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Elephant ear plants are named for the delightfully enormous size of their heart-shaped (or elephant ear-shaped!) leaves, which give them its name. There are numerous cultivars and types that cover the range of variegated leaves, including green, purple, and white.
The plant genus Colocasia and the genus Alocasia both contain elephant ears. Both varieties can be cultivated in a garden or as indoor houseplants, however colocasias are more frequently planted outside because they are typically bigger, and alocasias are slightly more common indoors.
You shouldn’t anticipate your elephant ear plant to expand as much indoors as it would outside, but that’s probably for the best given that a single leaf may get up to two feet broad and stems can grow up to five feet or more, depending on the kind.
Elephant ears are a lot of fun to cultivate, whether you plant them in a pot or a garden bed.
Can one grow elephant ears inside?
The remarkable tropical plants known as elephant ears, or alocasias and colocasias, are appreciated for their striking leaves. Their enormous leaves, which may be up to 2 feet across and have foliage that ranges in hue from lime green to nearly black, are enormous. Shiny leaves are a characteristic of upright elephant ears (Alocasia), which frequently contain vibrant variegations. They may be grown both inside and outside. The leaves of colocasia often have a velvety surface texture, and they have a greater spreading habit. Elephant ears go well growing alone in the garden or in a sizable container. They also work well with other summer bulbs and annual flowers.
Start with a Better Plant
Comparing two elephant ear tubers side by side makes the difference in quality obvious. Elephant ear tubers are categorized based on their size, just like other bulbs. We sell huge tubers with a circumference of 9 to 11 inches. They develop into large plants with robust stems and copious amounts of foliage. Smaller tubers, like the one to the right, give rise to plants that are smaller and have fewer leaves. A healthy elephant ear tuber will feel heavy and substantial to the touch, and its exterior will be dry.
Plan for Success
Elephant ears can grow in the sun or the shade. Make sure they get some shade in the middle of the day if you place them in a hot, sunny area.
Tropical vegetation make up elephant ears. They may be grown outdoors all year long in zones 9 through 11. The bulbs are often produced as annuals and are sown in the spring in cooler regions (zones 3-8). Visit this map to determine your USDA Hardiness Zone.
When to Plant: After any threat of frost has passed, elephant ears are planted in the spring. Planting the tubers before the soil reaches a temperature of at least 65oF will prevent them from growing till the soil is warm. Early June will see this in northern climates. Elephant ears can be grown in pots inside 4 to 6 weeks before you want to plant them outside to gain a head start on the growing season. Grow them in a warm, sunny window or under lights.
How to Plant Elephant Ears
1. Be patient until there is no threat of frost and the soil is warm. Activate the soil 8 “deep. Excavate a hole about 5 “deep.
2. Insert the tuber, pointy side up, into the hole. The tuber’s top should be positioned around one below the soil’s surface.
3. Place dirt on top of the tuber and give it lots of water.
Planting Tips and What to Expect
Elephant ear tubers sometimes develop quite slowly. Before you notice any growth, it could take more than a month, depending on when and where they are planted.
Put elephant ears in a soil that drains well and is rich. Improve the soil with compost or topsoil before planting to boost nutrients and increase the soil’s ability to retain water.
Elephant ears require constant moisture during the summer in order to grow to their maximum size. They gain advantages from using liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks as well.
Elephant ears can be grown outdoors all year long in warm, frost-free areas (zones 9–11). They are typically grown as annuals in milder climates (zones 3-8). Give them lots of space because they grow quickly from small, unimpressive plants when planted in the spring to enormous, spectacular plants.
Where to Plant Elephant Ears
Containers, decks, and patios For shaded porches, decks, and other locations outside your home that are not in direct sunlight, elephant ears are the ideal answer. The big, heart-shaped leaves provide swimming pools, spas, and water gardens a tropical ambiance.
Fences and Walls Elephant ears are shielded from wind and excessive sunlight by being planted close to a wall or fence. Additionally, it uses their large leaves to soften sharp edges and give plain walls visual character.
Entryways Elephant ears planted in sizable planters can give your front door a “wow” factor. They are striking and never fail to impress visitors. You can plant them alone or alongside other plants like caladiums or coleus.
Screening Elephant ears’ large leaves and tall branches can be utilized to block an unwelcome view or define a space in your garden. Your yard will feel more private if you plant them close to a property border or all the way around an outdoor living space.
houseplants inside As long as the plants receive enough light and water, upright elephant ears can also be cultivated inside. All seasons can be thrilling with their lovely greenery.
Caring For Ears in the Fall
Elephant ears are only winter hardy in zones 9–11 because they cannot withstand below-freezing temperatures. Elephant ears can either be treated as annuals in colder climates and thrown out at the end of the growing season, or the tubers can be stored indoors and planted again the following year.
Dig them up in the fall before it gets below 40F if you wish to store aloe or colocasia tubers from one year to the next. Start cautiously digging about a foot away from the plant’s center. Move the plant to a warm, dry location that will protect it from frost by lifting it out of the ground (or out of the pot). Cut the stems back once the root ball has dried, then use your hands to remove the soil away. Keep letting the tuber dry out. When the tubers are all dry, wrap them each in paper and keep them at 50 to 60 °F in a warm, dry, dark environment.
You can bring upright elephant ears (Alocasia) indoors and grow them as houseplants. Keep the soil continuously damp, not soggy, and place the plants in bright, indirect light.
Elephant ears—can they survive outside?
Elephant ears require little maintenance once they are established. You might wish to water plants frequently during dry seasons, especially those growing in containers. You could also want to sporadically add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil, while it’s not necessarily necessary.
Winter outdoors is too harsh on elephant ears. Temperatures below freezing harm roots and kill foliage. Therefore, the plants need to be dug up and kept indoors in areas with chilly, hard winters (like the northernmost parts).
After the first frost in your area, trim the leaves back to a few inches (5 cm), and then carefully dig the plants up. The tubers should be allowed to dry for approximately a day or two before being stored in peat moss or shavings. Put them somewhere cool and dark, like a basement or crawlspace. Container plants can be brought indoors or overwintered in a covered porch or basement.
Where should I put my elephant ears?
Elephant ears may grow in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, although they thrive best in dappled or part shade. Darker leaf cultivars require more sunlight to keep their color.
Do elephant ear plants grow well indoors?
The following elephant ear types are recommended for growing indoors: A 3 to 5 foot (1 to 1.5 m) specimen with dark burgundy-black foliage is called “Black Magic.” The plant known as “Black Stem” has green foliage and, as its name suggests, black stems with burgundy-black veins.
How are elephant ears cared for indoors?
Elephant ears prefer to remain continuously damp but not drenched. If you utilize a pot without drainage holes, watering should be done with extra caution. Always use your finger to test the soil. Elephant ears also need humidity, so it’s a good idea to place the pot in a saucer of water that is elevated by pebbles.
For the winter, can I bring elephant ears inside?
Option 1: Take Them Inside During the winter, elephant ears can be brought indoors and grown as a houseplant. Place it in a sunny, south-facing window for the ideal growing circumstances. They also require a lot of water and temps in the 70s. Elephant ears also need humid conditions for growth.
Can elephant ears be left in the ground during the winter?
Who doesn’t adore Elephant Ears’ imposing, dramatic texture in a summer garden? There are a few easy measures you should follow whether you garden in a colder climate or not to overwinter your tubers for planting in the spring of the following year.
Hardiness Zones 1-6
This implies that if you live in Zones 1-6, you must bring your Elephant Ears indoors for the winter. It is a fairly easy procedure:
- Trim the stems to a height of about 6 inches after the first frost.
- Place the tubers in a plastic bag, bulb container, or shopping bag, then top with a mixture of peat moss and dirt.
- To ensure the tuber stays dormant during the winter, fill the container with water and keep it in a cold, dark location. Don’t let your elephant ears become completely wet. Plant your tubers in the ground as usual after there is no longer a threat of frost in your location.
Hardiness Zones 7-11
Your elephant ears can remain in the ground in these Hardiness Zones, but you should cover them to keep them safe throughout the winter.
- Let the frost naturally cause the stems of your plants to die down. If you cut them, they can deteriorate.
- Cut up yard grass and leaves to cover your plants. This aids in keeping the Elephant Ears insulated and toasty all through the winter. Create a mound or use chicken wire to reinforce.
- After the last spring frost, uncover the plants.
What tips do you have for preserving Elephant Ear tubers over the winter? Please share on our Facebook page or in the comments section below. Enjoy your garden!
Are elephant ear plants poisonous?
If consumed in high numbers, elephant ear plants are poisonous. Oxalic acid, which the plant’s leaves and stems contain, can seriously illen children or animals. However, heating makes the toxins innocuous, so many civilizations have eaten them for years without any ill effects (specifically taro root, or Colocasia esculenta). view more common plants that are poisonous to dogs and cats.
Do elephant ear plants bloom?
They can bloom, but it is neither typical nor predictable. After taking their plants outside and nourishing them, some gardeners report spathes (spring blooms), whereas other gardeners never see them bloom. The main reason these plants are grown is for their lush foliage.
Are elephant ear plants perennials?
In zones 9 and higher, the majority are perennials, meaning they will reappear each year. You can treat them as annuals if you plant in a cooler climate, or you can dig up the tubers before the first frost and store them for the winter in a cool, dry spot.
When do elephant ear plants sprout?
After planting, elephant ears often sprout three to eight weeks later. When the weather starts to warm up in the spring, sprouting happens. In warmer than in cooler climates, they will sprout more quickly. You can start them indoors and move them outside as it warms up to expedite the process.
Why are my elephant ear plants turning yellow?
There may be an issue if the leaves are turning yellow. Change the plant’s exposure to sunlight or water, and consider adding fertilizer if necessary. As an alternative, the plant can be hibernating for the season. Trim the yellow leaves, then wait for it to come back in the spring.
Do elephant ears spread?
Elephant ear plants can grow in clumps or spread out across the ground. Runners will soon create a substantial mass of plantings, which may or may not be desirable. Select a clumping kind if you are concerned about their spreading out of control.
Can elephant ears grow in full sun?
Most plants do best in bright, indirect sunlight rather than full sun. While too little sunshine might result in yellowing, too much sunlight can burn the leaves. There are certain types that can withstand direct sunlight.
Can you plant elephant ear plants in a pot?
Elephant ears can be grown in pots, yes. You should use a robust, capacious container because they are rather big. When the weather turns chilly, it is simple to bring container-grown plants inside and enjoy them as houseplants.
Why are my elephant ear plants drooping?
There can be a problem if elephant ears are drooping. Consider changing the amount of light, water, or fertilizer used. Large leaves being overly hefty is another factor in drooping. Plants can be supported and kept from drooping with the aid of staking. If it is too chilly for the plants, they will likewise droop.
Are elephant ears a yearly phenomenon?
The fiery pink flowers of the gomphrena ‘Fireworks’ contrast nicely with the chartreuse foliage of ‘Elena.
Some of the most striking foliage you could possibly want in a garden may be found in elephant’s ears. Massive leaves that resemble hearts can be black, purple, emerald green, chartreuse, yellow, or a combination of hues. On plants that can reach a height of more than 6 feet, the enormous leaves can measure more than 3 feet long. Impressive hues are seen in the stems as well. Hybrids that give a wide variety of options in terms of colors, sizes, and habits are the outcome of recent breeding. The Royal Hawaiian series has some of the best new ones, including “Hawaiian Punch,” “Blue Hawaii,” “Kona Coffee,” “White Lava,” and “Pineapple Princess.”
Elephant’s ears are tubers that sprout. Some form clumps, while others spread out along the ground in runners. Choose clumping varieties of elephant’s ears rather than runners, or grow runners in containers, if you are concerned about them spreading out in your yard. Whatever the case, they all enjoy sunlight, fertilizer, and water. In soil that has been improved with organic materials, such as chopped leaves, peat, or composted manure, plant tubers or transplant plants that have been cultivated in containers. It is not required to be thoroughly drained. These plants require regular feedings with Espoma Plant-tone or Dynamite Organic All-Purpose (10-2-8) because of their large appetites (5-3-3).
The Lower, Coastal, and Tropical South is home to the majority of elephant’s ears, which are perennials that return every year. In the lower Middle South, several plants are perennials. In the winter, they prefer a reasonably dry soil. If gardening further north, remove tubers before the first frost and preserve them throughout the winter in a cool, dry spot.
Establish a focal point Elephant’s ears can be grown in large numbers for a showy display of texture and color or one can be used as a specimen for a stunning accent. They do well in large pots and, if planted in submerged containers, do well in water gardens. Elephant’s ears pair well with other tropical plants like bananas, cannas, and crinums as well as with their flamboyant leaves. Try this large pot recipe for a beautiful summer combination in a container: Use the chartreuse foliage of ‘Margarita’ sweet potato vine as a spiller, the pink blooms of ‘Fanfare Orchid’ impatiens as the filler, and the chocolate leaves of ‘Puckered Up’ elephant’s ear as the thriller.