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House plants elephant ears


All About Elephant Ears

Alocasias and colocasias, better known as elephant ears, are impressive tropical plants that are prized for their dramatic foliage. Their immense leaves can measure up to 2 feet across, with foliage colors ranging from lime green to almost black. Upright elephant ears (Alocasia) usually have shiny leaves that often display colorful variegations. They can be grown indoors as well as out. Colocasia have a more spreading habit and their leaves typically have a velvety surface texture. Elephant ears can easily hold their own as a solo plant in the garden or in a large container. They also combine beautifully with other summer bulbs and flowering annuals.

Start with a Better Plant

It’s easy to see the difference in quality when you compare two elephant ear tubers side by side. As with other bulbs, elephant ear tubers are graded by size. We offer large tubers that are 9-11 inches in circumference. They grow into big plants with strong stems and abundant foliage. Smaller tubers (like the one on the right) produce smaller plants with less foliage. Note that a healthy elephant ear tuber will feel firm and heavy, and have a dry exterior.

Plan for Success

Sun or Shade: Elephant ears will grow in sun or shade. If you put them in a hot, sunny location, make sure they get a little shade during the middle of the day.

Zone: Elephant ears are tropical plants. In zones 9-11 they can be grown outdoors year-round. In cooler areas (zones 3-8) the bulbs are planted in the spring and usually grown as annuals. To find your USDA Hardiness Zone, check the map here.

When to Plant: Elephant ears are planted in spring after any danger of frost has passed. The tubers will not grow until the soil is warm, so don't plant them until the soil temperature is at least 65ºF. In northern climates this will be early June. To get a jump on the season, elephant ears may be started in pots indoors, 4 to 6 weeks before you plan to put them outside. Grow them under lights or in a warm, sunny window.

How to Plant Elephant Ears

1. Wait until the soil is warm and there's no danger of frost. Loosen the soil 8" deep. Dig a hole about 5" deep.

2. Set the tuber in the hole, pointy side up. The top of the tuber should be about 1” below the soil surface.

3. Cover the tuber with soil and water thoroughly.

Planting Tips and What to Expect

Elephant ear tubers can be very slow to sprout. Depending on when and where they are planted, it may take more than a month before you see any sign of growth.

Plant elephant ears in rich, well drained soil. Before planting, improve the soil with compost or topsoil to add nutrients and improve the soil's water-holding capacity.

For elephant ears to reach their full size, they need consistent moisture throughout the summer. They also benefit from an application of liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

In warm, frost-free climates (zones 9-11), elephant ears can be grown outdoors year-round. In cooler areas (zones 3-8) they are usually grown as annuals. When planted in spring, they become large, impressive plants within just a few months, so be sure to give them plenty of room.

Where to Plant Elephant Ears

Containers, Patios and Decks  Elephant ears are a perfect solution for shady porches, decks and other places around your home that are not in full sun. The large, heart-shaped leaves add a tropical feel to pools, spas and water gardens.

Walls and Fences  Planting elephant ears next to a wall or fence protects the plants from wind and too much sun. It also puts their big leaves to work, softening straight lines and adding visual interest to blank walls.

Entryways  Add a "wow" element to your front door by planting elephant ears in large containers. They make a big statement and always impress guests. Plant them on their own or pair them with other plants such as caladiums or coleus.

Screening  The broad leaves and tall stems of elephant ears can be used to screen an unwanted view or define a space in your garden. Planting them along a property line or around an outdoor living area will make your yard feel more private.

Indoor Houseplant  Upright elephant ears can also be grown indoors as long the plants get enough light and water. Their attractive foliage can be an exciting feature all year round.

Caring For Ears in the Fall 

Elephant ears will not survive freezing temperatures, so they are winter hardy only in zones 9-11. In colder areas, you can either treat elephant ears as annuals and discard them at the end of the growing season, or you can store the tubers indoors and replant them next year.

If you want to store alocasia or colocasia tubers from one year to the next, dig them up in the fall before temperatures drop below 40°F. Dig carefully, starting about a foot away from the center of the plant. Lift the plant out of the ground (or out of the pot) and move it to a warm, dry place where it will be protected from frost. Once the root ball is dry, cut back the stems and use your hands to pull away the soil. Allow the tuber to continue to dry. When dry, wrap each tuber separately in paper and store in a warm, dark, dry place at 50-60ºF.

Upright elephant ears (Alocasia) may be brought indoors and grown as houseplants. Keep the plants in bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist, not wet.

To see our selection of elephant ears click HERE.

To see a video about digging, splitting and storing elephant ear bulbs click HERE.

 

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Elephant Ear Plant Care - How to Grow & Maintain Alocasia

Encyclopedia of Houseplants

Plants

by Rebecca Straus

updated Sep 7, 2022

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

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If you thought monstera was massive, wait until you see elephant ear. Elephant ear plants clearly get their nickname from the wonderfully gigantic size of their heart-shaped (or elephant ear-shaped!) leaves. There are many varieties and cultivars that span the spectrum of green, purple, and white variegated leaves.

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Elephant ears belong to two related groups of plants, Colocasia and Alocasia. Both types can be grown in the garden or as houseplants, though colocasias are more often planted outdoors (they’re generally larger) and alocasias are a bit more common as houseplants.

You can’t expect your elephant ear plant to grow as large indoors as it would outside, but that’s probably a good thing considering a single leaf can grow to be two feet wide, and stems can reach five or more feet, depending on the variety. Whether you’re planting elephant ears in a pot or a garden bed, they’re a lot of fun to grow.

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Planting

Elephant ears grow from tubers. If you plant them outdoors in most parts of the United States, you’ll need to dig them up each fall because they won’t survive the cold.

For indoor growing, plant the tuber in a large pot (14- to 20-inches), and get an extra large one if you want your plant to become truly monstrous. Fill the pot about three-quarters of the way with potting soil and then nestle the tuber in the center with the root side down. Finish filling the pot with the soil; the tuber should be about eight inches deep.

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Lighting

Elephant ears need bright sunlight when grown indoors, but nothing too harsh. If you notice the leaves are looking bleached or singed, move it to a dimmer spot or add a sheer curtain. Outdoors they do well in partial shade.

Watering

Elephant ears like to stay consistently moist but not soggy. Be especially careful with watering if you use a pot without drainage holes. Always test the soil with your finger first. Humidity is also important to elephant ears, so it’s a good idea to set the pot in a saucer of water elevated by pebbles. (The pebbles will prevent the roots from sitting directly in the water, which will cause rotting.)

When to Fertilize

Fertilize elephant ears every two weeks with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer. Stop fertilizing in winter to allow your plant to rest.

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Dormancy

It’s not unusual for elephant ears to die back during the winter months. If the leaves start turning brown and falling off, it’s probably not dead—it’s just getting ready for its winter slumber. Cut off all the foliage and stop watering until you see new shoots appear in spring. If your plant does not go dormant, you should still reduce (but not completely stop) watering during the winter months.

Toxicity

Elephant ear leaves and stems contain oxalic acid, a toxin in the form of sharp crystals that is toxic to pets and humans. It can cause severe swelling in the throat, mouth, and lips and vomiting and may also irritate your skin on contact. However, colocasias are frequently eaten in many countries in Asia—cooking breaks down the crystals, making them harmless.

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Alocasia - elephant's ear

Alocasia is called elephant's ear for its very large, shiny, heart-shaped leaves with wavy edges. The foliage is indeed varied and magnificent - veined in red, bronze, blue-green or purple.

Alocasia is also called the African mask, although it does not grow in nature in Africa. Just a bizarre pattern of leaves in many species is associated with African ritual masks. Alocasia can turn a group of houseplants into a true exotic tropical display. nine0003

Despite the fact that alocasia can compete in beauty with most other decorative leafy plants, it could have more fans. The problem is that these plants cannot be left unattended for a long time, they quickly react to improper care or violation of conditions of detention. But when all the requirements are met, the plant is quite simple to care for.

Details of cultivated species and varieties - on page Alocasia.

Indoors, alocasia requires conditions that closely replicate its natural habitat - the humid tropics. But proper care begins with the soil.

Growing alocasia

Soil . In nature, alocasia grows on rich, moist soils. For planting, you can use a special ready-made soil for aroid plants or a universal soil for indoor plants. The soil mixture itself is made up of the following components: leaf soil: humus: peat: sand (1:1:1:0.5). You can add pieces of charcoal and chopped sphagnum to the mixture. The main requirements for the substrate - it must be porous, with a slightly acidic environment (pH 5.0-6.0). For alocasia, tall pots are selected and provided with good drainage. nine0003

Transplant annually in spring into a pot 2-3 cm wider in diameter. Fast-growing specimens are transplanted twice a year, and adult specimens - every 2-3 years. Transplantation is best done by transshipment, without destroying the root ball.

It is not necessary to enlarge the pot too much - alocasia loves cramped space, and in addition, in a large pot, the risk of waterlogging the substrate will increase.

Temperature . Alocasia is a tropical heat-loving plant, afraid of air conditioners, cold drafts and freezing. In summer, the comfortable temperature for the plant lies within + 22 ... + 26 ° С, in winter - + 18 ... + 22 ° С. The maximum allowable temperature at which it is already difficult to maintain a plant is + 29 ° C. And the minimum temperature for alocasia is + 16 ° C. A lower one leads to the fact that the leaves hang, and can provoke the onset of a dormant period. nine0003

Lighting . Alocasia prefer bright diffused light. It is optimal to place the plant on the windows of the east and west orientation. In the south, it is necessary to shade in the spring and summer from direct sunlight, otherwise the leaves can get serious burns.

The most tolerant of direct sunlight in the morning are zebra-striped and large-rhizome alocasia.

Alocasia with green foliage can withstand some shade, while the variegated forms can only be seen in all their glory with sufficient light. nine0003

Watering . The plant is very moisture-loving, in the spring-summer period requires abundant watering. It is produced in several steps, so that the soil is evenly saturated with moisture, until the water enters the pan. Excess water is drained from the pan. Between waterings, the top layer of soil is allowed to dry to a depth of about 5 cm. The soil should always be moist, but not dry or damp.

In winter, watering is somewhat reduced, allowing the plant to stand for a day with a dried top layer of soil. nine0003

Try to keep the soil evenly moist. It is important to prevent overdrying of the soil, as well as waterlogging, which can have a detrimental effect on the plant. Alocasia reacts very quickly to a lack or excess of moisture.

For more details, see article Rules for watering indoor plants.

Humidity . Alocasia prefers high humidity. A pot with a plant is placed on a pallet with wet expanded clay. Make sure the plant is on expanded clay and not in water. The plant is sprayed with non-cold settled water, but in winter this is done carefully. Leaves in spring and summer are wiped from dust with a damp cloth. nine0003

Top dressing . The plant is fed every 2 weeks with a half dose of fertilizer for decorative foliage plants from the end of March to September. Excess fertilizer leads to the accumulation of salts in the soil and the burning of leaves. In winter, the subcortex is canceled. Of the fertilizers, it is best to choose organo-mineral, or alternate mineral with organic.

More details in the article Feeding houseplants.

Quiet period . In winter (October to March), a relative dormant period begins, caused by low light and humidity. The need for moisture is reduced, so water the plant moderately, do not feed and maintain the recommended low temperature content (see above). Do not worry in winter if the plant continues to grow, that is, new leaves appear.

Some types of alocasia have a real dormant period, their foliage dies off for the winter. But indoor-grown species usually do not belong to them. However, some alocasias enter a dormant state if there is a combination of short days with low temperatures. This can be avoided if, with the approach of winter, the plant is moved to a warmer place. Next, you need to follow the usual instructions for caring for the plant. The only difference is that watering is limited and the plant is not fed until new leaves appear in the spring. nine0003

Flowering . In room conditions, flowering is extremely rare. You'll have the best chance of seeing a modest cob with a little veil if you grow Black Velvet alocasia, which blooms the most readily. The rest can bloom in greenhouses and warm tropical winter gardens, especially when grown not in a pot, but in the ground, as well as in the presence of artificial lighting.

However, you should not be upset about this, because alocasias are most valued for their beautiful foliage, which, by the way, often hides inflorescences. Yes, and they do not represent much decorativeness, the leaves are much more beautiful. So the focus should be on maintaining healthy foliage. nine0003

Scarlet berries are sometimes set in greenhouses, but not in all alocasias.

Poison . Alocasia contain a toxic transparent milky sap that can cause irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, and if ingested, vomiting. The tubers of different species have different degrees of toxicity, some contain a high dose of calcium oxalate, just like the leaves of most alocasia. In addition, some species contain hydrocyanic acid. Plants should be placed out of the reach of children and pets. Work on transplanting and dividing - to be done with gloves. Hands should be thoroughly washed with soap even after simply rubbing the leaves. nine0003

Pests and diseases . Alocasia is affected by mealybugs, scale insects, aphids, and spider mites. For prevention, you can spray the plant every few weeks with warm water and insecticidal soap.

For more details, see article Pests of indoor plants and measures to combat them.

When alocasia is over-watered, or when the leaves remain constantly wet, various fungal diseases develop, such as stem and root rot, leaf spot. These diseases usually appear as dark brown or black spots on the leaves surrounded by a yellowish margin. The best way to prevent disease is to avoid overwatering, keep the leaves dry, and ensure good air circulation around the plant. If the plant is still sick, quickly remove damaged and drooping leaves, isolate from other plants and treat with a fungicide. nine0003

Alocasia propagation

Alocasia are propagated by daughter tubers, rhizome division, stem cuttings and fresh seeds.

Vegetatively the plant is propagated during transplantation, in spring. When dividing, they try to keep the roots intact. Places of cuts are treated with crushed charcoal. When planting, the upper part of the rhizome is left on the soil surface, otherwise the plant will not develop. Rooting is faster and more successful in the presence of lower heating (for example, on a warm windowsill), at an air temperature of at least + 20 ... + 23 ° C, with spraying and careful watering, with regular ventilation. Young plants develop quickly. nine0003

Most alocasias generally grow quickly, in the warm summer months they are able to produce a new leaf every week, and each new leaf can be twice as large as the previous one. But in room conditions, it is normal if the plant develops at a moderate pace, giving a leaf every month.

Seeds of are sown immediately after collection in the substrate recommended above, at a shallow depth. Germinate at a temperature of +22 ... +24 ° C in a greenhouse. Moisturize by spraying, not forgetting about airing. Shoots dive twice, the last time in 7-centimeter hills. When the roots are completely braided with a lump, they are again transplanted into a large container. In a year, the seedlings will give large leaves characteristic of a particular species or variety. nine0003

The seed method is unacceptable for variegated forms, which transmit their decorative features only through vegetative propagation.

Possible difficulties in growing alocasia

Photo: Rita Brilliantova

Elephant Ear Care | Gardening

Today we will talk about a spectacular plant. Surely for many of you it decorates the living room in the house or even in the garden. Something is not surprising, because his leaves are very beautiful. nine0003

Belongs to the botanical genus Alocasia and there are different varieties. The most common is undoubtedly Alocasia macrorhiza , but there are others, such as Alocasia cucullata, that also receive this name. The color it represents is a soft green due to chlorophyll.

Do you want to buy an elephant ear, but you don't have much space? Take advantage of this opportunity and get your copy of Alocasia cuculata , a smaller species. To do this, you just need to click on the link. nine

  • 5 Plagues and diseases
    • 5.1 Poda
    • 5.2 How does an elephant's ear reproduce?
  • 6 Is elephant's ear poisonous?
  • 7 Is there a black elephant's ear plant?

    • Where is he from?

    Its origin is in Asia, particularly in India and Sri Lanka. . Later, primitive and domesticated cultivation of this plant spread to the Philippines and Oceania. Elephant ear grows in various tropical and subtropical regions. nine0279, especially in the southeastern regions of China and Asia in general.

    On the American continent, in Colombia, it grows in the lowlands of the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, although it also develops in the inter-Andean valleys of the country and in the mountain range, where plants of other genera of the same family may grow. .

    Characteristics of the elephant ear plant

    Image - Wikimedia / David J. Stang

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    Elephant ear is a plant with large The leaves, as mentioned above, can reach one and a half meters in length and radiate from their base, becoming smaller until they reach a triangular tip.

    Most of these s are usually green in various shades of although you may find some with purple or bronze highlights.

    Article subject:

    How is the elephant's ear flower?

    They have an elongated, underground and porous stem, and below it are their roots, and above the buds, leaves and flowers sprout. However, on rare occasions this plant flowers but when it does, this flower is called cane flower and has a whitish appearance.

    This plant does not withstand freezing temperatures, so is recommended in climates that do not experience very cold winters unless the frosts are very short or during this time its leaves do not fall. But don't worry, next spring they will sprout again.

    The best thing for this type of plant is to grow in a hot climate. nine0279 in a slightly shaded area in your garden. This is an ideal plant for a home, in a room with plenty of light and away from drafts.

    Elephant's ear, which is in a very dry environment, may need to be sprayed in certain cases to avoid burning the tips. This is a plant that needs a lot of care , especially after planting, but dormant, then only spraying is required.

    He needs the sun to shine constantly throughout the day, so it's best to place him in a strategic location. nine0003

    Types or varieties of an elephant ear

    It is believed that there are about 50 different types of alocasies, but the most cultivated are the following:

    ALOKAZA AMAZONSKAYA

    LA Alocasia Amazonian, which does not exceed the height . It has leaves of a more or less triangular shape, dark green in color and almost white veins. This contrast is so beautiful that it is one of the most popular at home. nine0003

    Alocasia cuculata

    Image - Wikimedia / David J. Stang

    La Alocasia cuculata It is very similar to the one we will see below, but much smaller. Reaches a maximum height of about 80 centimeters. although it is normal that it stays around 30cm. The leaves are green, heart-shaped.

    Alocasia macrorrhiza

    Image - Wikimedia / Tau'olunga

    La Alocasia macrorrhiza This is a typical elephant's ear. nine0031 Reaches a height of 1.5 meters , and also has fairly large leaves, up to 50 centimeters long. This is a very beautiful bright green color that looks spectacular both indoors and outdoors (if the weather is warm).

    Alocasia odora

    Image - Wikimedia / Σ64

    La Alocasia odora this plant is known as the giant erect elephant's ear or Asiatic taro. Reaches a height of about 1 meter , and has simple leaves about 40 centimeters long. nine0003

    Alocasia ventius

    Image - Wikimedia / Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz

    La Alocasia ventius is a species that can reach 2 meters in height , and develop leaves up to .60cn They have a green face and a reddish underside, making them one of the largest species in the genus.

    Alocasia zebrina

    Image - Wikimedia / David J. Stang

    La Alocasia zebrina This plant has green leaves and very light yellowish stems with many dark spots, hence it is also known as the zebra plant. nine0031 Can reach a height of 1.8 meters. , and its leaves are about 1 meter in size.

    Growing an awning

    Article subject:

    Caring for indoor alocasia

    If you are one of those who decide to plant an elephant's ear in your home, you should consider the following:

    When to pay?

    Whether planted in a pot or in the ground, should preferably be fertilized throughout the growing season (spring to late summer or early autumn, depending on the weather) with an organic fertilizer or liquid green plant fertilizer, such as Flower, which can be buy here every fifteen days. nine0003

    When should I water?

    As for irrigation, it should be often but the surface of the substrate must always be allowed to dry so that the bulb does not rot. This is a plant that, as we have already mentioned, will require that after planting you water it constantly at first, but then with a few sprays it will be fine.

    Plagues and diseases

    Elephant's ear is one of the plants that is rarely affected by any pests or diseases. nine0003

    However, you can drop mealybug , a parasite that feeds on sap , resulting in unusual spots on the plant, which must be removed with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, or you can also wash with soap and water . Another option is to treat it with diatomaceous earth, which is a highly effective natural insecticide that you can buy at here.

    If you have one of these in your house, you have to be careful when you cut this Since the sap from its stem is irritating to the skin and eyes, be careful not to come into direct contact with it.

    In the same way, you should be aware of the appearance of your plant, since it should always be with a characteristic green color , but if its leaves turn yellow, this is due to the fact that something is wrong with it, therefore it is affected by humidity or improper spraying of roots and leaves. nine0003

    Poda

    Image - Wikimedia / Fanghong

    The plant does not require pruning, as other plants do. However, if some of the leaves on your plant have turned yellow, you will need to remove the leaves from the plant to prevent it from becoming a parasitic disease vehicle.

    Used to trim spoiled leaves, utensils that are clean and disinfected when you are going to have an operation in the plant, as you must avoid that through them you can transmit a parasitic disease to the elephant's ear. nine0003

    How does an elephant's ear reproduce?

    Article subject:

    Elephant's ear: propagation

    Propagation of this plant is done by dividing the rhizomes kidney, and preferably two.

    Treat the cut surface of the rhizome with a fungicide. is sulfur based in powder form and you need to let it dry for a few days and then bury it in a small pot with compost and soil at a depth of 2 to 3 centimeters. nine0003

    Now you will need to put the pot at a constant temperature of around 24ºC. plus it should have shadow . The substrate of your new plant should be kept moist until the fourth leaf has come out, and then you can transfer it to a larger pot with the same substrate.

    Is elephant's ear poisonous?

    This plant is considered toxic because it contains calcium oxalate, which can irritate people. However, in some cultures, they use the leaves as the most tender vegetables and use different ways to prepare them. Also, sometimes Used to feed fish as a substitute for concentrated feed. this is granted to them, allowing their owners to carry food.

    This plant is fed to pigs in some regions. , where farmers use from plant stem to leaves as they can replace more than half of the concentrate they need in their diet.

    Is there a black elephant's ear plant?

    There is a black elephant's ear, which has a similar appearance to those already mentioned in terms of its leaves, but it is He has features that make him stand out quite a bit. Its scientific name is Taro "Black Magic" .

    The leaves, in addition to their characteristic coloration, have a velvety texture that does not have the "original" . In fact, the tone that we might think of as black is actually a very dark green.

    This plant is medium to small in size, so you don't need much space to have it, and in addition to its slow growth, you won't have to move it much. nine0003

    The most important thing to note is that is edible or rather its rhizome, which is boiled like any other tuber.

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