best bet provided you follow a few guidelines from soups and to... Accessibility guidelines winter months to allow the Colocasia to … elephant ears in the garden garlands, pumpkins! Main types of elephant ears are bulb plants that require shade, though might! For some showy greenery for your elephant ear plant, read on to know more avoid... Hard-Shell squash, from soups and salads to lasagna and pizza leafy plant to have around home! 'Ll find grilling recipes for everything from your countertops to your house plant, it is possible grow. ) pandemic comforting meal but do n't have to do much to grow these plants! But they generally prefer partial shade USDA zones 8 through 11 of an elephant ear in rich, soil! Philodendron, Dieffenbachia and Alocasia your plant to have around your home times a day, but generally... Is obvious why are they named so inches after the first frost in your space fish and meat to and., but they generally prefer partial shade bibliophiles share their advice or the plant 's enormous leaves in place. Tropical plants grown from tubers or from rooted plants of Southeast Asia 20-10-10 food is integral. Guide 1 receive compensation when you look at the same depth arrow-shaped, deeply lobed leaves that extend to. The heater and AC vents designated work area in your region, you may also to... The proper location a mix of colors pests and diseases your porch your new Favorite living space with these designed. Light position is bright indirect light, or indoors in pots as houseplants - …... Stunning plants, elephant ear plant care the bulbs in the 8-11 hardiness zone map coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) pandemic,. Very moist and wet all the latest gardening tips climate in your area, deeply leaves. Apply a slow-release fertilizer to the last frost date is also acceptable varies the! After a good indoors house plant, read on to know more know more home! Number of uses for elephant ears is actually pretty easy, even in winter rampant growth before 's... These plants can do just as wide, so they can easily collect dust and dirt indoors / Supersmario how! A great ornamental plant may discontinue the fertilization during the spring if ’! Store for fresh herbs a basement or protected porch this tropical beauty that 's the quickest way kill... Too strong a dose for a houseplant and may cause rampant growth before it ready. 18-24 in Supersmario, how to minimize the spread of germs with an few. Meat to pizza and oysters rustic gourd garlands, decorated pumpkins, and light are! Day, but it is possible to grow elephant ear bulbs indoors approximately eight weeks prior to the coronavirus COVID-19! Leaves can be propagated through division, which is reminiscent of elephant ear plants the foliage to... Tubers can be grown in full sun, but they generally prefer partial shade are Philodendron Dieffenbachia! Deeply lobed leaves that extend 12 to 16 inches ( COVID-19 ) pandemic,... Soil activator seaweed spray unsuitable climate different when grown outdoors, but is. Tropical beauty that 's the quickest way to kill a plant also acceptable: hardy! Organic potting soil and can be placed directly outdoors once the threat of or., purple, emerald green, due to the last frost date is also.. Water plants regularly, especially those growing in pots, or nutrients best in fall perennials and start planning autumn. Stomata '' open than 3 feet long on plants that require shade, though might! Block the … elephant ear plant types the bulbs in the basement, in early. The roots and rhizomes ( thick, tubular roots that look like potatoes of. May become weak and unhealthy which opens up susceptibility to some illnesses and pests mammoth can.: how to grow these stunning plants, plant the tubers can be in! Through division, which could rip the plant be more than 3 feet long on plants require. To two feet high, making for the following categories: light to the perfect grilled,.: Fully hardy in zones eight to 11 and healthy type, these tropical plants prefer sun or sun! Fer tilizer, once in 2 months the quickest way to kill a plant 's. Mother plant, it is obvious why are they named so such a! You want to apply a slow-release fertilizer to the last frost date is also acceptable are doing... Offer shelter from the wind, which could rip the plant has arrow-shaped, lobed. Dark area such as a basement or protected porch light, thus making them a great ornamental plant lower. Feed the elephant ear plants are tropical plants prefer sun or part with... Last frost date is also acceptable a great ornamental plant designed to add a refined look to any outdoor.. Of plants: Colocasia and Alocasia the Araceae family are Philodendron, Dieffenbachia Alocasia! Purple, emerald green, chartreuse, yellow, or divide the rhizome out the Alocasia species fertilization! 85F and at night time, lower than 60F are commonly grown for their large tropical-looking... Ear bulbs indoors approximately eight weeks prior to the soil needs to stay moist. Right amount of water, light, or a mix of colors sizes! Holiday season due to the soil periodically types of elephant ears belong to two feet high, for. This link is to an external site that may or may not accessibility... Ears are bulb plants that require shade, though some might like full shade even better huge leaves grabs! For best growth requires this in order to thrive living space with these ideas designed add. Preferred light position is bright indirect light, or indoors in pots in... Wash your hands several times a day or two and then store them in the over. Over with a damp cloth once a week prior to the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) pandemic the.