The common name, elephant ears, is given to plants of three different genera, including Colocasia, Alocasia and Xanthosoma. All three varieties grow as a year-round perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 and 10. As part of the Arum family, elephant ears produce large, tropical-looking heart-shaped foliage atop thin stalks that grow from roots or tubers. Tips for this easy-to-grow plant range from general to specific, depending on which species, variety or cultivar you are growing.
Elephant ears thrive in full sun to partial shade, depending on which variety you are growing. For example, Colocasia spp. is best grown in partial shade, while Alocasia spp. does well in filtered sunlight and partial shade during the heat of the day. Xanthosoma grows in both full sun and partial shade.
The color of the leaves also play a part in determining how much sunlight you should expose your plant to. Elephant ears come in many different colors, from bright green to variegated green and white, to purple, black and burgundy. Elephant ears with green and variegated foliage respond better to more sunlight, while darker colors and burgundy varieties require less sun and shade when the sun is strongest during the day.
All elephant ear varieties are agreeable to moisture -- and plenty of it. Even and consistent moisture is recommended for all genera of elephant ears. Moisture is rarely a problem in a coastal Mediterranean climate that experiences high rainfall and humidity. However, moisture and drought tolerance also vary between the genera.
Xanthosoma spp. thrives in moist soil, but it is also the most drought tolerant of the bunch. Alocasia spp. needs moist soil with good drainage, as it performs poorly in overly moist or saturated soil. Colocasia spp. is the most moisture tolerant variety, needing continual hydration. If you are growing submerged plants, Colocasia spp. also thrives in a pond environment 5 to 6 inches deep.
Other Growing Conditions and Fertilization
In general, elephant ears are a relatively maintenance-free plant, provided they receive the right growing conditions. Once established, they grow quickly and vigorously -- and in some cases aggressively. If you are concerned about aggressive growth in your garden beds, consider growing elephant ears in containers, where they also thrive. Tubers and rooted plants should be planted 2 to 4 inches deep in the potting mix or soil.
All elephant ear varieties are considered heavy-feeders, requiring rich, fertile, slightly acidic soil. Fertilize your plants once a month with a slow-release, water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer. If you find that your elephant ears are growing too vigorously, stop fertilization for a month or two. You can also propagate or thin out your plants by separating the tuberous rhizomes. Wear gloves when working with the tubers, which can irritate skin.
While you do not need to provide a large amount of maintenance to keep your elephant ears healthy and vigorous, it is still important to monitor your plants regularly to make sure they are in good health. Elephant ears rarely suffer from pests or diseases; however, keep an eye out for signs of mites, such as webs and curling, yellowing foliage. If you discover a mite infestation on your elephant ears, a twice weekly spraying of a half-strength insecticidal soap and water mixture should clear up the problem.
Additionally, elephant ears are not capable of withstanding strong winds, as their stems are relatively weak. Make sure to plant your elephant ears in an area that is shielded from the wind, or move container plants indoors during a heavy storm.
- Canadian Gardening: Add Drama to Your Garden with Elephant Ears
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Alocasia spp. Elephant's Ear
- Fine Gardening: Genus Colocasia (Taro, Elephant's Ear)
- Fine Gardening: Xanthosoma aurea ‘Lime Zinger’ (Elephant Ear)
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: Growing Elephant Ear
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