How to Grow Vibrant Elephant Ear Plants at Home

There are a few different types of elephant ears you can grow in your garden:

1. 1. Alocasia: Commonly known as the African Mask plant, these kinds of elephant ears usually stand straight, with big, shiny leaves that point upwards. These tropical plants grow between two and six feet tall, and prefer well-draining, organically rich soil. The Alocasia odora (night-scented lily) is an evergreen perennial that is used in places like Vietnam for its purported medicinal properties. Most types of nursery Alocasias are inedible, but the Alocasia macrorrhizos, also known as the Giant Taro, can be cooked in various dishes.
2. 2. Colocasia: These perennial tubers have velvety, heart-shaped leaves that grow like alocasias, except their leaf tips tend to point downward and have more of a hanging appearance. Most Colocasias prefer full sun, wetter soil, and warm, humid growing conditions. Colocasia esculenta, in particular, grows starchy roots—also taro—which is a staple in many Southeast Asian diets.
3. 3. Xanthosoma: Also known as American Taro, these plants are less commonly grown in home gardens. However, certain Xanthosoma varieties, specifically Xanthosoma sagittifolium, have arrow-shaped leaves and edible corms. Xanthosomas grow between two and four feet, with a spread of one to four feet. Their roots prefer an organically fertile, moist soil, and they grow well in full and partial shade.
4. 4. Caladium: Also part of the Araceae family, caladium plants are native to South America. These elephant ear types, like Caladium hortulanum, are mostly grown in nurseries, small gardens, or as indoor houseplants for their colorful foliage. Caladium bulbs enjoy a slightly acidic soil and can grow anywhere from six inches to three feet, with leaves around one foot in diameter.

Elephant ears need warm conditions to grow, so you’ll need to plant after the last threat of frost has passed. Once your soil temperature reaches at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit, you can plant your bulbs and tubers directly into your outdoor garden.

1. 1. Choose the site. Elephant ears require partial shade and ample room to grow. The size of the tuber or bulb will be a reliable indicator of how big the plant will grow: The bigger the tuber or bulb, the larger the plant will grow. Choose a planting area with partial shade that has enough space to host your plants.
2. 2. Prepare the soil. Elephant ears are heavy feeders that prefer slightly loamy, acidic, well-draining soil. Before planting, amend the soil with a couple of inches of organic matter. Next, loosen the first eight to 10 inches of soil, so the roots have room to spread as the plant grows.
3. 3. Dig. Dig a hole large enough to fit the entire bulb or tuber—around five to six inches. Each of the plants should have around two feet of space between them for smaller plants, and three to four feet for taller elephant ears.
4. 4. Plant. When you’re ready to plant, place the blunt or flatter side of the tuber or bulb downwards in the soil, ensuring that the growing tip is about four to five inches below the soil line. Cover the plant with four to five inches of soil. Tamp down.

Elephant ears are relatively low-maintenance plants that require basic care to thrive:

• Trim. Many types of elephant ears can spread quickly, so if you are not growing them in window boxes or large containers, you’ll need to trim the plants regularly to contain spreading. Prune and cut back yellow, brown, or dying leaves using a clean blade to snip away the stem where it is closest to the base of the plant without damaging the stem.
• Water. Water your elephant ear plants frequently with about two to three inches of water per week. Water the soil around the roots, as directly watering the leaves can lead to leaf problems or disease.
• Protect from wind. Although sturdy, giant elephant ear leaves can withstand a variety of adverse conditions, they are not immune to strong winds. Keep coverings or protections for your elephant ears handy.
  
• Keep the soil rich. Elephant ears prefer slightly loamy and acidic soil. Use a balanced fertilizer once or twice a month as necessary. Mulching can help maintain soil moisture and temperature, keeping the ground warm and protected.

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