Elephant ear plant , scientifically known as Alocasia , Colocasia , and Xanthosoma , are renowned for their large , striking leaf which can evoke the voluptuousness of a tropical rain forest . These plants are named for their leave that resemble the shape of an elephant ’s spike , ply not just optical interest but also a bold statement in any garden or indoor setting . They come in various species and cultivars , each with alone folio textures , colors , and patterns , from the deep purples of ‘ mordant Magic ’ to the variegated greens of ‘ Mojito ’ . Their growth can range from pocket-size , realizable houseplants to towering garden specimens , making them various for different spaces and use of goods and services .
The appeal of elephant auricle plants extends beyond their aesthetic qualities ; they are also valuate for their ability to grow in a broad reach of conditions . Many mintage are adaptable to both full sun and partial shade , although they mostly opt vivid , indirect light when grown indoors . They expand in moist , well - drained ground , which can make them perfect for areas near urine feature or in humid environments . However , their making love for moisture means they require regular watering , especially in dry climates or during hot summer months , to foreclose their enceinte leaves from drooping or browning at the edges .
Culturally , elephant capitulum plants have a meaning history beyond being cosmetic . In regions like Southeast Asia , the Pacific Islands , and parts of Africa , Colocasia esculenta , or taro , has been a staple food for centuries . The corm , roots , and parting ( when in good order fix to remove calcium oxalate vitreous silica ) are wipe out , offer a robust source of carbohydrates , vitamins , and minerals . This dual purpose as both ornamental and edible plant emphasize their versatility and importance in human culture . However , caution must be taken with all parts of these plants due to the bearing of oxalates , which can be toxic if squander raw .
In garden design , elephant ears are used for creating a tropical or jungle - similar atmosphere . They are excellent for screen , provide concealment , or as focal points due to their dramatic sizing and form . Their leaves can be used in flowered arrangements , impart a signature of the exotic indoors . However , they are not without challenges ; these plants can be susceptible to plague like spider tinge and aphids , and fungous disease if the environs is too dampish . right care , including regular inspection for pestis , good aura circulation , and avoiding overwatering , is of the essence to keep these glorious plants healthy and thriving .
Different Types of Elephant Ear Plants
Alocasia ‘ Calidora ’
Also called the Giant Taro or Upright Elephant Ear , this plant boasts stupendous folio that can tower over a person , make up to 6 foot in height . Its leaves are rounded and arrow - shape with a ribbed texture , making it a striking feature in USDA zones 10 through 12 . It boom in full Lord’s Day to fond tad , bid a bold statement in any garden background .
Alocasia zebrina
far-famed for its unequalled zebra - loot stems , this compact sort has lush unripened leaves that contrast beautifully with its patterned stalks . It ’s particularly democratic as a houseplant , adding a touch of the alien indoors with its relatively lowly stature , making it accomplishable for container gardening .
Alocasia Frydek ( Green Velvet Alocasia )
lie with for its velvety , dark light-green folio with counterpoint white vein organize a spiked pattern , this works is a delicious addition to any indoor space . It arise to a modest height of 2 to 3 foot , arrant for those looking to bring a chip of tropical elegance into small area .
Colocasia esculenta ( Taro Plant )
This works is distinguish for its large , green , arrowhead leaves that sag gracefully , lending a tropical look to garden . It ’s a various works that can grow between 3 to 6 feet tall , prosper in USDA geographical zone 8 through 12 , and is peculiarly suit for blind drunk , boggy areas or near pee features .
Caladium ‘ Candidum ’ ( Angel Wings )
Featuring spectacular white leaves with a internet of drear greenish veins , this change add a lambent touching to shaded garden patch or container . It ’s not frost - liberal , making it ideal for USDA zones 9 through 12 , where it can be acquire outside or as a houseplant in cool climates .
Alocasia amazonica ( Amazonian Elephant Ear )
Popular among houseplant enthusiasts , this plant life has dark unripened , arrowhead - shaped foliage with salient white veins , giving it a striking appearing . It ’s also know as the African Mask or Kris plant , produce up to 2 feet longsighted , and prefers collateral bright luminance .
genus Colocasia esculenta ‘ Black conjuring trick ’
This cultivar is renowned for its majestic - black leaves , which are matte and pen up upwards slightly , supply a spectacular dividing line in the garden . It can grow to about 6 feet tall and encompassing , make it a stunning selection for landscapes aiming for a dark , bluff esthetical .
Colocasia esculenta ‘ Mojito ’
A variegated stunner , ‘ Mojito ’ has greenish leave irregularly splosh with black and over-embellished , extend a unique design that ensures no two leaves are the same . It grows to around 5 feet marvelous and wide , perfect for adding machination to garden bed or great container .
Colocasia esculenta ‘ Illustris ’
With deep dark-green leave covered in a black patina and vibrant green veins , this annual variety can grow between 3 to 5 foot tall . It ’s in particular outstanding when grown in full Lord’s Day , heighten its coloring , and is well - become for both landscaping and container gardening .
Colocasia ‘ Hawaiian Punch ’
This colourful miscellanea have unripened foliage with rhubarb - red stem , bestow a vibrant pop of color . It ’s comfortable to grow in zones 7 through 11 , reaching due date at 2 to 4 feet , and prefers full to fond sunshine for uphold its intense coloring .
Alocasia ‘ Hilo knockout ’
This plant is known for its orotund , heart - regulate leaves that are lustrous kelly green with pale gullible splotch , giving them a paint look . It ’s highly adaptable , grow well in bright , collateral sunshine , ideal for shaded garden area or as an indoor works .
Colocasia gigantea ‘ Thailand Giant ’
As the name suggests , this variety boasts some of the largest folio of any elephant auricle , with foliage reaching 4 foot extensive by 5 feet long . It ’s a reliable statement plant for those looking to make a significant impingement in their garden distance , particularly in warm , humid climate .
Alocasia ‘ Polly ’
A summary mixed bag perfect for smaller space , ‘ Polly ’ features dark green leaves with striking white mineral vein that almost glow . The leave are arrow - shaped and have a wavy edge , develop to about 18 inches tall , making it an first-class alternative for indoor cultivation .
Colocasia ‘ Black Coral ’
This salient plant has mysterious , showy black foliage with a velvet finish , creating a spectacular effect in any setting . It grows up to 4 metrical foot tall and prefer moist , well - drain land , stimulate it ideal for container gardens or around water features .
Alocasia ‘ Dragon Scale ’
Named for its unique scale - like texture on the leaves , this plant has a silver overlay on dreary putting surface , give it a metallic shininess . It ’s a slow grower but can reach out up to 3 foot , thriving in high humidness and collateral light .
Colocasia ‘ Red Stem ’
As the name suggests , this variety has bright red stems contrasting with its profuse green leaves , creating a vibrant display . It grows to about 4 metrical unit tall , and its colouring material is enhanced with more sunlight photograph .
Alocasia ‘ Bambino ’
A dwarf version of the Alocasia genus , ‘ Bambino ’ or ‘ Alocasia amazonica ‘ Bambino ” has belittled , loggerheaded , dark dark-green leaves with whitened venous blood system , establish it an ideal houseplant for those with limited space .
Colocasia ‘ Tea Cup ’
Known for its unique leaf pattern that cups urine like a disc , this mixture has blue - grey foliage with burgundy ribs and bow . It ’s a great conversation fledgeling due to its playful and operational foliage design , growing to about 3 understructure .
Xanthosoma ‘ Lime Zinger ’
With bright lime hydrate - green leaves , this miscellany adds a splash of colouring material to the subtlety garden . It ’s smaller than many colocasias , farm to about 4 invertebrate foot , and it can make a lovely contrast in darker garden corners or as a houseplant .
Alocasia ‘ Portora ’
This plant life stands out with its ruffled , upright leaf that can reach up to 6 feet . It has a unassailable architectural bod with mysterious green leave of absence , perfect for create a tropical backdrop in the garden or in with child throne .
Colocasia ‘ Blue Hawaii ’
With intermediate green leafage foreground by striking purple vein , ‘ Blue Hawaii ’ add an strange color pallet to your garden . It can grow quite tall , up to 7 foot , and prefers a sunny spot with mess of moisture .
Alocasia ‘ Odora ’ ( Night - Scented Lily )
Different from others due to its fragrant , calla - corresponding blooms , ‘ Odora ’ has prominent , paddle - shaped leaf that can get to telling sizes , even in cooler zones down to USDA zone 8 . It ’s known for its resilience and striking foliage .
Colocasia ‘ Ruffles ’
This variety is notable for its incredibly escallop leaf edges , offering a unequalled grain to the landscape painting . It ’s hardy and can multiply quickly , growing to about 6 feet tall , bring in it arrant for create plushy , tropic borders .
Alocasia ‘ Sarian ’
With glossy , dingy green leaf that have a silvery sheen and contrasting blanched vein , ‘ Sarian ’ allow a opulent looking . It grows to a temperate size of it , around 3 animal foot , and excels in well - debilitate , rich stain under burnished , indirect light .
