how many types of elephant ear plants are there

What plants go well with elephant ear plants?

What Plants Go Well With Elephant Ear Plants?

• Ferns. The dainty foliage of ferns visually contrast the large, bold-sized leaves of elephant ears well. ...
• Coleus. Coleus (Solenostemon spp.) are fast-growing herbaceous foliage plants with leaves that can range in color from yellow or green to purple, rust brown or burgundy-red.
• Begonias. ...
• Other Elephant Ears. ...

How to grow and care for elephant ear?

Elephant Ear Care . Grow elephant ears in slightly acidic soil in partial shade. As a native wetland plant, elephant ears like a lot of water. This makes them a good choice for wet areas where gardeners usually have trouble finding suitable plants. Some varieties are well suited for planting in large containers.

How to grow elephant ears?

When propagating the elephant ear plant from one of its shoots, simply cut one from the base of the plant and place it inside a cup of water until roots begin to develop. Then, plant the shoot into a container filled with rich and moist soil. Let the new plant continue growing until it's at least one year old before introducing it to your garden.

Can you eat elephant ear?

Some people claim that elephant ears are edible because in some regions these mushrooms contain far less MMH than in other areas, making them safe to eat. Do not attempt to eat false morels, however, because there is no reliable way to determine the amount of MMH contained in the mushroom.

What are different types of elephant ears?

TaroColocasia giganteaColocasia formosanaEddoeSmall taroTaro/Lower classifications

How many types of elephant plants are there?

There are 4 main types of elephant ear plants: Colocasia, Caladium, Alocasia, and Xanthosoma. Many of these elephant ears produce white spathe and spadix flowers. The height of these plants varies anywhere from puny 2-feet tall species to gigantic plants reaching up to 10 feet tall.

What is the best elephant ear plant?

Colocasia is one of the best types of elephant ear plants you can grow! The big, peltate leaves can reach up to 2-3 feet long and 1-2 feet wide. It grows quite fast, reaching up to 6-8 feet tall. The plant thrives well in indirect sunlight.

What colors do elephant ear plants come in?

Elephant's ears offer some of the boldest foliage you could ever want in a garden. Huge, heart-shaped leaves come in black, purple, emerald green, chartreuse, yellow, or a mix of colors. The mammoth leaves can be more than 3 feet long on plants that can grow higher than 6 feet tall.

Should I cut off yellow elephant ears?

Pruning Elephant Ears Drooping leaves can be cut off with a sharp blade. Yellowing or brown leaves can be cut off at the stem. Disinfect the blade with each cut to prevent the spread of disease. This will give the plant more energy to put towards new growing leaves.

Should I cut off elephant ear flowers?

Cut back an elephant ear plant two or three days after the first killing frost when the foliage turns brown. Depending on the climate, this can happen anytime from late summer to midwinter.

What happens if you touch an elephant ear plant?

Elephant Ears are poisonous to children. Touching the stems or leaves can cause skin irritation and possibly a rash and itching. Eating the leaves, stems, or sap can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat and lead to swelling.

Do elephant ears grow better in pots or ground?

9:1111:54Planting Elephant Ears in Containers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the answer is yes you want four to six inches of soil on top of that tuberous root. So if it'sMoreAnd the answer is yes you want four to six inches of soil on top of that tuberous root. So if it's sprouted that's a great thing bury those sprouts do it gently but bury those sprouts.

What is the hardiest elephant ear plant?

Colocasia esculenta is generally winter hardy in USDA Zones 8 and warmer. In Zone 7, this elephant ear will need a thick winter mulch for protection; the experts at Plant Delights Nursery in North Carolina recommend a 12-inch layer of shredded leaves applied after the first frost. In Zones 6 and colder, C.

How do I know what type of elephant ear plant I have?

There are two types of elephant ears: alocasias and colocasias. Colocasias display their leaves with tip of the heart pointing down. They prefer full sun and consistent moisture. Alocasias hold the tip of their leaves out or upward and they prefer more well drained soil and a little shade.

What month do elephant ears bloom?

springWhat Month Do Elephant Ears Bloom? Elephant ears should be planted in the spring, after the first frost and will begin to flower from late spring to early fall.

Do elephant ear bulbs multiply?

Dividing elephant ear plants is an easy way to propagate your plant, and multiply your elephant ear plants. Elephant ear plants spread out and grow by putting out runners from the parent plant. These runners will then come to the surface and start growing as pup/offshoots of the parent plant.

Are there 3 types of elephants?

The African savanna elephant is the largest elephant species, while the Asian forest elephant and the African forest elephant are of a comparable, smaller size. Asian elephants differ in several ways from their African relatives, with more than 10 distinct physical differences between them.

What are the 2 types of elephants?

It is also important to note that there are two distinct elephants species on the African continent—the savanna elephant and the forest elephant, with a number of characteristics that differentiate them both as well.

What are the 3 species of elephant?

There are three species of elephant: African Savanna (Bush), African Forest and Asian. The ears of African elephants are much larger than their cousins and are described as being shaped like the African continent, whereas the ears of Asian elephants are shaped like the Indian subcontinent.

What is the difference between elephant ears and caladiums?

Caladiums have the same elongated heart shaped leaf, but offer smaller, delicate and more color variety than elephant ears. What they lack is size, caladiums provide impact from their saturated red and fuchsia foliage and create an explosion of color when combined with bright annuals.

What are elephant ears?

Elephant ears are a showstopping plant to add to your garden bed; the foliage makes everyone who sees it stop and do a double-take. It’s easy to mistake plants with large leaves like elephant ears, but they are tropical region native plants. There are different types of elephant ears available for growing in your garden.

What is the best plant to grow with elephant ears?

Mojito. If you want a variegated elephant ear plant, you’ll love the Colocasia Mojito. This plant has variegated foliage with unique patterns of black-blue dashes and dots. None of the leaves are the same, making it quite an exciting and unique addition to your garden.

How big do Colocasia leaves get?

That means you can find the perfect cultivar for your garden. Colocasia leaves can reach up to three feet in length and two feet across; that’s some big leaves! These plants display their leaves with the tip pointing downward. The leaves are heart-shaped, and some of these plants can grow up to eight feet tall.

How big does Caladium Pink Symphony grow?

These are smaller plants with shorter stems and small leaves. It typically matures at 14 inches tall and 16 inches wide, so it can be grown in containers.

What is a Colocasia tea cup?

Tea Cup. Here is another Colocasia variety to add to your garden. Colocasia Tea Cup has glossy, blue-grey leaves with burgundy ribs and stems. The leaves are curved and point upwards, creating a sort of cup or saucer at the leaves’ base that will collect water. When full of water, the leaves turn downward and spill.

How tall do colocasia plants grow?

The leaves are heart-shaped, and some of these plants can grow up to eight feet tall. Colocasia plants prefer to grow in full sunlight, and they need consistent moisture. All varieties of Colocasia are heat lovers, but they don’t mind a bit of protection from the hot afternoon sun.

How tall are Caladium plants?

The main difference to know about Caladium varieties is that this is a smaller species. Some of the species only reach two feet in height, and some have leaves that are only eight to 12 inches in length. Most of these cultivars grow better in partial sunlight.

What is the name of the plant that pairs well with Caladium?

Colocasia esculenta. The huge, velvety-green leaves of the common elephant ear add a tropical look to gardens and containers. Give these sun-tolerant heat lovers plenty of moisture and a little protection from hot, midday sun. A fantastic landscape plant that pairs beautifully with caladium.

How tall do mojitos grow?

No two leaves are alike. Like other elephant ears, Mojito needs warm soil and plenty of moisture. Grow this 2 to 3-foot tall plant in a large container to bring a tropical look to your patio.

What are elephant ears?

Elephant ears are tropical plants and the hotter and more humid ...

How tall does Colocasia esculenta grow?

In a warm climate with plenty of moisture, it can grow up to 7 feet tall in just a couple months.

How tall does Hawaiian Punch grow?

An exciting new introduction from Hawaii. The glossy, lime green leaves have dark red veining on the back side and matching stems. Hawaiian Punch grows just 3 feet tall, so is more compact than other types and perfect for containers or a small space.

How big do diamond heads get?

For best color, grow it in full sun. Mature plants can reach 3 to 4 feet tall, with leaves up to 2 feet wide .

Can alocasia be grown in containers?

With its sturdy stems and upward-facing leaves, this alocasia is ideal for containers. Grow them around your patio, beside your front door or near a water feature. You’ll enjoy watching how their broad, paddle-shaped leaves catch even the lightest breeze. Like other alocasias, they can be grown as houseplants during the winter months.

The Main Elephant Ear Plant Types You Should Know About

Nothing like the elephant ear plants to give off a nice, tropical vibe! They will make a stunning addition to your garden, patio or indoor space. They grow to a pretty impressive height and make a striking sight with their enormous, heart-shaped leaves and lovely foliage.

4 Common Elephant Ear Plants Varieties

Elephant ear plant types are members of four tropical plant genera in the Araceae family. These aroid plants may differ in color and size, but they all share similar characteristics with their prominent heart-shaped or arrowhead leaves which grow from corms or tubers.

Final Thoughts on Types of Elephant Ear Plants

I bet you didn’t know there were so many varieties of elephant ears! There are actually hundreds. All of the cultivars can be categorized into one of the 4 types: Alocasia, Colocasia, Caladium and Xanthasome. Once you pick the type that works best for you, your garden and location, you can determine the species you want to grow.

What is the most popular houseplant?

The Amazonian elephant ear plant is one of the most popular ornamental houseplants. The striking glossy arrowhead leaves are dark green with prominent creamy-white ribs. The relatively narrow pointed lush green leaves have wavy edges to add to the plant’s tropical appeal. The sagittate leaves grow up to 2 ft. (0.6 m) long.

How tall are elephant ear plants?

The elephant ear Xanthosoma sagittifolium is a fast-growing elephant ear plant with large leaves that stand up to between 6 and 9 ft. (2 – 2.7 m) tall. The massive broad arrowhead elephant ear leaves have a distinct wrinkled appearance and wavy edges.

What are elephant ears?

Elephant ear plants are famous for their enormous heart-shaped and arrowhead leaves . Elephant ears are species of perennial tropical plants that thrive in warm, humid conditions, growing in moist soil. The large striking triangular leaves add a tropical touch to your summer garden or home’s interior. Elephant ear plant leaves grow at the end of thick stems from bulbs or tubers in the ground or pots.

What are the different types of elephant ears?

Common Types of Elephant Ears (Alocasia, Colocasia, Caladium, and Xanthosoma) Elephant ear plant types belong to four tropical plant genera in the family Araceae. These aroid plants share some characteristics with their striking heart-shaped or arrowhead leaves that grow from corms or tubers.

What is a Colocasia plant?

Colocasia plants are also called Taro plants, and they have downward-pointing fleshy leaves that can be lush green, red, or purplish-black. The large elephant ear leaves are enormous and grow between 8” and 5 ft. (20 cm – 1.5 m) long. After cooking, taro tubers of some species are edible and are a common food in Asia.

What is the elephant ear plant called?

This elephant ear plant is also called the African mask plant or Kris plant.

How big do Caladium bicolor leaves get?

Variegated Caladium bicolor leaves grow between 7” and 17” (17 – 43 cm) long and up to 10” (25 cm) wide. Grow these thirsty plants along shaded borders, as a specimen plant, or as ground cover. There are many beautiful Caladium bicolor cultivars, each with fascinating colorful foliage.