Elephant's Ear

Plant Type: perennial, succulent shrub
Plant Height: 3–6 feet (can reach up to 10 feet in ideal conditions)
Spread: 3–4 feet
Flower Color: rust-orange to yellow-green
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Elephant’s Ear / Kalanchoe beharensis: The Velvet-Leaved Sculptural Succulent for Bold Desert Design
Kalanchoe beharensis, commonly called Elephant’s Ear Kalanchoe, is an architectural succulent shrub native to Madagascar, revered for its dramatic form and tactile, velvety leaves. The large, triangular foliage—covered in soft bronze hairs—gives this plant an otherworldly presence, making it a standout specimen for modern, tropical-desert, or sculptural landscape designs in Arizona. Its striking texture and sculpted silhouette bring warmth, contrast, and elegance to outdoor spaces while thriving in the intense desert climate.

Key Features of Kalanchoe beharensis
Elephant’s Ear forms thick, upright branches topped with large, leathery leaves shaped like elephant ears or shields. The leaves are covered in fine, felt-like hairs that give them a soft, suede texture and a muted bronze-green color. The undersides of the leaves often appear silvery, adding dimension and contrast. During late winter or spring, mature plants produce tall flower stalks adorned with clusters of small, rust-orange or yellowish-green blooms. The real beauty, however, lies in its dramatic foliage and sculptural form—perfect for gardens emphasizing shape and texture.

Growing and Care Tips
Kalanchoe beharensis thrives in full sun to bright partial shade. In the Phoenix Valley, it performs best with morning and midday sun and some afternoon protection during the hottest months to prevent leaf scorching. It prefers well-draining, sandy, or rocky soil and should never sit in standing water. Water sparingly—only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and highly resilient. While it can tolerate brief dips to around 32°F, frost protection is recommended. In containers, use a cactus or succulent mix with pumice for aeration, and prune occasionally to shape or control height.

Landscaping Uses
The Elephant’s Ear Kalanchoe is a showpiece plant ideal for architectural landscapes, tropical-desert gardens, and modern design themes. It provides stunning contrast when planted near agaves, aloes, or cacti, softening their sharp lines with its velvety leaves. It works beautifully in decorative pots for patios, entryways, or shaded courtyards where its texture can be appreciated up close. When grouped, it adds lush structure to arid designs, resembling desert sculpture or living art.

Summary
Kalanchoe beharensis is one of the most dramatic and tactile succulents available for Arizona landscapes. Its large, velvety bronze leaves, sculptural branching, and drought tolerance make it both a statement plant and a low-maintenance choice. Whether used as a focal point or in a curated succulent collection, the Elephant’s Ear delivers elegance, texture, and intrigue year-round.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):
Kalanchoe beharensis Planting Guide:
Location: Full sun to partial shade; ideal placement provides bright light for most of the day with some afternoon protection during extreme heat.
Soil: Use a sharply draining cactus or succulent mix blended with pumice or perlite. Avoid heavy or clay soils that retain water.
Spacing: Space 3–4 feet apart to allow for mature spread and airflow around the leaves.
Planting Depth: Keep the crown level with the soil surface; avoid burying the lower stems.
Support: Not required; sturdy stems provide natural structure, but pruning helps maintain balance in windy locations.

Watering Guide:
Watering After Planting: Water deeply after installation to settle soil and eliminate air pockets. Then allow soil to dry completely before watering again. During the first 2–3 months, water every 10–14 days depending on temperature and drainage.
When is the Plant Established? Kalanchoe beharensis is considered established after 6–9 months, once new leaves appear regularly and the plant maintains upright growth through hot periods.
Watering Once Established: Water every 3–5 weeks during summer and rarely, if at all, during winter. This species prefers dry conditions.
Drip Irrigation Setup: Use one low-flow emitter (0.5–1 gallon per hour) about 6–8 inches from the base. Run sparingly and allow the soil to dry completely between watering cycles.
General Watering Tips: Always confirm the soil is dry before watering again. Overwatering can cause root or stem rot. Use decorative gravel or decomposed granite mulch to enhance drainage and highlight its bronze leaves, keeping the material a few inches away from the base for airflow and longevity.