Elephant's Ear

Plant Type: Succulents
Plant Height: 3-6 feet
Spread: 2-3 feet
Flower Color: yellow-green
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Alocasia (Elephant's Ear) – A Bold, Tropical Plant for Dramatic Foliage in Arizona Gardens

Alocasia, commonly known as Elephant's Ear, is a group of tropical perennial plants famous for their large, striking leaves. The broad, heart- or arrow-shaped leaves resemble the ears of an elephant, giving the plant its common name. Typically growing to a height of 3 to 6 feet with a spread of 2 to 3 feet, Elephant's Ear plants create a bold, tropical aesthetic in both gardens and indoor spaces.

Key Features of Alocasia:

• Striking Foliage: The large, deep green leaves of Alocasia are its main attraction, often featuring contrasting veins or variegation that enhance its visual appeal in garden landscapes or as indoor plants.
• Dramatic Size: Growing up to 6 feet tall, these plants make an impressive focal point in landscapes and container plantings, perfect for those looking to create a tropical ambiance.
• Partial Shade Preferred: Alocasia thrives in partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun if kept well-watered, making it a versatile option for Arizona gardens.

Perfect for Adding a Tropical Feel

The Elephant’s Ear is an ideal plant for those seeking to add a lush, tropical feel to their garden or home. Its large, dramatic leaves make it perfect for creating a bold statement in landscaping or as a container plant indoors or on patios.

• Moist, Well-Drained Soil: Alocasia thrives in moist, rich soil, requiring regular watering, especially in sunny areas. In Arizona’s dry climate, it’s best suited to partially shaded spots to prevent leaf burn.
• Versatile & Decorative: Elephant’s Ear plants are often used in containers, borders, or as standalone specimens, adding an exotic visual impact to gardens and indoor plant collections.

Why Choose Alocasia for Your Arizona Garden?

• Striking Foliage: The large, dramatic leaves of Elephant's Ear provide a tropical aesthetic that stands out in Arizona landscapes.
• Tropical Feel: Ideal for creating a lush, tropical vibe, Alocasia works well in container plantings, garden borders, or as a focal point in landscapes.
• Low-Light Tolerance: This plant thrives in partial shade, making it well-suited to indoor spaces or shaded areas of the garden.

Flowering and Care

While Elephant’s Ear plants are primarily grown for their foliage, they can occasionally produce yellowish-green flowers similar to calla lilies. However, the real attraction is their dramatic leaves.

Toxicity Warning

All parts of the Alocasia plant are toxic if ingested, and its sap can cause skin irritation in some individuals. Care should be taken when handling this plant, especially around children and pets.

Planting & Care Tips

Alocasia prefers partial shade and thrives in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. In Arizona, keep the plant well-watered and place it in shaded areas for the best results. Elephant’s Ear can be grown outdoors or as an indoor plant to create a bold, tropical atmosphere in any space.

The Alocasia (Elephant's Ear) is a tropical, eye-catching plant that brings both beauty and drama to Arizona landscapes. Its large, lush leaves and low-light tolerance make it perfect for shaded garden spots, container plantings, and indoor environments in the Phoenix Valley.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Elephant's Ear

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for their broad growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Elephant’s Ear grows upright and requires no staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session to ensure deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Elephant’s Ear is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks