Mar 11, 2025 · Elephant ears are tropical perennials known for their lush, large leaves. The plants are found in the Colocasia, Alocasia, and Xanthosoma genus, among others. Though botanically distinct and native to different parts of the world, all elephant ears share similar growing conditions and have fast growth rates: Elephant ears reach their mature size in a single growing season.

Jan 23, 2025 · Elephant ears are tender perennials; temperatures below 68°F can be injurious. To overwinter, remove the foliage, dig up the corm, set it aside to dry, and pack it in dry wood shavings or peat. (Break off any small “offsets”— new plants produced by a mother plant complete with their own roots—on the corm; these can be planted in spring ...

Jul 6, 2024 · Plant elephant ear bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep, with the top of the bulb (the end with the concentric circles) facing upward. If you are unsure which end is up, plant the bulb on its side; it will send the green up and the roots down. The bigger the bulb, the deeper it should be planted so dig a deeper hole if necessary to fit the entire bulb. ...

Jan 22, 2024 · Are Elephant Ear Plants Poisonous? Elephant ears contain oxalate crystals, which are irritating to the skin. Once cooked, the plant is edible. The tuber of the elephant ear is used in many cuisines where they are native. Taro root in Hawaii comes from an elephant ear. The most likely reason for drooping elephant ear foliage is lack of moisture.

Elephant ears are a showstopping plant to add to your garden bed; the foliage makes everyone who sees it stop and do a double-take. It’s easy to mistake plants with large leaves like elephant ears, but they are tropical region native plants. There are different types of elephant ears available for growing in your garden.

Sep 17, 2021 · Elephant ear plants bring to mind lush, tropical forests, adding drama to both gardens and containers. The most recognized forms have heart- or arrow-shaped leaves (often oversized) with decorative veining, inspiring the common name elephant ears. No plant satisfies the craving for a taste of the tropics like elephant ear plants.

Mar 20, 2024 · Where to Plant Elephant Ear Bulbs . Elephant ears need lots of room once they mature, so select a spot that allows at least 3 feet of space for each bulb to grow in a partially shaded area. Too much sun can scorch the leaves. The exception to this is the Black Magic variety of elephant ears, which does well in partial to full shade.

Elephant Ears with darker leaves need more sun to retain their color. Soil: Plant them in fertile, moisture-retentive soil. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH and soil rich in organic matter. Elephant Ears can also grow in 6 inches (15 cm) of standing water. How to …

Note that a healthy elephant ear tuber will feel firm and heavy, and have a dry exterior. Plan for Success. Sun or Shade: Elephant ears will grow in sun or shade. If you grow them in a hot, sunny location, be sure they get a little shade during the middle of the day. Zone: Elephant ears are tropical plants. In zones 9-11 they can be grown ...

May 5, 2021 · Giant Elephant Ear (Colocasia gigantea ‘Thailand Giant’) Giant elephant ear is a very large plant that needs a lot of space in the garden. As its name suggests, the giant elephant ear Colocasia gigantea has enormous, rounded heart-shaped leaves. The bluish-green leaves grow between 4 and 6 ft. (1.2 – 1.8 m) long and up to 5 ft. (1.5 m) wide.