Elephant ear plants, scientifically known as Alocasia, Colocasia, and Xanthosoma, are renowned for their large, dramatic foliage which can evoke the lushness of a tropical rainforest. These plants are named for their leaves that resemble the shape of an elephant’s ear, providing not just visual interest but also a bold statement in any garden or indoor setting. They come in various species and cultivars, each with unique leaf textures, colors, and patterns, from the deep purples of ‘Black Magic’ to the variegated greens of ‘Mojito’. Their growth can range from small, manageable houseplants to towering garden specimens, making them versatile for different spaces and uses.
The appeal of elephant ear plants extends beyond their aesthetic qualities; they are also valued for their ability to grow in a wide range of conditions. Many species are adaptable to both full sun and partial shade, although they generally prefer bright, indirect light when grown indoors. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil, which can make them perfect for areas near water features or in humid environments. However, their love for moisture means they require regular watering, especially in dry climates or during hot summer months, to prevent their large leaves from drooping or browning at the edges.
Culturally, elephant ear plants have a significant history beyond being ornamental. In regions like Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Africa, Colocasia esculenta, or taro, has been a staple food for centuries. The corms, roots, and leaves (when properly prepared to remove calcium oxalate crystals) are eaten, offering a rich source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. This dual purpose as both ornamental and edible plants underscores their versatility and importance in human culture. However, caution must be taken with all parts of these plants due to the presence of oxalates, which can be toxic if consumed raw.
In garden design, elephant ears are used for creating a tropical or jungle-like atmosphere. They are excellent for screening, providing privacy, or as focal points due to their dramatic size and shape. Their leaves can be used in floral arrangements, bringing a touch of the exotic indoors. However, they are not without challenges; these plants can be susceptible to pests like spider mites and aphids, and fungal diseases if the environment is too damp. Proper care, including regular inspection for pests, good air circulation, and avoiding overwatering, is crucial to keep these magnificent plants healthy and thriving.
Different Types of Elephant Ear Plants
Alocasia ‘Calidora’
Also called the Giant Taro or Upright Elephant Ear, this plant boasts colossal leaves that can tower over a person, reaching up to 6 feet in height. Its leaves are rounded and arrow-shaped with a ribbed texture, making it a striking feature in USDA zones 10 through 12. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, offering a bold statement in any garden setting.
Alocasia zebrina
Famous for its unique zebra-striped stems, this compact variety has lush green leaves that contrast beautifully with its patterned stalks. It’s particularly popular as a houseplant, adding a touch of the exotic indoors with its relatively smaller stature, making it manageable for container gardening.
Alocasia Frydek (Green Velvet Alocasia)
Known for its velvety, dark green leaves with contrasting white veins forming a spiked pattern, this plant is a delightful addition to any indoor space. It grows to a modest height of 2 to 3 feet, perfect for those looking to bring a bit of tropical elegance into smaller areas.
Colocasia esculenta (Taro Plant)
This plant is recognized for its large, green, arrowhead leaves that droop gracefully, lending a tropical look to gardens. It’s a versatile plant that can grow between 3 to 6 feet tall, thriving in USDA zones 8 through 12, and is particularly suited for wet, boggy areas or near water features.
Caladium ‘Candidum’ (Angel Wings)
Featuring spectacular white leaves with a network of dark green veins, this variety adds a luminous touch to shaded garden spots or containers. It’s not frost-tolerant, making it ideal for USDA zones 9 through 12, where it can be grown outdoors or as a houseplant in cooler climates.
Alocasia amazonica (Amazonian Elephant Ear)
Popular among houseplant enthusiasts, this plant has dark green, arrowhead-shaped leaves with prominent white veins, giving it a striking appearance. It’s also known as the African Mask or Kris plant, growing up to 2 feet long, and prefers indirect bright light.
Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Magic’
This cultivar is renowned for its purple-black leaves, which are matte and fold upwards slightly, providing a dramatic contrast in the garden. It can grow to about 6 feet tall and wide, making it a stunning choice for landscapes aiming for a dark, bold aesthetic.
Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’
A variegated beauty, ‘Mojito’ has green leaves irregularly splashed with black and purple, offering a unique pattern that ensures no two leaves are the same. It grows to around 5 feet tall and wide, perfect for adding intrigue to garden beds or large containers.
Colocasia esculenta ‘Illustris’
With deep green leaves covered in a black patina and vibrant green veins, this annual variety can grow between 3 to 5 feet tall. It’s particularly striking when grown in full sun, enhancing its coloring, and is well-suited for both landscaping and container gardening.
Colocasia ‘Hawaiian Punch’
This colorful variety features green foliage with rhubarb-red stems, adding a vibrant pop of color. It’s easy to grow in zones 7 through 11, reaching maturity at 2 to 4 feet, and prefers full to partial sun for maintaining its vivid coloring.
Alocasia ‘Hilo Beauty’
This plant is known for its large, heart-shaped leaves that are bright kelly green with pale green blotches, giving them a painted look. It’s highly adaptable, growing well in bright, indirect sunlight, ideal for shaded garden areas or as an indoor plant.
Colocasia gigantea ‘Thailand Giant’
As the name suggests, this variety boasts some of the largest leaves of any elephant ear, with leaves reaching 4 feet wide by 5 feet long. It’s a true statement plant for those looking to make a significant impact in their garden space, particularly in warm, humid climates.
Alocasia ‘Polly’
A compact variety perfect for smaller spaces, ‘Polly’ features dark green leaves with striking white veins that almost glow. The leaves are arrow-shaped and have a wavy edge, growing to about 18 inches tall, making it an excellent choice for indoor cultivation.
Colocasia ‘Black Coral’
This striking plant has deep, glossy black foliage with a velvet finish, creating a dramatic effect in any setting. It grows up to 4 feet tall and prefers moist, well-drained soil, making it ideal for container gardens or around water features.
Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’
Named for its unique scale-like texture on the leaves, this plant has a silver overlay on dark green, giving it a metallic sheen. It’s a slow grower but can reach up to 3 feet, thriving in high humidity and indirect light.
Colocasia ‘Red Stem’
As the name suggests, this variety has bright red stems contrasting with its lush green leaves, creating a vibrant display. It grows to about 4 feet tall, and its color is enhanced with more sunlight exposure.
Alocasia ‘Bambino’
A dwarf version of the Alocasia genus, ‘Bambino’ or ‘Alocasia amazonica ‘Bambino” has smaller, thick, dark green leaves with white venation, making it an ideal houseplant for those with limited space.
Colocasia ‘Tea Cup’
Known for its unique leaf shape that cups water like a saucer, this variety has blue-grey leaves with burgundy ribs and stems. It’s a great conversation starter due to its playful and functional leaf design, growing to about 3 feet.
Xanthosoma ‘Lime Zinger’
With bright lime-green leaves, this variety adds a splash of color to the shade garden. It’s smaller than many colocasias, growing to about 4 feet, and it can make a lovely contrast in darker garden corners or as a houseplant.
Alocasia ‘Portora’
This plant stands out with its ruffled, upright leaves that can reach up to 6 feet. It has a strong architectural form with deep green leaves, perfect for creating a tropical backdrop in the garden or in large pots.
Colocasia ‘Blue Hawaii’
With medium green leaves highlighted by dramatic purple veins, ‘Blue Hawaii’ adds an unusual color palette to your garden. It can grow quite tall, up to 7 feet, and prefers a sunny spot with plenty of moisture.
Alocasia ‘Odora’ (Night-Scented Lily)
Different from others due to its fragrant, calla-like blooms, ‘Odora’ has large, paddle-shaped leaves that can grow to impressive sizes, even in cooler zones down to USDA zone 8. It’s known for its resilience and dramatic foliage.
Colocasia ‘Ruffles’
This variety is notable for its incredibly scalloped leaf edges, offering a unique texture to the landscape. It’s hardy and can multiply quickly, growing to about 6 feet tall, making it perfect for creating lush, tropical borders.
Alocasia ‘Sarian’
With glossy, dark green leaves that have a silvery sheen and contrasting white veins, ‘Sarian’ provides a luxurious look. It grows to a moderate size, around 3 feet, and excels in well-drained, rich soil under bright, indirect light.