The Many Varieties of Elephant’s Ear Plants – A Guide to the Beautiful Foliage Plant

The elephant’s ear plant is known for its very large, heart-shaped leaves that truly resemble the ears of an elephant. With leaves that can grow over 3 feet long and almost as wide, these tropical beauties make a dramatic statement in any garden.

While the most common type of elephant’s ear has rich green leaves with contrasting white or greenish veins, there are actually many different cultivars of this plant available Each variety has its own distinct leaf color, pattern, and size

In this article, we will explore the different types of elephant’s ear plants and what makes each one unique. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color to your garden or want an especially enormous leaf specimen, there’s an elephant’s ear out there for you!

Alocasia – The Classic Elephant’s Ear

The most common and recognizable type of elephant’s ear belongs to the Alocasia genus. There are around 80 different species in this genus, many of which are commonly called elephant’s ears.

Alocasias are known for their upright growth habit and very large, heart-shaped or arrowhead-shaped leaves with prominent veins. The leaf stalks are also notable – they can be smooth and slender or covered in a crinkly texture.

Some of the most popular Alocasia varieties include

• Alocasia ‘Amazonica’ – This is the quintessential elephant’s ear with shiny, deep green leaves and contrasting white veins. It can grow over 5 feet tall.

• Alocasia ‘Polly’ – A compact variety, growing to about 3 feet. It has dark green leaves with white veins.

• Alocasia ‘Sanderiana’ – Also known as Alocasia ‘Kris’ Plant,’ it has dramatically shaped leaves that point upward and outward. The leaves are deep green with light green veins.

• Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ – A unique variety with rounded, almost heart-shaped leaves in a purple-black color. The veins are dark purple as well.

• Alocasia ‘Silver Dragon’ – One of the most distinctive types, this has deeply cut leaves in a rippled shape. The topsides are olive green and the undersides silver-gray.

Colocasia – Hardier Elephant’s Ears

While Alocasias thrive in tropical environments, plants in the Colocasia genus are a bit more cold hardy and can survive winters outdoors in some climates.

Known for their large, heart-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves, Colocasia include types like:

• Colocasia esculenta – This is the classic taro plant grown as a food crop in tropical areas. It has large bright green leaves on long upright stalks.

• Colocasia ‘Black Magic’ – A unique black elephant’s ear with purple-black foliage and prominent veins.

• Colocasia ‘Blue Hawaii’ – An eye-catching variety with blue-green leaves featuring electric purple veins.

• Colocasia ‘Pink China’ – Bright pink stems hold up large green leaves with pink veins.

• Colocasia ‘Mojito’ – A compact type with multiple stems emerging from the tuber. The leaves are lime green with dark purple backs.

Xanthosoma – Unique Tropical Elephant’s Ears

Xanthosoma is a tropical genus related to Colocasia, and includes some unique elephant’s ear varieties like:

• Xanthosoma ‘Lime Zinger’ – Electric lime green arrowhead leaves emerging from red stems make this variety truly stand out.

• Xanthosoma wendlandii – Enormous blue-green leaves up to 5 feet long emerge from a central rosette on this spectacular elephant’s ear.

• Xanthosoma robustum – Shiny purple stems hold aloft 18-inch wide leaves in blue, purple, and green shades.

Growing Conditions for Elephant’s Ear Plants

While there are many types to choose from, most elephant’s ears thrive in similar conditions. Here are some key care tips:

• Light – Elephant’s ears do best in partial shade in hot climates and full sun in cooler areas. Provide at least 4 hours of direct sun daily.

• Soil – Rich, moist soil is ideal. Amend garden beds with compost or peat moss to retain moisture.

• Water – Give elephant’s ears plenty of water in the growing season. The soil should be kept constantly moist but not waterlogged.

• Fertilizer – Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks in the spring and summer. Dilute to half strength.

• Temperature – Elephant’s ears enjoy warm summer temperatures between 70-85°F. Some varieties can tolerate cooler temperatures.

• Humidity – Higher humidity is better, especially for tropical Alocasia varieties. Mist leaves or use a pebble tray for added moisture.

• Pruning – Cut back yellowing, damaged, or unsightly leaves at the base of the plant.

How to Overwinter Elephant’s Ear Plants

In areas with cold winters, elephant’s ears must be overwintered indoors. Here are some tips for getting them through the winter:

• In late summer/early fall, allow the plant to go dormant. Reduce watering and let the leaves yellow and die back.

• Dig up the plant and carefully remove all the soil from the roots and tuber. Remove any rotted parts of the tuber.

• Allow the tuber to dry and “cure” for 1-2 weeks in a warm, dry spot out of direct sun.

• Place the dried tuber in a container of barely moist peat moss, vermiculite, or bark chips. Store in a cool place (50-60°F) for the winter.

• Check regularly and keep just slightly moist. Don’t let it dry out completely.

• In spring, replant the tuber in fresh potting mix and begin watering. New growth will emerge in a few weeks.

Elephant’s Ear Varieties to Grow

With so many elephant’s ear varieties out there, it can be tough to choose which to grow! Here are 5 great types for adding dramatic foliage to your garden:

1. Alocasia ‘Amazonica’ – The classic giant green and white leaved elephant’s ear.

2. Colocasia ‘Black Magic’ – Striking dark purple-black foliage.

3. Alocasia ‘Silver Dragon’ – Showy deeply cut silver-gray leaves.

4. Xanthosoma ‘Lime Zinger’ – Vibrant lime green leaves on red stems.

5. Colocasia ‘Mojito’ – Compact size with colorful lime green and purple leaves.

No matter which type you choose, elephant’s ears are sure to make a big statement in your garden. With their tropical jungle appeal, these plants add drama to garden beds, borders, and containers.

Just be sure to provide them with warm temperatures, ample moisture, and rich soil. Give them proper overwintering care in cold climates. With the right conditions, elephant’s ears will reward you with their bold, beautiful foliage all season long.