“Elephant ears” is the common name for a group of tropical perennial plants grown for their large, heart-shaped leaves. Most of these herbaceous species in the arum or aroid family (Araceae) that are offered as ornamentals belong to the genera Colocasia, Alocasia, and Xanthosoma, although there are others that have similar appearance and growth habits.
The first two genera are native to tropical southern Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Guinea, parts of Australia, or the Pacific Islands, while Xanthosoma is native to tropical America. Many of the species have long been grown for the edible starchy corms or tubers as an important staple food in tropical regions.
The leaves are edible, but they (and all parts of the plant) contain needle-like crystals of calcium oxalate which are a skin irritant, so they must be cooked first.
One of the most widely grown species is C.esculenta, called taro and many other common names. It has been cultivated in Asia and Polynesia for thousands of years, with over 200 cultivars selected for culinary or ornamental characteristics. This species naturalizes readily in wetlands in mild climates and is considered an invasive species along the Gulf Coast.
In the Midwestern garden these plants are grown for their flat sagittate (arrow- or heart-shaped) leaves that often have prominent veins. In their native habitat the smooth, waxy leaves will grow 3 feet long and 2 feet wide or more (depending on the species) but they tend to be much smaller when grown as a seasonal plant.
The leaves are held on the end of long, thick, succulent petioles coming directly from the underground corm. The petiole attaches near the center of the lower surface of the leaf (peltate) and the leaves are held perpendicular to the upright petiole with the leaves facing upward or outward.
The leaves of Alocasia and Xanthosoma are usually not peltate and are held more upright. These plants generally grow from corms (commonly called bulbs, although they are not true bulbs),
but some types also produce long, slender stolons (above ground runners), and others do not form corms. The lumpy corms with rough ridges have a brown skin and a white or pink interior. Some types of elephant ears also produce smaller tubers or “cormels” (also called “eddos”) which grow off the sides of the main corm. Although elephant ears are grown primarily as foliage plants, they can bloom – but flowers are not common in the Midwest. The inflorescences are the typical aroid type with a white to yellow or light green spathe surrounding the spadix. They can be large, fragrant and attractive, but are normally hidden underneath the foliage. Fruits are globular green or yellow berries containing several seeds.
The standard emerald green C. esculenta, with a matte finish, used to be about the only type of elephant ear available to Midwestern gardeners, but over the past couple of decades breeding programs have produced a lot of new ornamental varieties. They vary in size from 8 inches to over 9 feet, but most are in the 3 to 5 foot range. Some of the many interesting cultivars available include (C. esculenta unless otherwise noted):
‘Coffee Cups’ (sometimes incorrectly called ‘Tea Cups’) – is a vigorous hybrid with smaller leaves on very tall dark petioles with the blades folded upward to form a cup-shape.
‘Hilo Beauty’ – is a small variety (about a foot tall) of Alocasia with irregular yellow or cream flecks on the dark green leaves.
‘Illustris’ (imperial taro, var. antiquorum) – has dark green matte leaves with a purple to black luster and bright green veins and petioles. The plants spread by underground runners. Color is more intense in bright light, but the leaves are never as dark as ‘Black Magic’ or many other black varieties.
Use elephant ears to add a bold, tropical look to the landscape in borders, mass plantings or in containers. These fabulous foliage plants add dramatic contrast with both the size and color of the leaves and their form. They combine well with other tropical plants such as bananas, castor bean, colorful caladiums,
Chinese hibiscus and mandevillea, but they also provide wonderful textural contrast with more typical temperate bedding plants, ferns, or ornamental grasses. Pair dark-leaved varieties with any white, yellow, or orange-flowering plant for vivid contrast. The clumping varieties have an attractive vase shape so a single plant can provide an interesting focal point in the garden when planted in the midst of low-growing annuals such as petunias or begonias. Add them to large aquatic containers in combination with papyrus and water lilies or keep them in individual containers to mix and match with other plants on a deck or patio.
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. Most can be grown in a few inches of standing water, and can be added to water gardens as emergent plants (the roots in water and with the soil just covered with water, but the plants not submerged).
These tropical plants grow best in warm temperatures and high humidity. They may languish in Midwestern gardens until warm summer conditions begin, and they will also falter when temperatures drop below 50F for prolonged periods of time.
The plants continually produce new leaves throughout the growing season. The older leaves that gradually die off can be removed to keep the plants looking tidy. Be sure to consider the potential for the elephant ear to shade out smaller plants as they grow when you choose a planting location in the spring.
Although they can be grown from seed, to grow large elephant ears, start with a large bulb or rooted plant (many of the newer cultivars are only offered as tissue cultured plants that have not formed bulbs yet). It will take a few weeks for the first leaves to appear from the bulb. These frost-tender perennial plants are best started indoors, potting up the bulb in March, placing the top of the bulb close to the soil surface, and keeping it in a warm location until it is planted outside when the weather warms up, usually in late May or early June.
Provide copious water and fertilizer as the plants grow, especially for those in containers, as they are heavy feeders. For plain green-leaved elephant ears, you can purchase taro (also called coco yam) root in Asian grocery stores and grow it instead of eating it (if the corms haven’t been treated with something to prevent growth).
Elephant ears can be grown as annuals, starting with new plants each year, or may be kept over the winter (most are hardy only to zone 8). Plants that have formed bulbs can be dug, dried and stored like cannas or dahlias after frost has killed the foliage. Illustris with other tender annuals. Alocasia x amazonica ‘Poly’
Those without bulbs are harder to keep indoors, although it may be possible to keep them going as houseplants if kept in a warm, bright location. It is best to bring plants to be kept as houseplants indoors before temperatures get into the 30’s. Cut back all but the top two leaves and keep at room temperature in bright light. Keep plants on the drier side when they are semi-dormant and resume regular watering and fertilizing when growth resumes in the spring. – Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin – Madison
With its huge, colorful leaves and tropical vibe, Alocasia ‘California’ has become a hugely popular houseplant But where did this show-stopping variety actually originate? Understanding the roots of Alocasia ‘California’ provides insight into how it became a staple of modern indoor planting
In this article we’ll explore the fascinating history behind Alocasia ‘California’ and learn how this plant made its journey from tropical Asia to homes across the world. Tracing the origin story of this sought-after plant reveals an unexpected path winding through history.
The Genus Alocasia and Its Southeast Asian Roots
Alocasia is a genus comprised of over 70 tropical plant species within the Araceae family. The genus originated in the rainforests of Southeast Asia, including territories now known as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Most Alocasia species thrive in hot, steamy conditions with high humidity, bright filtered light, and frequent rainfall. These jungle plants flourished in their native habitat.
Alocasias became known for their uniquely shaped, often extraordinarily large leaves. The prominent veins and waxy cuticles of the leaves allowed them to effectively collect light and withstand tropical downpours.
The luxurious foliage of native Alocasia species would eventually captivate plant collectors worldwide. But first the global spread of these tropical beauties had to begin.
Native Asian Alocasia species were first exposed to the Western world in the 1800s by early botanical explorers venturing into Southeast Asia’s lush, largely unknown rainforests.
Fascinated by the massive leaf sizes and unusual shapes, many specimens and seeds made their way back to Europe in the luggage of such adventurers.
The flowering plant became a coveted novelty for Victorian-era gardeners and collectors. Prominent nurseries vied to get their hands on rare imported varieties from across Asia.
Few species survived the boat journey from Asia long-term. But the arrival of Alocasia whetted the appetite of Europeans for displaying exotic flora from afar.
The Rise of Ornamental Tropical Plant Cultivation
By the mid-1900s, faster transport, expanding global trade routes, and improving greenhouse technology enabled more reliable transfer of unusual tropicals to Europe and the US.
A rising middle class fueled demand for displays of affluence featuring rare plants. Exotic flora became associated with luxury and status.
Nurseries focused heavily on developing ornamental varieties of Alocasia and other tropical Asian genera like Monstera and Philodendron tailored to growing conditions abroad.
The ability to cultivate tropicals far from their native habitat allowed the explosion of unique new varieties. One of these was Alocasia ‘California’.
The Hybrid Origins of Alocasia ‘California’
Alocasia ‘California’ has a convoluted origin shrouded in a bit of mystery. It is widely believed to be a man-made hybrid bred in the 1970s or 80s, possibly in Florida.
The parentage likely includes Alocasia sanderiana and Alocasia longiloba. The former contributed the distinctive metallic sheen to the leaves, while the latter the long, tapered leaf shape.
Adding to the intrigue, there is no conclusive evidence ‘California’ was actually bred in California. The marketing name references the Golden State’s perceived glamour.
Regardless of how it came to exist, the flashy foliage of Alocasia ‘California’ made it an instant hit in the houseplant boom of the 1980s.
Journey from Obscurity to Houseplant Fame
For years after its suspected hybrid origins, Alocasia ‘California’ existed in relative obscurity. But that changed dramatically in the 2010s and beyond.
Social media became the rocket fuel accelerating the rapid spread of this variety. As images of its glossy, eye-catching leaves flooded platforms like Instagram, demand took off.
Suddenly, Alocasia ‘California’ became one of the “it plants” that plant influencers and collectors lusted after. Nurseries rushed to ramp up propagation to feed the frenzy.
While still a niche plant as recently as 10 years ago, Alocasia ‘California’ is now widely available at garden centers and flaunts its foliage on design sites worldwide.
The Allure of the Tropical in Modern Culture
Alocasia ‘California’s explosion in popularity is no accident. Its rise has coincided with – and been fueled by – a number of cultural trends.
The plant’s huge, lush leaves tap into the surging appetite for “urban jungle” aesthetics in home and office design. Indoor tropical greenery also aligns with the embrace of biophilia.
Additionally, the explosion of social media created perfect platforms to share images of coveted varieties like Alocasia ‘California’ and drive demand.
Above all, its exotic tropical beauty captivates! This plant offers a taste of the lush mysteries of Southeast Asia right within our living spaces.
Alocasia ‘California’ Continues Evolving
While Alocasia ‘California’ already has a rich history, this plant’s story remains unfinished. Breeders continue developing new varieties to satisfy demand for rare tropicals.
We can expect to see new forms arise, as breeders select mutations presenting striking new traits – such as Alocasia ‘Stingray’ with its wild, waved leaves.
The journey that began in the steamy jungles of Southeast Asia seems likely to continue nurturing new Alocasia varieties for generations to come.
Though its precise origins may remain partly veiled in mystery, Alocasia ‘California’ has undoubtedly secured its place as a preeminent houseplant for the ages. Its history illustrates the enduring allure of exotic tropical beauty.
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