Elephant Ear Plant stands out with its huge, heart-shaped leaves—perfect for adding a bold, tropical look to any space.
“Elephant ears” is a common name for a group of tropical plants known for their big, heart-shaped leaves. Most of these leafy plants belong to the arum family (Araceae) and are usually from the Colocasia, Alocasia, or Xanthosoma groups, although there are a few others that look and grow in a similar way.
Colocasia and Alocasia come from tropical areas in southern Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Guinea, parts of Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Xanthosoma comes from tropical parts of the Americas. Many of these plants have been grown for a long time for their starchy roots, which are an important food in tropical regions.
Other Names: Taro, Cocoyam, Elephant ear, Eddoe, Hembu, Saru and Dasheen
Propagating Elephant Ear Plant
Colocasia grows from corms (bulbs). For the best results, plant the corms in a large container (about 25cm wide) indoors or in a greenhouse during spring.
Fill the container about three-quarters full with compost that doesn’t contain peat.
Place the corm in the container with the pointed end (or the side with the most rings) facing up. Add more compost to cover the tip just slightly.
Water the corm well and place the container in a warm spot indoors.
How to Plant an Elephant Ear Plant
If you’re planting a colocasia in the ground, wait until the last frost is over in late spring. Dig a hole the same size as the root ball, mix in plenty of organic material like compost, and water well after planting.
If you’re planting in a pot, use a large container (about 25cm wide) with drainage holes, and fill it with peat-free compost.
If you’re planting colocasia corms in a pot, place them with the pointed end (or the side with the most rings) facing up. The tip should be about 2cm below the surface of the soil. Put the pot on a sunny windowsill or in a warm greenhouse.
When to Plant
Elephant ear tubers won’t grow in cold soil, so wait to plant them outside until the soil is at least 65°F. In cooler areas, this usually means early June. To start them earlier, you can plant the tubers in pots indoors 4 to 6 weeks before moving them outside. Keep them in a warm, sunny window or under grow lights.
Requirements for Growing Elephant Ear Plant
Location
Elephant ear plant needs at least 4–5 hours of sunlight each day to grow well. Alocasia does best in bright, indirect light all day. Keep both types away from strong summer sun, sudden heat, or cold drafts.
Don’t put the plant in a dark or very shady spot, as this can slow down its growth.
Soil
To grow elephant ear plants indoors, try to copy their natural wetland home. Use a mix of peat, perlite, and rich organic soil that holds moisture. But remember, the soil still needs to drain well so the roots don’t rot.
Water
Elephant ear plants like to stay moist, but too much water can harm them. When growing them indoors, it’s best to let the top of the soil dry out a little before watering again.
Temperature and Humidity
Elephant ear plants grow best in temperatures between 15–25°C (60–80°F). Try to keep the temperature above 10°C (50°F). In winter, add mulch to protect the plant.
They also need plenty of humidity. You can use a humidifier to help. Keep the plant away from dry air, heaters, and air conditioning vents.
Fertilizer
Feed your elephant ear plant with a general liquid fertilizer every two months. Don’t fertilize in winter—let the plant rest during that time.
Repotting
When you see new shoots or baby plants (called pups) growing, you can move them to their own pots. This gives the main plant more space and helps the new plants grow better too.
Tip: Gently separate the pups and plant them in rich, organic soil in a deep, wide pot.
Pests and Diseases
Fungal leaf blight can cause small oval spots on the leaves that turn yellow or purple as they dry. Another fungus called Phyllosticta can also harm the plant. If the plant sits in too much water or humidity, it may get pythium rot.
To prevent these problems, use a copper fungicide. Try to keep the leaves dry and water only around the stem.
Watch out for pests like spider mites and thrips. You can get rid of them using neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Toxicity
The stems and leaves of elephant ear plants are toxic to both people and pets because they contain sharp crystals of oxalic acid. These can cause skin irritation, swelling, or vomiting if touched or eaten.
However, Colocasia (also known as taro) is eaten in many dishes around the world. Cooking it properly removes the harmful crystals.
Tip: If you put lotion or oil on your hands before handling the plant, it can help protect your skin.
