communion is caring !
Alocasia and Colocasia are popular houseplants in horticulture , mainly because they are pretty easy to take care of and they await so overweening !
Not only do they partake in alike features , but they also share a moniker and are refer to as “ elephant ear ” .
When plant enthusiasts are talk about the elephant in the elbow room , they might be referring to elephant ear or colocasia !
If you are planning to buy a specific elephant ears plant , but are n’t quite sure how to distinguish one from another , look into out our analytic thinking of Alocasia vs Colocasia to find the solvent !
Alocasia vs Colocasia: The Main Differences
Both Alocasia and Colocasia are members of the aroid family call Araceae , whose extremity are regularly cultivated as houseplants .
As they come from the same family , it can be quite hard to differentiate between them . The plants have limited features and often you have to look at the small details to be able to distinguish which species is which .
When it comes to Alocasia vs Colocasia , it ’s important to canvass the leaf , growing requirements , and structure of the solution and blossom .
You will also see out which one of the Elephant ear plant life is comestible and which one is n’t .
Let ’s dive in !
The Leaves
When we await at the leave-taking of some plants , we notice the shape and sizing first . We do n’t even think about the direction of the leaves .
To be honest , before bulge my own plant life compendium , I did n’t even cognize that leaf way was a thing .
Well , when it comes to Alocasia vs Colocasia , the counseling of leave-taking is what actually differentiates them .
Alocasia plants have a horizontal direction and the petioles are elongated into the leaves , which is why the leaf tips point upwards . The leaf cast is arrowhead , although sometimes they can be heart - shaped as well . elephant’s ear leave of absence appear fleeceable and showy , with distinctive mineral vein on the underside .
On the contrary , Colocasia plants have petiole that extend down from the notch into the leaves , which is why the leaves of Colocasia appear to be loll downwards . They have a matte , dark unripened color without any prominent veins , and they differ in shape as well , as Colocasia leave seem to have a more rounded shape compare to the Alocasia leaf shape .
Edibility
It ’s rarified to encounter an edible houseplant , as the majority of them are toxic and should be keep off from kids and pets .
When it comes to Elephant ear plant , you should know that only certain parts of the Colocasia can be eaten . For case , Colocasia tubers , unwashed name Taro , is an edible part of this plant sell as food crop in Hawaii , where these plants are extensively cultivated .
If you ever go on vacation to Hawaii , go into any grocery stock and you will definitely find Taro for cheap !
The majority of Alocasia plants are not comestible , although there are some types that have edible stems , but I would propose you do n’t eat them .
expend the large leaves for ornamental purposes , but do n’t essay to cook them ! It would be such a disgrace to eat these beautiful , unripened leaves … maybe that ’s why the majority of houseplants are toxic ?
Roots & Flowers
We can just see any difference between these industrial plant , can you think why ?
It ’s because they are veil underground !
That ’s right ! Even though they look much the same , the structure of theirrootsdiffer . While Colocasia produces only large tubers that can be used as a food for thought craw , the Alocasia grows tenuous tuber together with rootstalk .
When propagating , you should separate tubers from rhizome in Alocasia . When it comes to Colocasia , only tubers are furcate and used for generation .
If we look at the femaleflowers , we can see that in Alocasia plants the placenta is basal and contains attached ovaries and stem alongside the interior substructure .
In Colocasia plants , the placenta is on the interior side , with stem and ovaries connect through the interior side of an ovary .
Growing requirements
When growing members of the same family , it is vulgar for them to have the same growing requirement . However , that is not the lawsuit with Elephant ear plant .
have ’s take a look at thewater requirementsfirst .
For case , Colocasia might be the only plant that lie with having soggy land . It can grow in constantly wet land and even in stand piddle !
On the other hand , the Alocasia does n’t prefer having moist land for too long as it can lead to root rot , which affects the overall health of the plant . This means it would be sound for you to plant your Alocasia in well - draining filth that does n’t continue moisture .
When it comes tolight demand , Colocasia can be originate in full Dominicus exposure , while Alocasia prefer slenderly shaded areas .
Everything else is pretty much the same when it add up to the arise essential and care guide . you’re able to also check out this video for more information :
More About Elephant Ear Plants
Now that we know the remainder , let ’s reckon into some Alocasia vs Colocasia similarity and larn how and when to plant them . You will also find a step by step care guide for these plants in this discussion section .
Both Alocasia and Colocasia are tropic plant renowned for their beautiful , light-green leaves , which are used mainly for decorating purposes . It ’s easy to imagine these beautiful bombastic leafage in the street corner of your room !
Everyone who sees them will want to mouth about the elephant in the room ; this plant simply can not go unnoticed !
I personally love the hobo camp vibration in my elbow room , and it is pretty easy to achieve that with Elephant ear plants because they capture the essence of the wilderness .
If they are grown in hardiness zones 9 to 11 , they are winter - brave and you could leave them outside for the whole class ! They are address as annuals , and if you live in a somewhat dusty arena it would be best to fetch them indoors .
Why are they called “Elephant ear plants”?
The term “ Elephant auricle ” kind of clump them together in one group , mainly because of the folio shape in both the Alocasia and Colocasia .
However , there is a special significance behind the name Alocasia , which is “ the tree that grows up to the heavens ” . It is mentioned in a few fairy tale , mostly for motivate young citizenry to always take chance , even if they are bad .
Alocasia
Alocasia plant were originally found in Asia and eastern Australia , and the genus Alocasia has 97 species today .
Alocasia is a illustrious houseplant today , and for good reason .
Primarily , the Alocasia is promiscuous to take care of and can be mature indoors and outdoors , which is why it is one of the top selection in garden landscaping .
Those shiny leaf definitely steal the show !
Alocasia is mostly used as a decorative plant . It looks so spendthrift and luxurious , which is why it is often a centerpiece in garden and rooms .
It is a fast - grow plant , and that can sometimes get job because it may become invasive .
If you require to know more entropy about the Alocasia , contain out the table below . think to always keep it aside from kids and pets !
Colocasia
Colocasia flora originate from Asia , although today they can be found almost anywhere in the world !
They are perennial plants that grow beautiful , large foliage that come in different sizes and shapes as there are legion Colocasia cultivars .
Primarily used for ornamental purposes , Colocasia plants fetch jungly vibe into any elbow room and garden . Some mass who want a little jungle in their backyards often combine them with succulent , bananas and cacti , fern trees , or caladium .
An interesting matter about the Colocasia is that you’re able to actually eat its tubers – that ’s correct , they are used as food craw , specially in Hawaii where you’re able to bribe them in grocery stores .
The primal information about Colocasia is demo in the table below .
Types of Elephant Ear Plants
There are many elephant ear species and cultivars that are grown as houseplant , so you may pick and choose to find the ripe scene for your style .
They disagree from one another when it comes to the color of the leaves . Other than that , they are practically the same . There are many hybrids as well , as cultivator are always breeding and combine different plant in ordering to achieve the coolest Elephant ear industrial plant possible !
If you like plants with variegated leaves , then I would evoke buyingAlocasia Odora Variegata , however quite democratic nowadays are alsoJewel AlocasiaandAlocasia Purple Sword Plants .
Now , permit ’s take a feel at unlike Alocasia and Colocasia species .
The Alocasia cuprea has unique bolshie and bronzy farewell , hence the name “ Red secret ” . Its height reaches about 3 infantry tall and it is easy to take care of . I would recommend you buy an Alocasia cuprea if your style is a moment edgier , peculiarly because of the metallic leaves !
Alocasia Zebrina is one of the most illustrious hybrid cultivar because it has leaves shaped like arrowheads and stalking that have Zebra prints all over them – so voguish , so advanced ! In increase to this , they are relatively small at the commencement , although they can grow significantly bigger over clock time .
Although the name refers to a pleasant-tasting cocktail , in this display case we are lecture about a certain toxic plant type . Do not sample to eat on the Mojito plant life , it savour nothing like it and you will definitely get ill ( however , this can also happen if you have too many Mojitos ! ) .
The Colocasia “ Mojito ” has variegated gullible farewell with random dark freckles and patches all over them , which make it the double-dyed industrial plant for all the nyctophiles out there !
This dramatic plant has matte greenish leaf with distinctive bright vein , and a rounded , chunk - shaped corm . rather of tuber , it uses ball carrier to spread underground . If you live in a region with wet soil , then the Colocasia Esculenta is the correct selection for you .
Alocasia reginula , commonly known as Black Velvet , is a small houseplant that produces magnificent , lush blue green leaves with prominent white veins . Alocasia reginula actually means “ little queen ” , and ground on its look and thickset growing substance abuse , it really deserves that title !
This plant is called gargantuan for good reason ; its leaves can produce up to 6 human foot tenacious ! It is a fast - develop plant life with gigantic unripened leaves that are simply fascinating . It grows naturally in Thailand , hence the name Thailand Giant .
How To Plant Elephant Ear Plants
The easy way to plant Alocasia or Colocasia is by really buying corm and localize them in damp soil . Bear in mind that the Colocasia like wet grime and can even be grown in standing water .
The Alocasia is a bit different when it comes to soil preference . It prefers slightly moist and well - draining land .
Schedule planting according to the dirt temperature . You should wait at least two weeks until the last frost has passed . I would commend you plant in late spring so the soil has enough time to warm up .
you could actually start the plants indoors if you require to extend the acquire season .
They dead love nutritive - productive dirt , so before institute you should bring organic matter to the slur where you planned to found your corm .
If you decide to go with a muckle , then put peat - free compost in relatively big pots as they need infinite for their roots to grow . The corm should be placed with the pointed side facing up . inseminate the tuber a mates of centimeter below the soil open , then localise the pot somewhere gay .
How To Care For Elephant Ear Plants
If you wield to plant the territory or you just bought a brand unexampled one , check out thecare pathfinder for Elephant ear plantsand to keep them felicitous and respectable !
They both absolutely love nourishing - rich soil , however if you have Alocasia , then you should bring home the bacon it with well - drain dirt . Mix soil with perlite and expend it as a potting mixture .
On the other paw , Colocasia loves being in wet and mucky grunge , so it can stand a lot . you may merge perlite together with loam and peat moss in society to make the stark potting soil .
As tropical plants , both Alocasia and Colocasia thrive in tender temperature rate from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during daytime , and 60 point Fahrenheit minimum at night .
If the wintertime is come , then you should take your plant life indoors . Always store the tubers inside and plant them again next year .
Both of them can tolerate full sun , although they opt partial shade . Too much direct sunlight would burn those magnificent leave , and we do n’t require that !
Plants with darker leaves favour growing in shady orbit , while Elephant ear plant varieties with light green leaf bask full sun exposure .
When arise indoors , place them near a windowpane where they will get enough indirect and bright luminousness , and your Elephant ear plant will be well-chosen !
Elephant ear plants require frequent watering , specially Colocasia !
During the growing time of year , you should water them 2 - 3 clip a week , though Colocasia can be watered day by day throughout the summertime because they adore soggy ground .
When the wintertime come , you should ease down the tearing to 1 inch per week because they go dormant , and frequent watering would only do antecedent hogwash .
It is well fuck that Elephant ear works are heavy eater , so they will need plant food now and then . You should utilise balanced liquid fertilizer and use it every two weeks during the grow time of year , and your Elephant ear plant will grow with child and strong !
Be measured not to over fertilize your beloved plant as it can lead to chemical substance build up up in the dirt , which will affect the overall health of the works .
During wintertime , you’re able to leave alone your plant to rest and not fecundate it at all .
Trust me , I have sex it ’s surd to cut off those brilliant , large leaves , but we require to keep our precious plant healthy and farm !
Timing is also crucial when pruning because there is a special overwintering operation where all leaf are polish off and you only save the corm for the next growing season .
So , how do you actually prune your Alocasia or Colocasia ?
The right time to lop your Elephant ear plant would be after the first frost hits and the leaves turn brown . So , when you notice that the conditions is colder and the majestic , dark-green leaves have started turning brown , then you know that it ’s time for pruning and saving the corm .
Sterilize your pruning shear and cut the leaves near the base , entrust about 2 inches above the footing . Cut off all the leave-taking , and your plant ( well , what ’s left of it ) will be ready for the upcoming wintertime .
Propagation is a bit different when it comes to Elephant ear plant . While the majority of plants are propagated by cut stems , we employ tubers or rhizomes when propagate Elephant ear plants .
First , apprehend out the parent plant and pick out newly formed genus Tuber with root . Then distinguish it by cutting with disinfected shear . After doing this , put the babe tuber into a container filled with proper territory mixture .
Make trusted that your pot has drain holes at the bottom so the supernumerary water can drain .
Place the raw babe plant somewhere dreary and coolheaded until the spring derive , then engraft it outside in a partially shaded arena .
Common Problems With Elephant Ear Plants
Now that we have finished the care guide , you may be wondering what issues you might encounter while growing the command - make Elephant Ear plant life .
Even though it ’s hump for being hardy , this works is unluckily susceptible to some pestis and diseases .
Let ’s look at some usual problems with Elephant ear industrial plant !
If you are planning to acquire an Elephant ear plant in your garden , you should get laid that it is going to test and take over all the space regardless of the plants nearby .
Not only does it cause problems with its Brobdingnagian leaf , which stop sunlight for the rest of the plants in your garden , but its roots are always on a charge to go as far as they can to produce young corms elsewhere .
It is pretty coarse to spot a new Elephant ear plant far away from the original plant , especially if you are not doing anything to prevent fresh growing .
The parting contemplate the overall health of the plant . If you notice any changes in color , size , and shape , it usually signify there is something incorrect with your plant .
If the parting are starting to reckon yellow , it can be a sign of overwatering . On the contrary , if the tips of the leaves sprain chocolate-brown , it ’s ordinarily an index of underwatering .
Do n’t worry , you may still keep your plant life , just make certain to allow for it with enough water and everything will be fine !
Other problem might occur if your plant is n’t getting enough nutrients . This can cause stunted folio development , so your magnificent plant wo n’t be able to produce leaves as big as it normally would !
alas , your plant life is prone to blighter such as wanderer mite . If you notice any spots on the leaves and stems , it might be a pest infestation .
To prevent these annoying wanderer mites from encroach upon your plant life , verify to keep it ironic over wintertime . you could also go to a horticulture center and bribe pesticides . However , I would suggest you go organic and spray neem oil on the leaves instead .
fungous folio blight is a disease found in many Elephant ear plants , and it is due to a fungus calledPhytophthora colocasiae . This annoying little fungi give rise round wound on those precious leaves , modify the color to yellow and purple . It kills the leaf first , then spreads to the corm and ruin the whole flora .
fungous folio blight can be treat with antifungal that hold copper color , just verify to spray it once a week on the patched area and hope for the best !
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an Elephant ear and Alocasia?
There is no divergence between an Elephant ear and Alocasia , they are essentially the same plant . Alocasia is called the Elephant ear flora because the size and shape of the leaves prompt us of Elephant ear !
How to differentiate between Alocasia and Colocasia
The majority of Elephant ear plant front similar , and it can be guileful to pick out one from another . You really have to look into them in great particular !
First , look at the leaves ; Alocasia has burnished leaves that point upwards , while Colocasia has slightly matte leaves that are droop downwards . Also , Alocasia leave have much more prominent veins than Colocasia .
If you take a look at what is happening underground , you will see that Colocasia grows only tubers , while Alocasia grow both tubers and rhizomes , which are used for extension .
Are Taro and Colocasia the same?
When we say Taro , we are referring to an eatable Colocasia species that produces genus Tuber which are used as nutrient crops . you could buy them in local market stores in tropical region , specially in Hawaii .
Conclusion
Now that we have psychoanalyse alocasia vs colocasia in great particular , I hope we made it easy for you to decide which works to purchase .
However , you ca n’t go wrong with either of them !
They are both royal , statement - do plants that will convey the jungle spirit to your garden or make your room look more lively .
Yes , you’re able to plant both outdoors and indoors , just ensure to play them inside before the wintertime so your plants will be prepped for the next mature season .
They are easy to take caution of ; just site them in an area with partial spook and water them regularly . Bear in mind that the Colocasia prefers soggy ground , so you will have to water it a bit more frequently than the Alocasia .
consumption fertilizer only during the develop time of year , keep them pest - loose , and your plant will live well-chosen and healthy for a long time !
Until next time !
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