Elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta) have been cultivated for more than 10,000 years, making them one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. Their botanical name comes from the Latin word esculenta, meaning edible, though they’re toxic when raw due to calcium oxalate crystals and must be cooked before eating. In Polynesia, elephant ears are known as taro, and their mashed roots are famously made into poi, a staple at traditional Hawaiian luaus.
While elephant ears have a long culinary history, I’m more interested in how they add lush, tropical interest to shady spots in the garden. These striking plants thrive in part-shade to bright shade, prefer moist but well-drained soil, and love plenty of water. A good 20-20-20 fertilizer, applied as directed, will keep them happy and growing strong.
Alocasia – Your “Upright Elephant Ears”
Some varieties of Alocasia are also called Elephant Ears. They are related to Colocasias and need the same conditions. Their leaves grow more upright, rather than arching over, hence the nickname “Upright Elephant Ear.” All of these will do quite well in containers.
How to Grow and Care for Elephant Ears
Elephant ears prefer moist but non-clay soil. They’ll take part-shade well and some sun, though they must stay moist. Feed according to label directions with a good 20-20-20 fertilizer.
The ideal spot for an elephant ear would be in part-sun or bright shade. The dense shade on the side of the house that never gets any sun at all would be too much. The full all-day long sun could possibly burn the foliage.
Elephant ears are sold in a variety of sizes, from small apple-sized tubers to ones about the size of a bowling ball. The only difference is the size of the finished plant. The bigger the tuber, the bigger the mature plant will be.
How Hardy Are They?
While caladiums are only winter-hardy to northern Florida, and Alocasias and Colocasias are perennial in zones 9 and 10, where they should be planted after all danger of frost. Usually, the first week in May (although last year we had a frost on May 3rd, so check the long-range forecast). You can undoubtedly start them in pots earlier and keep them in a bright window.
What to Do in Early Fall
I dig mine up around the first part of October just to be safe. Dig just before the first frost. Cut the tops off and let them air dry for a couple of days, then store them in a paper bag in a cool, dark, and dry space (a garage that gets chilly but does not freeze is ideal).
And if You Decide to Eat Colocasias…
I won’t eat my Colocasias, but if you decide to nibble yours, cook them first! They are an excellent source of dietary fiber and vitamins C, E, B6, and several trace minerals. Let me know how it tastes.
Get Your Elephant Ears Now!
We have these beautiful bulbs in stock right now. Stop by the Great Big Greenhouse in Richmond, VA, and get yours now.