Huge leaves and bold vein patterns make elephants ear stand out.
Popular indoors and outdoors, this tropical plant makes an eye-catching statement no matter where it is planted.
Elephants ear has become a popular houseplant.
Ed Gohlich.
Addhouseplant types of elephants earto end tables, desktops, and mantels for a tropical touch.
Elephants ear is toxic to humans and pets.
Its strikingalongside pondswhere its massive leaves create beautiful reflections in the water.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
An excellent plant for a shaded porch or patio, it thrives when planted in large containers.
Elephants ear is cold-hardy in USDA zones 1011.
In colder climates, plant it in containers and move it inside in winter.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Elephants ear bulbs spend about three weeks growing roots before youll notice any activity above ground.
To get a head start on the growing season, start elephants ear from tuberous roots indoors.
Elephants ear plants grow best when their roots arent disturbed after they begin to grow.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Elephants Ear Care Tips
Light
Elephants ear grows best inpart shade or filtered sun.
Prolonged direct sunlight scorches its leaves, marring them for the duration of the season.
If possible, plant elephants ear in a location where it receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade.
Credit: Blaine Moats
Water outdoor elephants ear plants regularly.
Indoor plants grow best when soil is allowed todry out slightly before watering.
Daytime temperatures should be between 70F and 85F.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Nights should be no colder than 60F.
In cool climates, overwinter elephants ear plants in containers by bringing in the potted plantsbefore the first frost.
Place them in a cool, humid location and reduce watering in winter.
Credit: Denny Schrock
The plant enjoys a humidity level above 50 percent.
Uncover the plants in the spring.
Fertilize indoor plants with ahouseplant fertilizerin spring and summer and cease fertilizing in fall and winter.
Credit: Blaine Moats
Store them in a cool, dark place; they need to remain dormant over winter.
Unglazed ceramic pots are ideal for elephant’s ear because they let excess water evaporate.
Repot the plant when the roots have outgrown the container.
The best time for repotting is in the spring before the new growth starts.
Use a pot about 3 to 5 inches larger than the current pot.
In wet periods, when water remains on the leaves, the plant might develop fungal leaf blight.
Put the pup in a pot with well-draining potting mix.
If the pot is inside, water it deeply once a week.
If the pot is outside, water the plant every one to two days until it is established.
It grows 3 feet tall.
This slow-growing plant reaches 10 to 12 inches at maturity.
Giant Upright Elephants Ear
Alocasia macrorrhizabears huge, glossy leaves shaped like alligator heads on rigid stems.
This clumping plant grows to 10 to 15 feet tall and spreads 6 to 8 feet.
Hardy and capable of withstanding the hottest of temperatures,cannaproduces spectacular blooms all season long.
Coleus is an herbaceous perennial in its native range, but most people grow it as an annual.
A vigorous annual, it thrives in the summer heat.
Typically used as spillers in containers, sweet potato vines also make fantastic groundcovers.
Sweet potato vines do best in a humid climate.
Planted on a sturdy trellis, they are a fast way to add privacy to your garden.
They are commonly grown as annuals, or their bulbs are dug up each fall and replanted every spring.
However, newer varieties tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in northern areas.
Avoid touching this plant unless wearing gloves when handling it because the sap can irritate skin.
“National Capital Poison Center.
