Standing alone, as a backdrop for other plants, or as a visual barrier, the elephant ear can be a great addition to your landscape. An interesting variety of colors and heights gives flexibility to the uses for the easy to grow plant.
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If the weather is hot, it may be hard to give elephant ears too much water. When adequate water is paired with hot temperatures you create the ultimate conditions for lush growth. Be sure the area drains well, however, and provide some shade. They also do well in containers.
Elephant ear bulbs can be started 6 to 8 weeks ahead of the last frost to get a jump on the growing season. When temperatures warm, plant them in the ground and water well making sure there are no air pockets around the roots.
In zones 8 and above, the elephant ear bulbs will usually survive the winter when left in the ground. In other areas the bulbs can be dug and stored in a basement or garage where they will not freeze. Check the storage requirements for the type bulb you have. Plants can also be grown indoors during the winter months and then moved back outside once the danger of frost has passed.
Elephant ear plants will spread by root runners. These can be cut apart after they have rooted to produce a new plant. The bulbs will also produce offsets that can be divided. In warm climates, new growth will emerge in the spring and the bulbs can be dug and planted in other areas at that time.
Colocasia Esculenta. These green elephant ears produce large tropical leaves and are grown in areas with good drainage in sun or shade. Adjust watering to match growing conditions and temperature.
Upright Elephant Ears (Alocasia Macrorrhiza). Unlike most elephant ears, the upright plant is just that! Rigid stems hold the thick glossy leaves upright.
Black Magic (Colocasia Esculenta Black Magic) This beauty sports black leaves and stems.
Ilustris (Colocasia Antiquorum Illustris). This plant features purplish-black leaves with green veins.
Green Shield (Alocasia Green Shield) Unique plant that has lighter green leaves with dark green veins.
As with all plants, care should be taken when planting elephant ears around children and animals. Do not let the child or animal put any part of the plant or bulb it into his mouth. If this occurs, contact the nearest poison control center. Contact with the sap can also irritate the skin.
Some varieties are considered invasive where they are hardy and care should be taken that they do not enter natural bodies of water. Check with local authorities for any regulations in your area.
If you are looking for a large, easy to grow plant, give the elephant ear a try. Because there are so many varieties of this plant, follow the specific directions for depth of planting and water requirements for each type you choose.
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