Elephant ear is the common name is used for several species in three plant genera—Colocasia, Alocasis, and Xanthosoma. Juxtapose the... Coleus. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Their most common use, however, is as an accent or focal point. They perform well as accent plants, but some selections grow very large. The Elephant Ear (Colocasia) is a tropical plant that grows up to 9 feet (2.7 m) tall and sprouts large, arrow-shaped leaves that resemble the ears on an elephant. Ferns. They will survive nicely even if covered by as much as 6 inches of standing water. Use the largest pots that are practical, both to keep in scale with the huge leaves and because large-volume containers are easier to keep moist. Use ever-blooming begonias to echo a color in the elephant ear leaves, such as using a pink or red begonia around elephant ear leaves with speckles or veins of red and pink. While these leaves can reach 3 feet long and 2 feet wide in the tropics, in colder climates they will remain smaller (but still impressive). Reminiscent of calla lily flowers, the … While they are in storage, make sure the corms neither rot nor totally dry out. As a native wetland plant, elephant ears like a lot of water. They rise above a rosette of leathery, shiny, wavy-edged leaves. The huge elephant ear shaped leaves are upright, and shed water, which is perfect for planting companion plants below, like caladiums. 7-10 12"-14" Good 18"-24" Ideal ELEPHANT EAR – Colocasia Diamond Head FULL SUN, PARTIAL SHADE Possibly originally native to Malaysia and tropical parts of Central Asia, the Elephant Ear progressed rapidly to the tropical regions of South and Central America, Africa, … Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Elephant ears are tropical plants that do best in circumstances that mimic their native habitat. Type Plant Height Plant Spread Winter Hardy Zones Container Size Elephant Ear 36-60 in. Elephant ear plants, or Colocasia, are tropical plants grown from tubers or from rooted plants.Elephant ears have very large heart-shaped leaves borne on 2-3 foot (.6-.9 m.) petiole or leaf stalks. Like many large-leaved tropical plants, elephant ears are heavy feeders. Play with different leaf colors and patterns among elephant ear plants, regardless of their botanical identity. Wearing gloves to protect your skin from the sap, carefully divide the tuber into clumps, each with at least one growth node. All Rights Reserved. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, feuille de caladium image by Unclesam from, Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Designing with Summer-Flowering Bulbs, Plants in the aroid family with large shield-like leaves are often dubbed "elephant ears. Elephant Ear Size. The common variety of elephant ear, Colocasia esculenta, grows from tuberous roots that are easy to propagate by division. Add a balanced, slow release fertilizer when planting, in early spring, and late summer for best results. In colder zones, they will perish unless the tubers are dug up and stored for the winter. Human and Experimental Toxicology, 30,10,1720-3, 2011, doi:10.1177/0960327110393760. The leaves of caladiums are somewhat heart shaped, much like an elephant ear and vibrantly colored. The Black Magic Elephant Ear prefers moist soil. Upright elephant ears (Alocasia) have shiny leaves that often display colorful variegations. In warm zones (8 and above) the root can be left in the ground as a perennial, while in colder zones the plants are either treated as annuals, discarded at the end of the season, or dug up and stored indoors for planting the following spring. long (37 cm). 8-10 14" Good 18'-24" Ideal MAMMOTH ELEPHANT EAR – Colocasia esculenta FULL SUN, PARTIAL SHADE Possibly originally native to Malaysia and tropical parts of Central Asia, the Elephant Ear progressed rapidly to the tropical regions of South and Central America, … However, the leaves need to be cooked before they are consumed. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Its majesty is spectacular and it will bring life anywhere you place it. are fast-growing herbaceous foliage plants with leaves that can range in color from... Begonias. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, 3–8 feet tall, similar spread; smaller in colder climates. Very easy method that always works. They will be evergreen in USDA zones 10 to 11, but will likely die back to the ground in zones 8 to 9 to return in the spring. Use ever-blooming begonias to echo a color in the elephant ear leaves, such as using a pink or red begonia around elephant ear leaves with speckles or veins of red and pink. It grows to six feet tall and just as wide, so planting it outdoors is your best bet. "The Exotic Garden"; Richard R. Iversen; 1999. The dramatic coloring makes it suitable as a companion plant for plants with lighter foliage or Begonias grown around elephant ears bring a splash of color with their flowers, especially wax and tuberous begonia types. Also, consider using contrasting foliage colors of ferns with elephant ears; dark leaf elephant ears surrounded by chartreuse or light green fern fronds create heightened contrast. Moon, J.M, Lee, B.K, Chun, B.J. Again, visual contrast among leaves adds the design interest. Ears that favor aquatic conditions will also grow well in fertile, moist soil, as do all Alocasia, Colocasia and Xanthosoma. Kona Coffee Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta 'Kona Coffee'): Kona Coffee dwarf elephant ear has luscious coffee-colored leaves and stems and forms a mound about two feet high and three feet wide. You can dig up the tubers to over-winter caladiums in colder zones, but if you plan to do this, do it early. Elephant ears are sometimes grown in large containers as patio plants, but it is important to use a potting mix with a lot of organic matter that holds moisture. CALADIUMS: Caladiums have the same elongated heart shaped leaf, but offer smaller, delicate and more color variety than elephant ears. For this reason, only one or two of th… Store the tubers for the winter, then replant the following spring (in warm climates, they can be replanted immediately). Some shade is recommended in zone 10. For example, if one elephant ear plant produces solid-colored green leaves, consider intermingling it with another elephant ear that grows dark purple leaves or one that is speckled and striped. or a hard swollen stem structure known as a corm (Alocasis and Xanthosoma spp.). Make sure they stay well-watered during dry spells. The natural indoor plant air cleaner. However, cooking renders the toxins harmless and many cultures have safely eaten them for years (specifically taro root, or Colocasia esculenta ). There are a number of uses for elephant ears in the garden. 36-60 in. For example, an elephant ear leaf that is specked with white and pink will look good near a coleus with solid purple or light green leaves. Or, green-leaved elephant ears can be made brighter by being surrounded by large numbers of flowering begonias because the petal colors and small size make great contrast. Compact plants usually less than a foot tall at maturity. To grow these stunning plants, plant the bulbs in the early spring with the right soil conditions. Alocasia amazonica is a hybrid variety and almost looks the same as this plant. They can also be planted later, into early summer. Space plants well apart—2 feet for smaller cultivars, 4 feet for larger varieties. ‘Black Magic’: This was the first black cultivar with dusty purple-black leaves. Elephant ear plants are poisonous if ingested in large quantities. Care for them properly with frequent watering and fertilizing to watch them flourish. Coleus (Solenostemon spp.) The dainty foliage of ferns visually contrast the large, bold-sized leaves of elephant ears well. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Elephant ears grow best in a rich, humusy soil that is moist to the point of being wet—this plant is ideal for boggy areas or around water gardens. Coleus (Solenostemon spp.) The aptly named elephant ears plant hits its full potential in the ground outside, but it can also be grown as a potted houseplant. Tuber-type roots should be planted with the growth nodes facing up; corm types with the pointy side up, about 5 inches deep. Plant them when the soil is well warmed, as befits their tropical origin. In colder climates, you can dig up the corms before first frost and keep them in a cool (but not freezing) basement or garage, similar to the way canna bulbs and dahlia tubers are overwintered. There is a wide variety of leaf sizes, color, and variegation among species. The dainty foliage of ferns visually contrast the large, bold-sized leaves of elephant ears well. He has worked professionally at gardens in Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Elephant ears (Colocasia and Alocasia) are tropical plants grown for their stunning, often enormous leaves, which can be lime green, variegated or nearly black.These summer-loving plants grow from a bulb that should be planted in the spring. Alocsia Odora – Giant Upright Elephant Ear Commonly known as upright elephant ear, Alocasia Odora has glossy, bright green leaves add an exotic look to beds, borders and pots. Contrasts spectacularly with any bright-colored plant. Looking for some interior plants, if you have any please let me know. Companion Plants Cacti & Succulents The Seed Exchange. May 27, 2013 - Explore Marcella Smith's board "elephant ear container " on Pinterest. Preparing and storing elephant ears bulbs for winter, in the basement, in a cold climate. This elephant ear likes moist soils and is very happy near ponds or water features. 23 Comments Updated February 26, 2019 +21. But plants of the Alocasia genus and Xanthosoma genus can also be known as elephant ears. In fact these plants can even grow in wet conditions and low ponds. Deep green in spring and summer, the large leaves turn bronze-red in fall and winter, providing year round interest. Pairing coleus with caladiums is particularly enjoyable as you can mimic or echo the colors in the caladium leaves in those of the coleus. Whatever the species, elephant ears are dramatic, exotic plants with huge heart-shaped leaves, used as accent plants or as a feature in tropical-themed water or bog gardens. They take well to growing in pots, provided you follow a few guidelines. Elephant ears are hardy in zones 8-10. Toxicities of Raw Alocasia Odora. The sap from the plant can also be a skin irritant. Elephant ears' species name, esculentia, is the same term that gives us the word "esculent," meaning edible. Depending on species, elephant ears grow from tuberous roots (Colocasia spp.) The plant has arrow-shaped, deeply lobed leaves that extend 12 to 16 inches. Plant taxonomy classifies the most widely known elephant ear, also called taro, as Colocasia esculenta. are fast-growing herbaceous foliage plants with leaves that can range in color from yellow or green to purple, rust brown or burgundy-red. One of the most popular varieties of elephant ear plants is the Alocasia sanderiana, or "African mask," which has dark purple and green leaves with silver-white veins. Remember that container plants will require considerably more watering than in-ground plants; you may even need to water them twice daily in warm weather. Read our, The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. These plants thrive in full sun to part shade. 13. Large Alocasia Odora (Elephant Ear) Plant Ottawa 03/02/2021 Healthy Alocasia Odora with new growths. These fast-growing plants that will achieve their full size within two months are generally planted in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike the leaves of Alocasia which point skyward, the leaves of Colocasia droop and point toward the ground. Elephant's ear gives a bold tropical effect to the landscape with its unusually large, shield-like, fleshy green leaves. When kept indoors with proper care you can expect your plant to reach a maximum of 6 foot or more in length. Posted by Cyntia February 22, 2019. Here you see Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Magic’ and ‘Calidora’ elephant’s ear (Alocasia ‘Calidora’) with a few other containers with summer plantings. Type Plant Height Plant Spread Winter Hardy Zones Container Size Elephant Ear 48-60 in. The plant comes in many color varieties from white through to pink and red and it makes a fabulous companion plant for hosta. Grow elephant ears in slightly acidic soil in partial shade. Alocasia Calidora or better known as Elephant Ears is a beautiful indoor plant. Their immense leaves can measure up to 2 feet across, with foliage colors ranging from lime green to almost black. Perfect for recreating the isl A general rule: if your elephant ear is a solid color, pair it with a multicolored coleus leaf variety, or vice versa. Elephant ear plants can be used as background plants, ground covers, or edging, especially around ponds or along walkways or patio enclosures. In some climates—and when growing in containers—this means watering daily. Also known as the kris plant, it has glossy, upright, V-shaped, deeply lobed foliage with wavy edges and large silver-white veins. The Alocasiagenus contains a variety of showy, large-leaved, tropical plants, some with colorful leaves. Primarily grown for its spectacular foliage, Colocasia esculenta 'Diamond Head' (Taro) is a tuberous, frost-tender perennial with long-stalked, thick and glossy, heart-shaped, chocolate, ruffled leaves, up to 15 in. bear variously colored large leaves, but the overall key to using companion plants around elephant ears is contrast in color and leaf textures according to "The Exotic Garden.". Alocasis and Xanthosoma species of elephant ear grow from hard corm-like roots that can't be divided. Very similar shield-shaped leaves to A. cupreaand A. clypeolata, but purple-black often with a metallic sheen and on the same plane as the petioles and aiming up on adult plants. In other garden locations, never allow the soil to dry out fully. In fact, elephant ears are an important food source in warm climates around the world. Juxtapose the foliage to amplify their differences. Jacob J. Wright became a full-time writer in 2008, with articles appearing on various websites. At the end of the growing season, dig up the tuber. Alocasia and colocasia, better known as elephant ears, are impressive plants that are prized for their dramatic foliage. The most commonly grown plant Colocasia esculenta, also known as taro. Other elephant ears (Colocasia spp., Alocasia spp. Their leaves are smaller than those of elephant years so they naturally complement each other. This makes them a good choice for wet areas where gardeners usually have trouble finding suitable plants. The plant's leaves and stems contain oxalic acid, which can cause serious illness in children or pets. are planted to embellish and complement the flower colors of plants in summer annual beds and containers. and Xanthosoma spp.) Plants in the aroid family with large shield-like leaves are often dubbed "elephant ears." Types of Elephant Ear Plants The two most common types of elephant ear plants are Colocasia and Alocasia, which are grown as houseplants and outdoors as well. A staple of the tropical garden that can be managed in containers for colder climates. Wright holds a graduate diploma in environmental horticulture from the University of Melbourne, Australia, and a Master of Science in public horticulture from the University of Delaware. Black Elephant Ears plant is particularly popular in those gardens where people have a preference for wide-leafed plants and a tropical atmosphere. If you choose to go this route, make sure that your garden is warm enough but that it also has some partial shade for Black Elephant Ears. Once they sprout, elephant ears require little tending, other than regular feeding with a fertilizer high in nitrogen. Raw leaves contain needle-like calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the skin, including the mouth and throat if they are consumed. Pets that chew on the leaves may show excessive salivation and mouth irritation. Keep elephant ear plants consistently moist. Prepare the bed for elephant ears by … The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Many are even well adapted to growing in … Colors of the foliage may be anywhere from purplish black, green or … Replant them in spring when the danger of frost has passed. I’ve yet to meet an elephant ear that didn’t grow well in containers. Huge elephant ear leaves in striking dusty purple-black are big attention getters. Some varieties are well suited for planting in large containers. The leaves fold … Elephant ears can be planted in full sun to part shade, but the best performance will come in a part shade or filtered sun location. Elephant ears are tropical perennial plants grown for the appeal of the large leaves rather than for their flowers. Apply a water-soluble high-nitrogen fertilier every two to three weeks. 36-48 in. These plants come in a variety of colors and sizes. Some popular varieties of elephant ear include: These plants continue to produce new leaves throughout the growing season. In any landscape, elephant ears provide an infusion of tropical atmosphere. The roots (known as taro root) and the leaves are both edible. As the old leaves die, remove them to keep the plant looking vibrant. Posted by … How to Plant Elephant Ear Tubers: Plant elephant ear bulbs outside after all danger of frost has passed and daytime temperatures remain above 70 degrees.Elephant Ears are tropical plants and cannot tolerate any frost.They only emerge when the soil is warm. These plants are sometimes propagated by collecting and planting seeds from the flowers, though this is time-consuming and difficult. ; Select a location in full sun or part sun with a good, rich, moist, organic soil. Mature Elephant Ear plants can grow up to 8 foot tall, similarly this is around the same size of actual African Elephant Ears … ", bear variously colored large leaves, but the overall key to using companion plants around elephant ears is contrast in color and leaf textures according to "The Exotic Garden.". In that, Alocasia is most preferred as a houseplant and colocasia is grown outdoors in gardens. Often the frilly, multicolored leaves of caladiums (Caladium spp.) To have a detailed look on types of Elephant Ear plants, click here By using The Spruce, you accept our, Amazon Elephant's Ear Plant Profile (African Mask), Five Houseplants That Will Hurt Your Pets, Tips for Storing Tender Bulbs for the Winter. Appreciates fast draining mix- add fine fir bark and/or extra perlite. Car Companion Plant. Bergenia 'Rotblum' (Elephant's Ears) is a clump-forming evergreen perennial boasting erect clusters of rosy-red flowers atop thick red stems in early-mid spring. The perfect selection for the back of a garden bed, Black Sapphire Gecko stands tall above most of the other elephant ears in the series, with amazing, black, satin leaves that seem to change their look, depending on the way the light … What Plants Go Well With Elephant Ear Plants? From Kentucky born tropical plant breeder Brian Williams of Brian’s Botanicals, we bring you this new stunning, black leaved elephant ear. See more ideas about garden containers, container plants, container gardening. If you choose to pot your elephant ear, a large container is a good choice, a minimum of 18 inches across and just as deep. Few guidelines end of the tropical garden that can be managed in containers life anywhere place! Plant them when the danger of frost has passed tending, other than regular feeding with a good for..., fleshy green leaves wide, so planting it outdoors is your best bet perish unless tubers... 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Or echo the colors in the garden as wide, so planting it outdoors is best! Climates, they can be managed in containers deeply lobed leaves that extend 12 to 16.!