Elephant ear plants bring images of lush, tropical forests, bringing a touch of drama to gardens and containers alike. They are known for their large, heart- or arrow-shaped leaves with striking veining, often referred to as “elephant ears.” These plants are the perfect way to add a tropical flair to any space. Once popular during Victorian times, they’ve recently made a comeback in the trend for exotic plants that thrive beyond typical climate zones.
About Elephant Ears
Elephant ears are tropical perennials famous for their large, lush leaves. These plants belong to the Colocasia, Alocasia, and Xanthosoma genera. While they come from different regions and are botanically distinct, they all thrive under similar growing conditions. One thing they all have in common is their fast growth rate, with most reaching their full size in just one growing season.
You can grow elephant ears indoors as houseplants or outdoors in warm climates. In cooler regions, gardeners often bring them outdoors during the summer to enjoy their dramatic foliage.
It’s important to note that all elephant ear plants are toxic to humans and pets.
When And Where To Grow Elephant Ears
Plant elephant ears in spring for best results. When growing outdoors for the summer, choose a spot with dappled or partial shade and moist soil, preferably in a sheltered area.
If you’re growing elephant ears indoors, ensure they receive bright, indirect light and a humid environment. A steamy bathroom or conservatory would be perfect. Remember that your plant will lose its foliage in winter if temperatures drop below 21°C.
How to Grow Elephant Ear Plant
- Choose a spot with medium to wet soil in part shade or filtered sunlight.
- Avoid full sun and dry soil, as elephant ears struggle in these conditions.
- Select a location shielded from strong winds, as gusts can damage large leaves.
- Add aged manure or compost to enrich the soil before planting.
- Dig a hole 2 to 4 times bigger than the tuber.
- After the frost risk has passed in spring, plant the tuber at least 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface.
- Plant close to the surface for best growth.
- Elephant ears can also be grown in a pond with up to 6 inches of standing water.
Elephant Ears Care
Elephant ears are easy to grow year-round in warmer climates. In cooler climates, dig up the corms before winter and store them to enjoy again the following year.
Light
Although elephant ears can tolerate full sun, they thrive in partial shade or dappled sunlight. Varieties with darker leaves, however, require more sun to maintain their color. The more sun the plant gets, the more you’ll need to water it to keep the soil moist.
When grown as houseplants, elephant ears should be placed in a bright spot with indirect light. A great location would be near a sunny window with southern or western exposure, but not directly on the windowsill, as the direct sun can burn the leaves.
Soil
Elephant ears thrive in rich, humus-rich soil that stays moist and slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. The soil should be consistently wet. To ensure the right conditions, it’s a good idea to incorporate compost into the ground before planting. These plants are well-suited for boggy areas, marshes, swampland, or water gardens.
Water
As a wetland plant, elephant ears require a lot of water, making them ideal for areas that are typically challenging for gardeners to find suitable plants. These plants can survive in up to 6 inches of standing water. However, they perform best when the soil is moist but not soggy. It’s essential never to let the soil dry out completely.
When grown in containers, elephant ears may need to be watered daily or several times daily. If the top inch of soil is dry, water the plant to keep it moist.
Temperature and Humidity
Elephant ears are tropical plants sensitive to temperatures below their tolerance range, which is 70°F during the day and 60°F at night. They cannot survive frost.
These plants thrive in high humidity, making them unsuitable for hot, dry climates. To boost indoor humidity around elephant ear houseplants, mist them regularly or use a humidifier.
Fertilizer
Like many large-leaved tropical plants, elephant ears are heavy feeders. To support their growth, apply a water-soluble, high-nitrogen fertilizer every two to three weeks throughout spring and summer.
Pruning
Elephant ear plants require only light pruning. As the growing season progresses, they produce new foliage, and the older leaves droop and turn brown. Trim these off as needed to maintain the plant’s tidy appearance.
Pests & Diseases
Elephant ear plants resist pests and diseases but may occasionally develop fungal leaf blight or phyllosticta leaf spot. These plants can become invasive in some warm regions, spreading more than intended.
