Add oversized elephant ears to the perennial border for a dramatic focal point.Hardy to Zone 9 outdoors but makes an easy houseplant (or terrarium specimen) since it is slow growing and can take the low light and dry air typical of indoor situations. A smaller alocasia, typically eight to 12 inches tall. Thick, quilted leaves with nubby texture feel like plastic. While their use in gardens has given them their current cachet, many also make good houseplants.Įven when you touch this elephant ear, it’s hard to believe it’s real. But among the 70 or so species and their cultivars, there are small, medium, and large sizes leaf shapes from wide hearts to slim arrowheads colors accentuated with bright veining and spots and textures from slick and glossy to thick and waxy. Their rapid growth creates a show even during a short growing season, making them worthy as one-shot annuals of benefit to northern gardeners. Protect from frost by covering the base of the plant with 4 to 12 inches of mulch. Bulbs can stay in the ground or in their pots over winter. For warmer areas, once the foliage turns brown, cut it back to the ground.Keep them cool (45 to 55 degrees) and dry.Store in an open container with peat moss or dry potting soil barely covering the rhizome.Cut back foliage to the ground once it turns brown, usually two to three days after a killing frost.For colder zones that receive frost or freezing temperatures:.In warmer areas, they can be left in the ground or in their pots. In colder zones, the tuberous rhizomes can be dug up and stored over winter. A fertilizer with micronutrients can be applied, or sprinkle Epsom salts around the base of each plant on a monthly basis. If foliage shows yellowing, it’s probably a micronutrient deficiency.
Apply a slow-release fertilizer at planting time, following package directions. If possible, water from below at the root zone rather than from above, to keep water off the leaves. To prevent disease problems, water in the morning so they go into the night dry. A general rule is big, green elephant ears are practically indestructible and can tolerate variable moisture conditions dark-leaved types will suffer if over watered and can stay dry for several days. Most don't like wet feet, though a few are tolerant of wet conditions-like the big-leaved colocasias you might see in water gardens. Soil:Įlephant ears need rich soil that is moist (not saturated), but well-drained. In general, green types can take higher light levels darker-leaved ones need more filtered light or shade.
ELEXA JADES MAGIC GROWTH FULL
Most prefer filtered sun or shade, but some tolerate full sun.
They can be grown in cooler areas, but will need to be replanted each year. Elephant ears will only truly thrive in warmer areas similar to their native humid climates of Southeast Asia, and with daytime temperatures of 70 to 85F, and nights no lower than 60F. They're grown from tuberous rhizomes and can reach impressive sizes quickly.
Growing them is simple - they like filtered sun or shade and rich, moist soil. High drama and bold texture are the signature benefits of showcasing elephant ears in a garden or container. Love interesting foliage? JOIN 95,000 other plant lovers who learn more about plants, landscape design, and garden problem solvers each week. This type of elephant ear is less common for growning in home gardens than the other types. Like Colocasia, the tubers of Xanthosoma are edible.
Natives of tropical America, Xanthosoma plants like very warm and humid weather. Soil: Moist, but well-drained and organically rich Photo by: Garden World Images Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo.
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