Plants That Look Like Elephant Ears

If you want to make a big statement in your garden or home, few plants do it better than plants that look like elephant ears. These giant tropical foliage plants bring a dramatic, jungle-like feel wherever you grow them, with their massive, heart-shaped leaves that truly resemble the ears of an elephant.

Their bold texture and impressive size make them a favorite for creating a lush, exotic atmosphere. Whether you plant them in a shady backyard corner or keep one as a houseplant, they’re sure to become a conversation piece.

When people talk about “elephant ear” plants, they’re usually referring to a few specific genera within the arum family (Araceae). The most common ones are Alocasia, Colocasia, and Xanthosoma. While they share that iconic, oversized leaf look, they have different growing preferences and characteristics.

Knowing which one you have is key to keeping it happy. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Alocasia: Often called upright elephant ears. Their leaves typically point skyward on stiff stalks. They prefer well-drained soil and many do well as houseplants. Examples: Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’, Alocasia ‘Polly’.
Colocasia: Known as taro. Their leaves usually point downward on more flexible stalks. They love water and can even grow in shallow water at a pond’s edge. They spread by runners. Examples: Colocasia ‘Black Magic’, Colocasia ‘Mojito’.
Xanthosoma: Sometimes called ‘ape’ due to its large, upright leaves. The leaves are often a lighter green with prominent veins. They are also tropical giants that enjoy moisture.

Choosing the Perfect Spot for Your Elephant Ears

Getting the location right is the first step to success with these leafy giants. Most originate from tropical regions of Asia and Polynesia, which gives us big clues about what they need.

Light Requirements

Think dappled sunlight, like the floor of a rainforest. Most elephant ears thrive in partial shade to filtered sun.

Outdoors: Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. Too much harsh, direct sun can scorch those beautiful leaves, causing brown edges or bleached spots.
Indoors: Place them near a bright, east-facing window. A south or west window is okay if you use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light.
Dark-leaved varieties, like some Colocasias, can often tolerate a bit more sun.

Soil and Planting Needs

These plants are heavy feeders and drinkers, so they need rich soil that holds moisture but doesn’t stay soggy.

For garden beds, amend the soil with lots of compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
A good potting mix for containers is a standard houseplant soil with some extra compost mixed in.
Plant the tubers (bulbs) about 2-4 inches deep with the rough side facing down and any growing points facing up.
Space plants about 2-3 feet apart, as they can get very wide.

Essential Care and Maintenance

Once planted, elephant ears are relatively low-maintenance if their basic needs are met. Consistent care is the secret to those massive, healthy leaves.

Watering and Feeding

Elephant ears have a big thirst, especially during the hot summer months. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist, like a wrung-out sponge.

Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. In pots, this might be every day during peak heat.
Colocasias, in particular, can handle and even adore very wet conditions.
Feed them regularly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). A slow-release fertilizer mixed into the soil at planting time also works great.

Overwintering Your Plants

Unless you live in a frost-free climate (USDA zones 8-11), you’ll need to bring your elephant ears inside for the winter. They will not survive freezing temperatures.

After the first frost blackens the leaves, cut the stems back to about 6 inches.
Carefully dig up the tubers, brush off excess soil, and let them dry in a warm, airy spot for a week.
Store them in a box filled with slightly moist peat moss or vermiculite. Keep the box in a cool, dark place (like a basement) where temps stay between 50-60°F.
Check on them monthly; if they look shriveled, mist the packing medium lightly.

Common Problems and Simple Solutions

Even with good care, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.

Yellowing Leaves: This is often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure your pot has drainage holes and the soil isn’t waterlogged. It can also be a natural process as older leaves die back.
Brown Leaf Edges: Usually caused by low humidity, underwatering, or too much direct sun. Increase humidity around indoor plants with a pebble tray or humidifier.
Pests: Watch for spider mites (tiny webs, stippled leaves) and aphids (small green/black bugs under leaves). Treat them early with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap.
Drooping Leaves: This is almost always a cry for water. Give the plant a deep drink and it should perk up within hours.

Design Ideas for Your Landscape

With their architectural form, elephant ears are perfect for creating focal points. Here’s a few ways to use them:

Plant them at the back of a shady border to provide a stunning green backdrop for flowering plants like impatiens or begonias.
Use a large, decorative pot to frame an entryway or patio. The container helps control their spread and adds to the drama.
Line a walkway or water feature with them for a cohesive, tropical look. The sound of rain on their large leaves is magical.
Mix different varieties together. Try pairing a dark purple Colocasia with a bright green Alocasia for striking contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are elephant ear plants poisonous?
Yes. All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic if ingested and can irritate skin. Keep them away from pets and children. Always wash your hands after handling the tubers.

How fast do these big leaf plants grow?
In warm conditions with ample water and food, they grow remarkably fast. You can often see a noticeable difference in size from week to week during the summer.

Can I grow elephant ears in full shade?
They can survive in full shade, but growth will be slower and the leaves may be smaller. For the most impressive size, aim for that sweet spot of filtered light or morning sun.

Why isn’t my elephant ear plant growing?
Check three things: temperature (they need warmth), light (might be too dark), and timing. If you’ve just planted a tuber, be patient—it can take a few weeks for sprouts to appear, especially if the soil is still cool.

Do these tropical foliage plants flower?
They can produce a calla-lily-like flower called a spathe, but it’s often hidden by the leaves. The foliage is the main attraction, and many gardeners remove the flowers to direct energy back into leaf growth.

Adding plants that look like elephant ears to your space is a rewarding project. With there massive leaves and bold presence, they instantly create a vacation-like vibe. By providing enough moisture, rich soil, and protection from harsh sun, you’ll be able to enjoy these spectacular giants for many seasons to come. Just remember to dig up the tubers in fall if you get frost, and you’ll have them ready to perform again next year.