Native to India and Tropical Asia, where they are commonly grown for food; but mostly grown
elsewhere for their tropical-looking foliage. They are a close relative of caladiums, but only
have green leaves which are up to ten times larger than caladium leaves.
Elephant Ears get their common name from the leaves, which are shaped like a large ear or shield.
Some other common names include coco yam, taro and in the southern United States, it is called a
dasheen or malanga. In colder zones these tender bulbs should be grown as an annual or houseplant.
Flowers are insignificant, tiny, densely crowded on upper part of fleshy stalk, with female flowers
below and male flowers above. Fruit is a small berry, in clusters on the fleshy stalk
These large, leafy plants will add a tropical look to shady areas around your home. The huge
heart-shaped leaves are all basal from a corm and do not stand upright, but rather point towards
the ground looking like the droopy ears of an Elephant.
The large plants are exquisite when used as a specimen plant, or planted amongst smaller plants
with color, like Caladiums. If you're looking for a plant to fill a large area, Elephant Ears are
ideal. Also good for borders, and as a container plant.
They thrive in heat and humidity and will grow very fast as soon as the soil temperatures warm up.
When in full leaf, Elephant Ears can drink a lot. Fertilize and water regularly; if thirsty the
leaves will wilt.
Plant tubers in the ground or in containers after the danger of frost has past in your area, and
the soil has warmed. Keep between 60-85 degrees. Plant bulbs blunt end down beneath 2 inches of
soil.
In cooler zones when leaves turn yellow in the fall, let plants dry down then dig tubers and store
dry indoors for the winter.
