“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
The beautifully variegated Alocasia Polly plant has become an increasingly popular houseplant in recent years. With its eye-catching green leaves sporting prominent white veins, it adds a dramatic pop of color to indoor spaces. But where did this mesmerizing plant originate from? In this article, I’ll explore the obscure history and origins of the Alocasia Polly.
For those unfamiliar Alocasia Polly is a tropical plant in the Alocasia genus which contains over 80 different upright-leaving species typically native to Asia and Eastern Australia. It’s categorized as an ornamental plant, meaning it’s cultivated for decorative purposes rather than food crops or other practical uses.
The Alocasia Polly features shiny, almost leather-like leaves in an arrowhead shape The most distinctive characteristic is the prominent, milky white veins contrasting with the dark green leaf color Other traits include a compact size, growing to about 2-3 feet tall.
This plant has become a coveted houseplant due to its lush tropical look and its ability to thrive in indoor environments. But despite its current popularity, the exact origins of Alocasia Polly have remained shrouded in mystery.
The Obscure History of Hybridization
Alocasia Polly is believed to be a man-made hybrid, rather than a wild species found in nature. This means it was created through selective breeding by crossing two different Alocasia species.
The hybridization likely took place sometime in the 20th century. But pinpointing the precise origin is difficult due to sparse documentation and record-keeping around early plant breeding processes.
We can trace the broader history of Alocasia hybridization back to the 1950s and 60s. During this era, ornamental plant breeders began intentionally crossing Alocasia species to develop new varieties for the commercial houseplant market.
This early hybridization focused on enhancing aesthetic qualities like leaf size, structure, color, and patterns. Alocasia Polly was probably spawned from one of these mid-century breeding programs.
Unfortunately, records weren’t meticulously kept, so the specific parent plants used to create Alocasia Polly may be lost to history. Its distinctive characteristics suggest at least one wild Alocasia species was likely involved, but the parents are anyone’s guess at this point.
Examining Possible Origins & Parentage
While the precise origins are uncertain, experts have some clues and theories about Alocasia Polly’s parentage based on examining its physical traits.
Many believe one parent was likely Alocasia sanderiana, also known as Kris plant. Native to the Philippines, the Kris plant has elongated, wavy-edged leaves and is known for air-purifying properties – traits possibly passed down to Alocasia Polly.
The other parent is more mysterious but was probably a smaller, more compact species given Alocasia Polly’s petite stature. Potential candidates include Alocasia ‘Lauterbachiana’ and Alocasia cuprea.
Additionally, the prominently veined leaves may indicate crossbreeding with an Alocasia that naturally exhibits this feature, such as Alocasia zebrina. But this is merely speculation based on observing the plant’s characteristics.
The Challenges of Tracing Origins
So while we can piece together possibilities, definitively identifying Alocasia Polly’s parentage and origins remains elusive for several reasons:
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Very limited documentation from the era it was likely bred
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Hybridizers often kept breeding activities and cultivars secret
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Plants were frequently shared informally between collectors
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Lack of genetic or morphological research tracing heritage
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Original breeders may have passed away or lost records
For these reasons, the origins of this beloved houseplant remain shrouded in uncertainty. We can only make educated guesses based on its physical qualities and the broader context of Alocasia hybridization in the 20th century.
Alocasia Polly Today: A Horticultural Triumph
While its history may be murky, what’s clear is that Alocasia Polly has become a runaway success in the world of ornamental houseplants. Its combination of tropical jungle-like aesthetics and simple care requirements make it ideal for modern plant parents.
The striking variegated leaves add drama and a contemporary flair to indoor spaces like living rooms, kitchens, offices and more. Its compact size also makes it perfectly suited to apartments and smaller dwellings.
And its ability to help purify indoor air only adds to its desirability. All of these factors have led to its status as a sought-after plant that commands impressive prices at well over $100 per specimen.
So while Alocasia Polly’s origins remain obscured, this special plant will continue to be appreciated by plant aficionados enamored with its exotic, architectural beauty. Its journey from 20th century breeding endeavors to 21st century interior design staple is a testament to the enduring appeal of new and unique flora.
Closing Thoughts on Alocasia Polly’s History
The fascinating yet elusive history of Alocasia Polly reminds us that sometimes, plants capture our imagination not for where they came from, but for the sheer vibrancy they bring into our lives in the present.
While the legacy of this plant may be opaque, its future as a beloved houseplant darling seems bright. Perhaps one day, advancements in research and record keeping may unlock more clues about Alocasia Polly’s path from a breeder’s greenhouse to a prized position in our homes. For now, we can simply appreciate this gorgeous variety however it came about.
The story of Alocasia Polly shows that even without a clear record of provenance, a plant can take root in our hearts and minds based solely on its beauty and spirit. This tropical charmer has certainly worked its magic on me!
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FAQ
What is the history of Alocasia Polly?
What does the Alocasia Polly symbolize?
Where do alocasias originate from?
What is the spiritual meaning of the Alocasia plant?
Can Alocasia Polly be propagated by division?
If your healthy alocasia Polly is growing from at least two bulbs with two leaves, you can propagate the plant by division. If you have a mature plant that’s beginning to crowd its pot, division is a great solution. The best time to propagate alocasia Polly is during the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing.
Is Alocasia Polly a good houseplant?
Alocasia Polly is an attractive houseplant that’s native to tropical regions of South Asia. Alocasia Polly can be cultivated and kept indoors year-round. With the right conditions and basic care, alocasia Polly is a pretty low-maintenance, easy-growing plant. It does best in filtered, dappled sunlight.
Can Alocasia Polly grow indoors?
While alocasia Polly rarely blooms while kept indoors, it’s a good idea to prune back any spent flower heads to help promote leaf growth. If your healthy alocasia Polly is growing from at least two bulbs with two leaves, you can propagate the plant by division.
Are Alocasia Polly invasive?
Alocasia Polly and other elephant ear plants are considered invasive in mild, wetland climates such as the Gulf Coast of the United States. Before planting alocasia Polly outdoors, consult your local extension agent to check if this plant is an invasive species in your region—or simply keep it indoors as a houseplant.