elephant ear
aka colocasia esculenta
Always the centre of attention, these big beauties make a statement indoors and out. They can grow to an impressive height with leaves that mimic hearts, or the shape of elephant ears.
variations
alocasias and colocasias
light
full sun
Even dappled shade will work
water + feeding
thirsty
Keep the soil moist. In summer months you may have to water your potted plant almost every day.
toxic
toxic to people and animals
Ingesting stems or leaves can cause a burning sensation or cause swelling. In some cases touching the plant can cause a skin irritation.
location
flexible
Elephant ears do well on patios and indoors. Keep your plant in indirect light to avoid it getting sunburnt.
humidity
love it
Elephant ears are tropical plants that thrive in warm, humid environments.
size
large friend
Can grow to 3 – 5 ft
pro tip
Leave lots of room
Elephant ears need a big pot to grow to their fullest potential.
fun fact
A tropical bulb
Elephant ears have tuberous roots that are often referred to as bulbs. Unlike common garden bulbs, these ones are not cold hardy so you’ll need over-winter the bulbs inside.
beyond the basics
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soil + potting
Consider elevating your elephant ear slightly by adding a layer of rocks and pebbles between the planter and its saucer. This helps increase the humidity and prevents root rot. Use a well-draining soil for your elephant ear. Consider using Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Succulent Potting Mix or Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix for a happy plant.
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when to repot
The best time to repot your elephant ear is during the spring months. When repotting your elephant ear, make sure to use a well-draining soil. Consider using a soil like Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Succulent Potting Mix or Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix to help refresh the soil.
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propagation
While you can’t propagate an elephant ear with a cutting, you can divide tubers of a healthy adult plant. The tubers have a texture similar to that of a potato. You can easily cut through it with a sharp knife. Plant the divided tuber immediately into your potting soil and keep it moderately wet.
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pest control
Common pests for elephant ears are aphids, spidermites and mealybugs. Use a gentle insecticide like Ortho® Bug B Gon® ECO Insecticide Ready-to-Use and make sure the leaves of your plant are treated as well.
troubleshooting
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why is my elephant ear turning yellow?
Too much sunlight or overwatering. You can cut the dying leaves close to the base of the stem. This should prevent more leaves from yellowing. Then adjust your watering schedule or move it away from direct sunlight.
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why are my leaves crying?
Usually due to overwatering. The leaves of an elephant ear are long and heart-shaped, which naturally draws water to the tip of the leaf. If there aren’t other signs of overwatering, like soft stems or yellow leaves, you can likely hold off on watering for a few days.
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why are my plant’s leaves turning brown?
It’s a sunburn. Your plant is too close to bright, direct light. Elephant ears tend to thrive in bright, indirect light. Scorched leaves won’t kill your plant, it just doesn’t look pretty.
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Why does my plant’s leaves have spots?
Fungal leaf blight. If this fungus isn’t caught early, it will cause the whole leaf to collapse and travel to the rest of the plant. To prevent this, make sure you’re using high-quality, well-draining soil.
