This amazing plant with its massive leaves looking like elephant ears is one that makes a triumphant statement and with its heart-shaped leaves will captivate your heart into seeing the beauty in this plant.
Colocasia is a genus of herbaceous perennials famed for their large foliage which come in a variety of shades and in some different patterns. Their leaves are heart-shaped, thin, and rubbery. Originating from Southeastern Asia, these plants enjoy loamy, fertile soil and tropical climates. They can be grown in full sun to part shade and make a very interesting accent to any garden and an amazing statement in any garden. Different species or varieties can have different characteristics such as stalk color, foliage color, and size. The largest Colocasia is C. gigantea 'Thailand Giant' which can have stalks that are 6 inches wide at the base and support leaves that can grow from 2-4 feet long.
These plants are tuberous and are known to be used in some traditional Asian cuisine. All parts of the plant are poisonous while raw, but once cooked the tubers are edible.
Colocasia is a tender perennial that cannot survive winter months in many places. In USDA Zones outside of 7b-10 you should either use this plant as an annual or dig up the tuber after the first frost and overwinter it in a cool dry area (possibly in dry wood shavings or peat) where the temperature does not fall below 45°F. The tuber should then be planted again in late April. A possibly easier method is to treat Colocasia as a container plant and move the container inside during the winter given that you have space for such a large container.
These plants can be propagated by their corms by dividing them and placing them in a large 1-gallon pot with richpeat-growing media and applying consistent moisture.
This plant (which is a perennial herb) can be used as a houseplant/ interiorscape or used in the landscape as a cultivated, tender or hardy bulb. Its hardiness is tender, injured below 68 degrees F (20 degrees C). They will need 6 feet of space.
Although this plant is a large plant much like the elephant its beauty is magnificent and one to be admired.
Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:This speciesisinvasivein wetlands along the AmericanGulf Coast, where it threatens to displace native wetland plants
No known diseases or insect pests.
Additional ColocasiaImages atJuniper Level Botanic Garden
FAQs
Are elephant ear plants perennials? Most are perennials in Zone 9 and warmer, where they will come back each summer. If gardening in cooler zones, you can treat them as annuals or dig up the tubers before the first frost and keep them in a cool, dry place over winter.
What is the difference between elephant ear and taro plant? ›
Taro can be distinguished from elephant ears by the attachment of the leaf from the petiole. In taro, the petiole attaches to the leaf several inches from the base of the 'V' of the leaf, while the petiole is attached directly at the base in elephant ears.
How big do Colocasia elephant ears get? ›
Elephant ear plants offer some of the boldest foliage you could ever want in a garden. Huge, heart-shaped leaves come in black, purple, emerald green, chartreuse, yellow, or a mix of colors. The mammoth leaves can be more than three feet long on plants that can grow higher than six feet tall.
What's the difference between elephant ear and Colocasia? ›
There are two types of elephant ears: alocasias and colocasias. Colocasias display their leaves with tip of the heart pointing down. They prefer full sun and consistent moisture. Alocasias hold the tip of their leaves out or upward and they prefer more well drained soil and a little shade.
Can you leave elephant ears in the ground over winter? ›
Hardiness Zones 7-11
In these Hardiness Zones, your Elephant Ears can stay in the ground but should be covered to protect them throughout the winter months. Let the stems of your plants die back naturally with the frost. Cutting them can lead to rot. Cover your plants with chopped-up leaves and lawn grass.
Do elephant ear plants like sun or shade? ›
Many types of elephant ears can be grown in partial shade, but the darker colored varieties are best grown in full sun. All need rich, moist soil and nearly all are perfect at the edge of a pond.
Why are elephant ear plants toxic? ›
All parts of the plant contain tiny calcium oxalate crystals. If any part of the plant is chewed it can cause irritation to the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat. Although rare, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty swallowing have been reported after ingesting plants with oxalate crystals.
Do elephant ear plants cry? ›
Water when the soil starts to feel a little dry. If your Elephant Ear plant gets too much water, it will let you know by “weeping” or dripping water from the tip of the leaf.
Are elephant ear plants poisonous to dogs? ›
Toxicity to pets
Chewing or biting into this plant will release these crystals causing tissue penetration and irritation the mouth and GI tract. VERY rarely, swelling of the upper airway occurs making it difficult to breathe. Veterinary care is recommended for pets with persistent gastrointestinal clinical signs.
Where is the best place to plant elephant ears? ›
Elephant's ear grows best in part shade or filtered sun. Prolonged direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, marring them for the duration of the season. If possible, plant elephant's ear in a location where it receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade.
I recommend growing elephant ears in large pots, where they can reach their full growth potential. Smaller pots equal smaller growth, which is fine if you're growing a more compact variety or you only have a small patio or balcony. But if you want a lot of va-va-voom, opt for a big pot and a big variety.
Are Colocasia hard to take care of? ›
Elephant ear plants (also known as colocasia) are a popular and easy-to-care-for houseplant. They are known for their large foliage and tropical appearance. While they can be grown outdoors in warm climates, they are most often grown as houseplants.
Do elephant ear bulbs multiply? ›
Elephant ears can become quite prolific over time. The best time to divide them would be as they begin emerging in the spring. Fall division could be done, but it will make the plants less winter hardy. You could also lift and store for the winter and divide when replanting next spring.
Do elephant ears need a lot of water? ›
Elephant ear indoor plants need to be watered anywhere from every few days to once a week. Elephant ears are native to tropical regions and are accustomed to large amounts of water. They grow best in soil that stays consistently moist, but not soggy.
How do you save elephant ear plants for next year? ›
Just put the container in a cool spot that stays above freezing, like a garage, during the winter and cut off any mushy leaves. Make sure to keep it dry. That's it! If the elephant ears are in the ground, cut all the leaves back to the main stem, but I like to leave the main stem intact.
Will elephant ears come back after a freeze? ›
Will Elephant Ears Survive Winter? Elephant ears are only hardy in zones 9-11 and do not survive freezing temperatures if left alone. In colder zones you can treat your elephant ears as annuals or store the tubers indoors and replant during the next spring.
What is the lifespan of an elephant ear plant? ›
How long do elephant's ear plants last? In general, the tubers grow stronger with each passing year. Whether you live in an area where you can leave them in the ground or lift them and overwinter them in a sheltered place, expect healthy plants to live for about eight years.
Do you cut down elephant ears in the fall? ›
If you are growing elephant ears outdoors year-round in USDA Zone 10a or below (i.e. where frost occurs), cutting the plant back in the fall prepares it for winter survival. Two to three days after the first killing frost, cut the leaves near the base of the plant, leaving about 2 inches above the ground.
