Elephant Ear Plants: Care and Growing Guide

Elephant ear plants are tropical perennials known for their large, heart-shaped leaves reminiscent of elephant ears. Hailing from the humid climates of Southeast Asia and South America,  these plants have been widely admired for their ornamental value and impressive foliage, making them a sophisticated addition to the landscape indoor and outdoor.

To ensure your elephant ear plants thrives and produces its characteristic large leaves, proper care is paramount. Understanding this, LotusBuddhas would like to provide a comprehensive guide on how to grow and care for this unique plant in article.

About Elephant Ear Plants

Characteristic	Description
Scientific Name	Colocasia esculenta
Common Names	Elephant ear plant, taro, cocoyam
Plant Type	Herbaceous perennial
Native Range	Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent
Leaves	Large, heart-shaped leaves up to 3 ft long. Prominent veins.
Flowers	Small, inconspicuous, surrounded by a pale yellow spathe
Soil Type	Rich, moist soil. Prefers partial shade.
Hardiness	Grow as annuals where not winter hardy. Zones 8-11.
Uses	Grown as ornamental plants. Leaves and corms edible after processing to remove oxalic acid.

With leaves as grand as the magnificent ears of their namesake, elephant ear plants command attention in any garden. Scientifically known as Colocasia, Alocasia, and Xanthosoma, these tropical perennials have an illustrious history as both a food crop and an ornamental plant.

Colocasia esculenta is an edible root vegetable and staple food source across Africa and Asia. But beyond subsistence, these plants are prized for their unrivaled aesthetic splendor.  Their substantial leaves, spanning up to three feet in length, exhibit prominent venation against backdrops of electric lime to deep jade. Arching stems lift the foliage to heights of three to seven feet, adding drama and vertical interest.

These plants have evolved in habitats synonymous with the wet, filtered sunlight conditions of tropical forests. As a result, they exhibit a preference for moist soils and environments that offer partial shade. Such ecological adaptations make them suitable for areas with abundant moisture, such as alongside creeks, within rain gardens, or in topographically low regions.

When cultivated in garden beds, it is imperative that elephant ears receive consistent moisture, particularly during periods of elevated temperatures, ensuring that the soil does not undergo extensive drying. Their aesthetic appeal is further enhanced when paired in containers with other summer bulbs or annual plants.

Geographically, in USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 7 to 11, these plants can be perpetually cultivated outdoors, where they thrive as perennials. Conversely,  in regions with colder climatic conditions, they are often grown as annuals, typically being discarded post the culmination of their growing season. An alternative approach for cold climates involves excavating the tubers subsequent to the initial autumnal frost, storing them in controlled indoor conditions, and reintroducing them for planting post the concluding frost of spring.

Types of Elephant Ears

Among the many types of elephant ears, Colocasia esculenta is the most recognized, not just for its ornamental value but also as a staple food crop, “taro”, in many tropical regions.  However, you should exercise caution when consuming raw taro due to its calcium oxalate content, which can induce irritation in the mouth and throat. Cooking neutralizes this compound, rendering the taro safe to eat.

If you delving into the array of popular elephant ear varieties, you’ll find:

• ‘Thailand Giant’: Representing the Colocasia gigantea species, the ‘Thailand Giant’ boasts an impressive leaf span of 4 feet in width and 5 feet in length, particularly in its endemic tropical settings.
• ‘Black Magic’: The Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum ‘Black Magic’ stands out among its black cultivars, characterized by its alluring dusty purple-black foliage which tends to curve upwards.
• ‘Illustris’: For those prioritizing leaf aesthetics, the Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum ‘Illustris’ offers a visual delight with its almost black matte leaves highlighted by vivid green veins. Notably, propagation occurs through underground runners.
• ‘Blue Hawaii’:  A name perhaps misleading, the Colocasia esculenta ‘Blue Hawaii’ doesn’t exhibit blue shades but presents a mesmerizing medium green leaf adorned with dark purple-black veins and a maroon underside.
• ‘Lime Zinger’: Branching into the Xanthosoma genus, the ‘Lime Zinger’ captivates with its chartreuse leaves, demonstrating resilience up to zone 8.
• ‘Elena’: If chartreuse leaves appeal to you, the Colocasia esculenta ‘Elena’ not only presents this hue but also surpasses the ‘Lime Zinger’ in winter hardiness, adapting comfortably to zone 7 conditions.
• ‘Mojito’: For enthusiasts of variegation, the Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’ should be a top consideration. Its green leaves come interspersed with erratic black flecks, producing a striking contrast.
• ‘Metalhead’: A unique hybrid from the Alocasia genus, ‘Metalhead’ exhibits an initial dark purple foliage that transitions to green, all the while maintaining an enticing iridescence.
• ‘Coffee Cups’: Last but not least, the Colocasia ‘Coffee Cups’, another hybrid, beckons with its distinct leaf structure. Each leaf gracefully folds to resemble a cup, adding an architectural dimension to your garden.

In your quest to select the ideal elephant ear variety, understanding each type’s distinct characteristics will guide you towards a choice that resonates with your aesthetic preferences and functional needs.

How to Care for Elephant Ear Plants Indoors

For the optimal care of your elephant ear plants, you should employ a moderate yet strategic approach. You must nourish them with a fertilizer abundant in nitrogen, ensuring they are consistently hydrated, especially during arid periods. If you notice leaves turning brown,  it’s recommended that you promptly remove them. This not only boosts the plant’s aesthetic but also encourages the sprouting of new leaves during its growth cycle. Moreover, by dividing older plants, you can rejuvenate and stimulate healthier growth.

In USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10, where temperatures remain relatively warm, you can let your elephant ear stay planted outdoors, thriving as a perennial. However, if you’re in a colder region, it’s best to bring your plant indoors during the winter, replanting it outdoors as spring arrives.

For those in Zone 8 anticipating frost, it’s crucial to be proactive. After the onset of the first frost, which typically manifests as leaves turning brown, you should wait for two to three days before beginning the pruning process. This involves cutting back the leaves close to the plant’s base, leaving roughly 2 inches above ground. When making these cuts, ensure they are clean and sharp to prevent damaging the foliage.

Light

When cultivating elephant ear plants indoors, meticulous attention to light exposure is paramount. While these plants can indeed thrive under varying light conditions, ranging from full sun to partial shade, you would achieve optimal results by positioning them in a location receiving part-shade or benefiting from dappled sunlight.

Notably, cultivars exhibiting darker foliage necessitate greater sun exposure to retain their rich hue. It is imperative to recognize that increased sunlight will invariably increase the plant’s water requirement. Consequently,  if you opt to expose your elephant ears to more sunlight, you must remain vigilant, ensuring they receive adequate hydration to sustain their vitality.

Water

You should ensure that the plant remains consistently moist, recognizing that these plants have the remarkable capability to endure in conditions with up to 6 inches of standing water. However, for optimal vitality and growth, you have to strike a balance: keep the soil wet, but refrain from submerging it to a point of sogginess. It’s paramount that you never permit the soil to dehydrate completely.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that in specific climatic conditions—particularly when cultivating these plants in containers—you might find the necessity to water them daily or even multiple times within a single day. To discern the most appropriate watering interval, let the top stratum of the soil serve as your indicator. If you observe the upper inch of the soil displaying signs of dryness, you should proceed to water it until achieving a uniformly moist consistency.

Soil

Elephant ear plants flourish best in soils that are rich and humus-laden.  To replicate their natural habitat and provide the most conducive environment, you should aim to maintain a soil moisture level that is consistently damp, verging on wet, but devoid of sogginess.

You have to avoid waterlogged conditions which can detrimentally affect the plant’s roots. Drawing inspiration from their affinity for boggy terrains, marshlands, and swamps in the wild, you would benefit from emulating these conditions indoors, either by regular watering or considering the implementation of a water garden setting, should space and resources permit.

Temperature and Humidity

To nurture elephant ear plants indoors, keen attention to both temperature and humidity is quintessential. As you know elephant ears, being tropical in origin, flourish under conditions that closely resemble their indigenous environments. They exhibit evergreen characteristics in USDA zone 10 or regions with slightly elevated temperatures. However,  in zones ranging from 8 to 9, you may observe that the majority of these plants recede, retracting to ground level, only to re-emerge with the advent of spring.

An inherent trait of the elephant ear plant is its predilection for high humidity. It thrives when moisture levels in the air are elevated. Consequently, if you are situated in colder zones, it’s imperative to recognize that plants, left to its own devices, would not survive the winter months. In such locales, to ensure the plant’s longevity and continuous growth, you must extract and store the tubers during winter, ensuring their preservation for subsequent planting seasons.

Fertilizer

In terms of fertilization, attending to the nutritional demands of elephant ear plants indoors requires methodical and regular application. Given their expansive leaf structure and tropical nature, elephant ears exhibit voracious nutritional appetites.  To cater to their needs effectively, you should administer a water-soluble fertilizer with a high nitrogen content. This provision of essential nutrients should be rendered consistently every two to three weeks to ensure the plant’s robust health and the maintenance of its lush foliage.

How to Plant Elephant Ears

Planting elephant ears necessitates a nuanced approach, bearing in mind the plant’s specific needs. Some contemporary varieties, emerging from tissue culture, might not yet possess a developed tuber upon procurement.  Should you encounter such a specimen, it’s advisable to treat and plant the elephant ear analogously to other perennials. However, a sizable fraction of elephant ears, contingent on their genus, burgeon from tubers. It’s probable that you will purchase this tuber, typically from a garden catalog.

Given the elephant ear’s tropical lineage, it’s pivotal that you plant the tuber in soil that has achieved a temperature of a minimum 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer an early start, consider initiating the growth indoors in pots around March, subsequently transferring them outdoors as the soil reaches the desired warmth.

Elephant ears thrive in slightly acidic, fertile, loamy soil and prefer partial shade. Their affinity for wetlands means they possess a heightened requirement for water.  This characteristic renders them particularly suitable for moisture-laden regions, often challenging for most garden plants. To ensure optimal soil conditions, you are advised to incorporate compost into the soil as a preparatory measure before the actual planting.

For the planting depth, position the elephant ears approximately 4 inches beneath the surface. If you’re sowing multiple specimens, allocate a minimum spacing of 2 feet for the more diminutive cultivars, extending to 4 feet for the larger variants. With the correct care, you can anticipate these rapidly growing plants to achieve their full stature within a mere two months.

Propagating Elephant Ears

The propagation of elephant ears, while bearing similarities to the conventional planting process, centers around utilizing the plant’s inherent tubers.  Executed at the conclusion of the growing phase in autumn, this method provides you with a renewable source of plants for the subsequent season. Should you reside in temperate zones, the freshly divided tuber can be re-embedded in the garden promptly.

Here’s an elucidative guide on how to accomplish this:

1. Prior to commencing, ensure you have the following at your disposal: protective gloves, a sterile knife, a tray or plate, newspaper or butcher’s paper, and a robust paper bag or cardboard box.
2. As the growing season draws to its end, it becomes imperative for you to extract the tuber from the soil. Ensure you don protective gloves, safeguarding your skin from any potential irritant sap.
3. Employing a sharp and sterile blade, meticulously segment the tuber into multiple clusters. Each section should ideally contain a minimum of one growth node. After executing the incision through the tuber, it is imperative to let the cut naturally desiccate and form a scab. To achieve this, position it on a tray or plate, ensuring it remains dry, is exposed to ambient room temperature, and is shielded from direct sunlight.
4. After an interval spanning approximately a week, enfold the tuber in paper. Subsequently, deposit it in a dry, cool locale, strictly maintaining temperatures above freezing. Utilize either a cardboard box or a durable paper bag for storage. As you wait for the winter months to lapse, inspect the tuber periodically – ideally every few weeks – for signs of rot. Any indicators, such as darkening or a mushy texture, necessitate its immediate disposal.
5. As the new growing season emerges, post any threats of frost, you can reintroduce these tubers to the soil. The implantation protocol remains congruent to the methodology applied for newly acquired tubers.

How to Grow Elephant Ears from Seed

 

Growing elephant ears from seeds, although less popular than other methods, provides an interesting challenge and reward. This approach may not be the preferred choice of gardeners because of its complex nature, but if you want to embark on this endeavor, meticulousness is paramount. Here is a detailed method to guide you through the process:

1. Begin by selecting a premium seed-starting mix. You should then evenly distribute the elephant ear seeds atop this medium. Subsequently, with a delicate touch, sprinkle a fine layer of the same seed-starting mix over the seeds. It’s vital that you do not submerge the seeds completely within the mix.
2. With the aid of a misting bottle,  lightly moisten the surface of the soil. This ensures the seeds receive the requisite moisture without becoming saturated. It’s imperative for the mix to maintain a state of dampness without teetering into sogginess, as this can inhibit germination or foster mold growth.
3. The emergence of seedlings is variable, potentially manifesting within a span as brief as three weeks or extending up to eight weeks. During this germination phase, you have to position the tray in an area where it is privy to abundant, yet indirect sunlight. Direct exposure can be detrimental, causing the seeds to desiccate or impede their growth.

Potting and Repotting Elephant Ears

Elephant ears’s container-based growth requires a thorough understanding of their unique soil and hydration requirements. If you’re considering venturing into potting or repotting these plants, your attention to detail will be the linchpin to their success.

1. Potting Mix Selection: It’s paramount that you opt for a potting mix laden with a significant proportion of organic matter, which possesses the capability to retain moisture efficiently. The organic component is instrumental in nourishing the plant while ensuring the soil remains adequately moist.
2. Hydration Considerations:  Contrary to their counterparts planted directly in the ground, elephant ears in containers demand more rigorous watering routines. During periods of elevated temperatures, you might find yourself having to administer water twice within the span of a day. To further accentuate the moisture retention, it’s advisable to incorporate vermiculite into your soil mix.
3. Pot Proportions: Given the expansive nature of the elephant ear’s foliage, it’s recommended you employ pots that are commensurately large. Not only does this proportionality enhance the aesthetic appeal, but these substantial pots also simplify the task of maintaining the desired moisture levels.
4. Soil Aeration and Drainage: To ensure your soil remains sufficiently aerated, the addition of perlite can be invaluable. This component facilitates soil porosity and is pivotal for promoting optimal root health. Concurrently, drainage stands as a paramount concern. Despite their predilection for moisture-rich environments, elephant ears necessitate effective drainage to thwart waterlogged conditions that could engender root rot. To this end, ensure your chosen containers are equipped with abundant drainage outlets.

LotusBuddhas believes that by meticulously adhering to the aforementioned guidelines, you can establish a conducive environment for your potted elephant ears to flourish. The juxtaposition of diligent care and informed practices will invariably culminate in a lush, thriving specimen.

Tips on Getting Elephant Ears to Bloom

Achieving blossoms on elephant ears is a pursuit that necessitates both patience and a conducive environment. Despite the plant being predominantly renowned for its vast, ornamental foliage, its bloom, when it materializes, offers a unique spectacle. Here’s a nuanced guide to aid you in coaxing your elephant ear plants into blooming:

1. Maturity is Crucial: Blooms in elephant ears are contingent on the plant attaining maturity. Typically, you must bide until at least the third growing season to witness the emergence of flowers. Premature expectations might culminate in disappointment.
2. Optimal Growing Conditions: The plant’s propensity to flower hinges profoundly on the environment you provide. Elephant ears demand impeccable growing conditions to bloom. This underscores the vitality of ensuring that the plant has consistent access to all its requisite nutrients, adequate light and water.
3. Flower vs. Foliage: A prevalent practice among gardeners is to excise any budding flowers. This maneuver redirects the plant’s energy into fortifying its characteristic leaves,  which many deem more aesthetically pleasing. However, if you opt to retain the flowers, anticipate the evolution of these blooms into striking clusters of red, yellow, or orange berries.
4. A Fragrant Allure: While often overlooked, the floral output of elephant ears exudes a sweet aroma. This scent not only regales the senses but also beckons pollinators, including bees. Notably, the Alocasia odora variant boasts pale peach blossoms that emit a potent fragrance, particularly discernible during nocturnal hours.
5. Floral Structure: The structure of the elephant ear’s flower is intriguing, bearing resemblance to the calla lily. It encompasses a spathe and spadix, bedecked with a multitude of minuscule flowers.
6. Blooming Indoors: Cultivating elephant ears indoors presents its unique set of challenges, particularly regarding flowering. If your indoor plant proves recalcitrant to blooming, consider transitioning it outdoors. Following the cessation of frost threats in the spring, relocate your plant outdoors. Subsequently, fortify it with fertilizer, and ensure it is stationed in a locale that avails warm temperatures, partial sunlight and abundant water.

While the resplendent foliage of elephant ears predominantly garners admiration, with assiduous care and conducive conditions,  you can usher the plant into showcasing its lesser-known but equally mesmerizing floral display. Your efforts in meticulously catering to its needs can be rewarded with a delightful, fragrant bloom that augments the allure of your garden or living space.

Common Problems with Elephant Ear Plants

Elephant ears, while relatively hardy, are susceptible to certain challenges that can compromise their health. Being conversant with these common problems and equipped with solutions can be pivotal to maintain their vigor.

1. Fungal Leaf Blight: This disease manifests as lesions on the plant that may secrete fluid, subsequently adopting a purple or yellowish hue. An advanced infection may present with fuzzy growths on the leaves. If you observe these symptoms, it is imperative to promptly excise the affected foliage to curtail the spread. By intercepting early, you can circumvent the entire plant’s contamination.
2. Pythium Rot: The etiology of Pythium rot frequently traces back to prolonged soil saturation. Clinically, this condition may be evidenced by yellowed spots or distinct discolored patches on the leaves or stem. Upon inspecting the root system, a characteristic dark, greasy appearance is discernible. Regrettably, once afflicted by this ailment, the plant cannot be rescued. Extract the plant in its entirety, and should it have been potted, you must dispose of the tainted soil and rigorously sterilize the container.
3. Spider Mites:  These pests gravitate towards elephant ears due to the foliage’s shade provision and textural properties. Infestations yield minuscule yellow or brown leaf speckling, with potential ensuing leaf drop and inhibited growth. The presence of webs further confirms their invasion. Combat these mites by deploying a hose to expel them with forceful water streams. Moreover, the periodic application of insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils serves as effective organic deterrents.
4. Leaf Yellowing: Yellowing leaves can be a harbinger of multiple issues – overexposure or insufficient sunlight, erratic watering, or inadequate fertilization. In some scenarios, this might be an indication of the plant entering its dormancy phase. As a countermeasure, prune the yellowed leaves and anticipate their resurgence in the ensuing spring.
5. Drooping Leaves: The drooping of leaves can be ascribed to suboptimal levels of light, water, or nutrients. Occasionally, the sheer weight of expansive leaves can instigate drooping, necessitating the deployment of stakes for support. Moreover, ensure the plant is shielded from frigid temperatures to prevent decline.
6. Stunted or Pale Leaves: Deformities, stunted growth, or pale leaves predominantly signal that the plant is deficient in essential nutrients, light, or hydration. Addressing these by adjusting its location, augmenting its water supply, or supplying fertilizer can restore vitality.
7. Wilting: Wilting underscores that the plant is besieged by excessive sunlight or elevated heat, compounded with insufficient hydration. Transition the plant to a location with more shade and recalibrate the watering schedule to enhance frequency.

Benefits of Elephant Ear Plants in Feng Shui

The elephant ear plant, with its expansive, shield-like leaves, is not merely an ornamental addition to gardens and homes; it holds specific symbolic weight and functional benefits within Feng Shui practices.

The very morphology of the elephant ear plant is redolent of the large ears of an elephant, which, in various cultures, symbolizes power, protection and good fortune. Consequently, the presence of this plant in your space is believed to amplify these very qualities.  The broad leaves of the plant are perceived as catchers of positive energy, drawing in auspicious chi from the surroundings. As you incorporate this plant into your living space or garden, it can act as a beacon, harnessing positive energies and consequently ushering in prosperity and shielding the premises from negative forces.

Furthermore, the lush, green hue of the elephant ear plant is emblematic of growth, renewal and vitality. In Feng Shui, the color green is intricately linked to the Wood element, which is associated with growth, flexibility, and kindness. Thus, by nurturing an elephant ear plant in your vicinity, you subtly infuse the environment with these uplifting energies, fostering an atmosphere conducive to growth, both personal and professional.

Additionally, given the elephant ear plant’s proclivity for water, it resonates with the Water element in Feng Shui, which symbolizes wealth and abundance. Therefore,  strategic placement of this plant near water features, or in the northern sectors of your home or garden, can augment its potency in attracting wealth energies.