The Lush Beauty of the Heart of the Jungle Elephant Ear Plant

The heart of the jungle elephant ear is one of the most stunning and exotic looking plants you can grow. With its huge, deep green leaves that truly resemble an elephant’s ear, it makes a dramatic statement in any garden. I’ve grown this plant for several years now, and it never fails to impress me and all who see it. In this article, I’ll share why the heart of the jungle elephant ear is one of my favorite plants and how you can succeed in growing it yourself.

The heart of the jungle elephant ear (Botanical name Colocasia esculenta ‘Heart of the Jungle’) is a variety of tropical elephant ear plant It is known for its dark green, dramatically large leaves that can grow over 3 feet long! The leaves are shaped just like the ear of an elephant, hence the name elephant ear plant

This plant is native to parts of Asia and is grown as an ornamental plant in many temperate and tropical regions. It is winter hardy in zones 8-11 so it can be grown year-round in these warm climates. In colder zones it is often grown as an annual.

While most elephant ear varieties grow in a clump form, the heart of the jungle sends out runners and spreads. It can quickly fill in an area, so give it plenty of room! It typically reaches 3-5 feet tall and wide when mature.

Growing Conditions for Heart of the Jungle Elephant Ear

Heart of the jungle elephant ear thrives when grown in the following conditions

• Sun: It grows best in full sun to part sun. At least 4-6 hours of direct sun per day is ideal.

• Soil: Rich, moist soil is optimal. The soil should drain well but also hold moisture. Amend clay soils with compost.

• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist. Water whenever the top few inches become dry. Avoid soggy soil.

• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season. This is a heavy feeder.

• Hardiness: Winter hardy in zones 8-11. In colder zones, dig up tubers in fall and overwinter them indoors.

• Size: Reaches 3-5 feet tall and wide. Allow plenty of room for growth and runners.

Planting and Care Tips

Caring for a heart of the jungle elephant ear is easy. Here are some tips to help it thrive:

• Plant elephant ear tubers or starts in spring after the last frost date. Plant the tuber 2-3 inches deep.

• Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist. Provide at least 1 inch of water per week.

• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season. This is a heavy feeder.

• Remove any dead or damaged leaves and flower stalks as needed to keep it looking tidy.

• In fall, cut the plant back and dig up the tubers after the first frost. Store the tubers over winter.

• In colder zones, you can dig up the tubers and overwinter them indoors. Replant them the following spring.

The Stunning Foliage

Without a doubt, the main appeal of the heart of the jungle elephant ear plant is its dramatically large foliage. The leaves emerge light green in spring and quickly expand to their full size, eventually reaching over 3 feet long!

The mature leaves are a rich, dark green and have prominent veining. The foliage takes on a beautiful lush, tropical look. The leaves fan out as they emerge, creating a nice full shape. As the common name suggests, the leaf shape resembles the ear of an elephant.

One plant makes a huge statement thanks to the bold foliage. And since this variety spreads readily, it quickly fills in an area, creating a privacy screen or tropical backdrop. The foliage looks striking next to water features, in mixed containers, or placed prominently in the landscape.

Caring for Heart of the Jungle Over Winter

In zones 8-11, the heart of the jungle can be left in the ground over winter. If you live where it gets colder than zone 8, you’ll need to dig up the plant and tubers in fall before first frost. Here’s how to overwinter them:

• Cut back the stems to about 4 inches above the soil after foliage dies back in fall.

• Carefully dig up the tubers using a garden fork, being careful not to damage them. Remove any remaining soil.

• Allow the tubers to dry and cure for 1-2 weeks in a warm spot with good airflow.

• Store the dried tubers in peat moss or newspaper in a cool place around 45-55°F over winter.

• In spring, replant the tubers outdoors after the last frost. Water and fertilize as they resume growth.

Storing the tubers properly over winter allows you to enjoy this spectacular plant year after year!

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Heart of the jungle elephant ear is quite easy to grow, but it can occasionally have issues. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• Leaf spots or blight: This is usually caused by overwatering or high humidity. Improve airflow and avoid wetting the leaves. Remove damaged leaves promptly.

• Poor growth: This tropical plant needs lots of fertilizer and water. Ensure it gets at least 1 inch of water weekly and fertilize monthly.

• Leaves drooping: Drooping leaves can mean underwatering. Check soil moisture and water thoroughly if dry. Also ensure adequate sunlight.

• Few flowers: This grown primarily for its foliage. But to get flowers, be sure to provide plenty of sun. Remove flower stalks to encourage more leaf growth.

• Tubers rotting: Store tubers properly in winter in dry peat or newspaper, around 45-55°F. Avoid soggy soil while growing. Improve drainage if needed.

Enjoying Heart of the Jungle Elephant Ear as a Houseplant

One of the great things about the heart of the jungle elephant ear plant is that you can enjoy it as a houseplant too! Its huge, decorative leaves look amazing indoors.

After digging up the tubers in fall, you can pot them up in a container instead of storing them. Use a pot that is about 2 inches wider than the tuber with drainage holes. Use a well-draining indoor potting mix.

Place the pot in a sunny window and water whenever the top inch of soil is dry. Fertilize monthly. The elephant ear will enter dormancy in winter. Reduce watering but don’t let it dry out completely. In spring, water more frequently as growth resumes. Then you can move it back outdoors once the weather warms up!

Growing heart of the jungle as a houseplant lets you admire its stunning foliage year-round. The huge leaves make a fabulous statement in any indoor space.

Why The Heart of the Jungle Elephant Ear is One of My Favorite Plants

• The foliage is simply stunning – it adds drama, bold texture, and a tropical look to any garden.

• It’s very easy to care for and thrives in warm climates. Simply give it sun, water, and fertilizer.

• It fills space quickly, making a big impact with its large leaves and spreading habit.

• You can easily overwinter it indoors and add it to your collection of indoor plants.

• It looks fantastic paired with other exotic plants like cannas, bananas, and palms.

• The large leaves create excellent screening and work well as a decorative backdrop.

If you love unique tropical foliage, I highly recommend adding a heart of the jungle elephant ear to your garden or containers this year. Its exotic, vibrant style is sure to become a fast favorite!