People often call a group of tropical perennial plants “elephant ears” because their leaves are big and heart-shaped. As ornamentals, most of these herbaceous plants in the arum or aroid family (Araceae) come from the genera Colocasia, Alocasia, and Xanthosoma. However, there are others that look and grow in the same way.
Tropical southern Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Guinea, parts of Australia, or the Pacific Islands are home to the first two genera. Tropical America is home to Xanthosoma. Many of the species have been grown for a long time because their starchy corms or tubers are a main source of food in tropical areas.
It is possible to eat the leaves, but they need to be cooked first because they contain needle-like calcium oxalate crystals that are bad for your skin.
One of the most widely grown species is C. esculenta, called taro and many other common names. It has been grown for thousands of years in Asia and Polynesia, and over 200 cultivars have been chosen for their culinary or decorative qualities. This species quickly takes over wetlands with mild weather, and it is thought to be an invasive species along the Gulf Coast.
People grow these plants in the Midwest for their flat, sagittate (arrow- or heart-shaped) leaves that often have clear veins. These plants have smooth, waxy leaves that can grow up to 3 feet long and 2 feet wide in their natural environment. But when grown as a seasonal plant, they tend to be much smaller.
The leaves are held on the end of long, thick, succulent petioles coming directly from the underground corm. The petiole connects to the leaf near the middle of the underside (peltate), and the leaves are held straight up by the upright petiole. The leaves face upward or outward.
The leaves of Alocasia and Xanthosoma are usually not peltate and are held more upright. These plants generally grow from corms (commonly called bulbs, although they are not true bulbs),.
but some types also produce long, slender stolons (above ground runners), and others do not form corms. The lumpy corms with rough ridges have a brown skin and a white or pink interior. Other than the main corm, some types of elephant ears also have smaller tubers, which are called “cormels” or “eddos,” that grow off the sides Elephant ears are mostly grown for their leaves, but they can bloom. In the Midwest, flowers aren’t common, though. The flower clusters look like most aroids, with a white to yellow or light green spathe around the spadix. They can be large, fragrant and attractive, but are normally hidden underneath the foliage. Fruits are globular green or yellow berries containing several seeds.
The standard emerald green C. esculenta, which has a matte finish, used to be the only type of elephant ear that gardeners in the Midwest could buy. But in the last 20 years, breeding programs have created many new ornamental varieties. They range in size from 8 inches to more than 9 feet, but most are between 3 and 5 feet tall. Some of the many interesting cultivars available include (C. esculenta unless otherwise noted):
“Coffee Cups,” which is sometimes mistakenly called “Tea Cups,” is a vigorous hybrid plant with smaller leaves on very tall dark petioles. The blades of the leaves are folded up into a cup shape.
“Hilo Beauty” is a small type of Alocasia plant that grows to be about a foot tall. Its dark green leaves have irregular yellow or cream spots on them.
‘Illustris’ (imperial taro, var. antiquorum) – has dark green leaves that are matte and have a purple to black sheen. The veins and petioles are bright green. The plants spread by underground runners. The leaves are never as dark as “Black Magic” or many other black varieties, but the color is stronger in bright light.
Add a bold, tropical look to your yard with elephant ears in borders, mass plantings, or pots. These beautiful foliage plants make a big difference with the size, color, and shape of their leaves. They combine well with other tropical plants such as bananas, castor bean, colorful caladiums,.
Chinese hibiscus and mandevillea, but they also look great with ferns, ornamental grasses, and other common temperate bedding plants. Pair dark-leaved varieties with any white, yellow, or orange-flowering plant for vivid contrast. If you plant one of the clumping types in the middle of low-growing annuals like petunias or begonias, it can make an interesting focal point in the garden because of its vase-like shape. Put them in big water containers with papyrus and water lilies, or keep them in their own containers to mix and match with other plants on a patio or deck.
There are many kinds of elephant ears that can be grown in some shade, but the darker kinds do best in full sun. All need rich, moist soil and nearly all are perfect at the edge of a pond. Most of them can grow in just a few inches of water and can be added to water gardens as emergent plants, which means their roots are in the water and the soil is just barely covered with water.
These tropical plants grow best in warm temperatures and high humidity. They might stay put in gardens in the Midwest until it gets warm in the summer, and they will also die when the temperature drops below 50F for a long time.
The plants continually produce new leaves throughout the growing season. The older leaves that gradually die off can be removed to keep the plants looking tidy. When you choose a spot to plant in the spring, don’t forget to think about how the elephant ear might shade out smaller plants as they grow.
To grow big elephant ears, you should start with a big bulb or a plant with roots. You can grow them from seeds, but many of the newer cultivars are only sold as tissue cultured plants that haven’t formed bulbs yet. It will take a few weeks for the first leaves to appear from the bulb. These hardy perennials do best when started indoors. In March, pot up the bulb and place the top of the bulb close to the soil surface. Keep the bulb in a warm place until it’s time to plant it outside when the weather gets warmer, which is usually in late May or early June.
As the plants grow, give them lots of water and fertilizer, especially if they are in pots. They need a lot of food. Taro root, which is also known as coco yam, can be bought in Asian grocery stores and grown instead of eaten to make plain elephant ears with green leaves (as long as the corms haven’t been treated with something to stop growth).
Elephant ears can be grown every year with new plants, or they can be kept all winter (most of them are only hardy to zone 8). When frost kills the leaves on plants, the bulbs can be dug up, dried, and stored like cannas or dahlias. Illustris with other tender annuals. Alocasia x amazonica ‘Poly’.
It’s harder to keep plants inside that don’t have bulbs, but you might be able to if you put them somewhere warm and bright. It is best to bring plants to be kept as houseplants indoors before temperatures get into the 30’s. Cut back all but the top two leaves and keep at room temperature in bright light. When plants are half-dormant, keep them on the drier side. When growth starts up again in the spring, water and fertilize them regularly again. – Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin – Madison.
A Guide to the Diverse Types of Elephant Ear Plants
Elephant ears are a group of impressive tropical plants known for their huge, heart-shaped leaves. While they all share a similar leaf shape, there is actually quite a bit of diversity among the various elephant ear plant types. Elephant ears belong to several plant genera including Colocasia, Alocasia and Xanthosoma. There are over 200 different elephant ear plant varieties to choose from! In this article, we’ll look at some of the most popular types of elephant ears and what makes each one unique.
Colocasia Esculenta (Taro)
The most common and widely grown elephant ear is Colocasia esculenta, also known as taro. This fast growing plant has large, velvety green leaves that can reach over 2 feet wide on plants exceeding 5 feet tall. Taro prefers full sun and consistent moisture. It has been cultivated for thousands of years as a food crop due to its large, starchy corms. Taro elephant ears add a bold tropical look to gardens and containers.
There are many different taro cultivars to choose from including ‘Black Magic’ with deep burgundy foliage, ‘Mojito’ with dark green and black splotched leaves, and ‘Hawaiian Punch’ with chartreuse leaves veined in dark red. The variety ‘Black Stem’ has striking purple-black stems and teal blue leaves. ‘Coffee Cups’ is a vigorous taro cultivar with smaller cupped leaves held on tall, dark petioles.
Alocasia Amazonica (African Mask Plant)
Alocasia amazonica, also called African mask plant, displays unusual, triangle-shaped leaves with wavy edges. The most popular cultivars are ‘Polly’ and ‘Bambino’, which grow about 1 foot tall and are ideal for containers and houseplants. The leaves of African mask plants point upward and the plant prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.
Other Alocasia Varieties
There are many other interesting Alocasia elephant ears. A. macrorrhiza has giant leaves that can reach 5 feet long. A. zebrina has arrowhead leaves marked with silvery veins. A. baginda ‘Dragon Scale’ lives up to its name with leaves in shades from silver to black. A. reginula ‘Black Velvet’ is a compact variety under 3 feet tall with dark purple-black leaves.
Xanthosoma Sagittifolium
Xanthosoma sagittifolium is commonly known as tannia or malanga. This tropical American native species has arrowhead shaped leaves that point downward. The cultivar ‘Lime Zinger’ has electric lime green leaves that really stand out. Xanthosomas prefer full sun and moist soil like Colocasias.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Elephant Ears
While there is diversity among elephant ear species and cultivars, they share similar growing requirements. Elephant ears need:
- Warm temperatures – At least 70°F
- Consistent moisture – They are heavy water users
- Humidity – High humidity encourages large leaf growth
- Rich, fertile soil – Amend soil with compost before planting
- Full sun – For most varieties to achieve best color
- Shelter from wind – Staking may be needed to protect large leaves
Elephant ears thrive in pond margins and bog gardens. You can even grow them in several inches of standing water! Container growing works well too. Just be sure to water frequently and fertilize often.
Adding Elephant Ears to the Landscape
Thanks to their huge, colorful foliage, elephant ears make a dramatic statement in any garden. Here are some ways to showcase these tropical beauties:
- Plant as a bold specimen or focal point against a simple backdrop
- Underplant with lower growing annuals like petunias or begonias
- Line a driveway or garden path for a striking border
- Use as a tropical poolside planting or in an aquatic container
- Partner with flowers and foliage in contrasting colors
- Grow in containers on decks, patios, and indoors
Caring for Elephant Ears
Elephant ears thrive on heat, moisture, and nutrients during the growing season. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Prune back any damaged leaves and remove spent leaves to keep plants looking fresh.
In fall, elephant ears can be dug up and overwintered indoors like other tropical bulbs. Those without true bulbs are more challenging to overwinter but it can be done in a bright, warm spot if they are moved inside before frost.
The Many Faces of Elephant Ears
While all elephant ears share the same basic leaf shape, they come in a huge range of sizes, colors, and growth habits. There are varieties perfect for landscape beds, container gardens, pond margins, and indoor displays. Whether you opt for a classic green taro or a flashy purple-black cultivar, elephant ears always make a dramatic statement. Add some to your garden this year and enjoy their bold tropical flair!
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28 Elephant Ear Plant Varieties with Names| Colocasia, Alocasia types | Plant and Planting
FAQ
How many varieties of elephant ear plants are there?
Do elephant ears like full sun or shade?
What is the difference between elephant ear Alocasia and Colocasia?
What plants are mistaken for elephant ears?
What types of elephant ear plants can you grow?
Here are a few stunning varieties of elephant ear plants you can grow to add a tropical atmosphere to your yard or an indoor setting. African Mask Plant (Alocasia x amazonica) —This popular evergreen perennial elephant ear has dark green triangular leaves with striking creamy-white pointed veins.
How many types of elephant ear plants are there?
So, as long as you’re vigilant about checking for pests and diseases, your elephant ear plants should thrive! In summary, there are four types of elephant ear plants: Colocasia, Caladium, Alocasia, and Xanthosoma. Each type has a different look with leaves ranging in color from light to dark green.
What is an elephant ear plant?
The first species of elephant ear plant is the Colocasia. It has large, dark green leaves that form a clump at ground level. The colors range from light to dark green with purple veins and stem on top of pinkish petioles (the part of the leaf stem). The plant is thought to originate from Southeast Asia and is also called taro.
How big do elephant ear plants get?
Grow the eye-catching elephant ear Alocasia zebrina in pots near a sunny window but protected from direct light. Taro ‘Illustris’ (Colocasia esculenta ‘Illustris’) —A stunning elephant ear plant with purplish leaves and lime green veins. Outdoors, this impressive elephant ear plant grows up to 5 ft (1.5 m) tall and 4 ft. (1.2 m) wide.