No other plant makes as strong a statement in home and garden decor as the elephant ear plants. Known for their colossal heart shaped leaves that resemble an elephant’s ear, these plants are found in Colocasia, Alocasia and Xanthosoma.
Their tropical appeal brings a touch of infusion to any environment which is one of the reasons why these plants are adored by gardeners and interior designers alike.
Elephant ear plants are super versatile, they thrive in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether in big pots in a cozy living room or in a backyard garden they effortlessly make any space look better.
They purify the air, provide shade and go with any style of landscaping so they are super desirable.
But before you add elephant ear plants to your decor it’s important to know their care requirements, the downsides and how to use them in different settings.
We will cover why they are a great choice, how to care for them and how to use them in your home and garden decor.
Why Use Elephant Ear Plants for Decoration?
1. Bold Statement
Mammoth sphenoclea and similar species exhibit oversized, glittering decorations that bestow a tropical aura upon any vegetation. Their leaves provide contrast and interest, making them the centerpiece of attention, be it indoors or outdoors.
2. Flexibility
These plants are good for both indoor and outdoor living so it gives you an option for interior designing. They can be placed in large pots in the living room, on the patio, or incorporated in the garden landscaping.
3. Many Color and Texture Options
Elephant ear plants come in different varieties so you have many color and texture choices. Some have deep green leaves, others have purple or variegated leaves to add more interest to your decor.
4. Purifies Air
Like other houseplants, elephant ear plants can purify indoor air by sucking up toxins and increasing oxygen so it’s a healthier environment.
5. Tropical Oasis
For lovers of tropics, consider growing elephant ear plants. The large leaves accompany other tropical like ferns, palms, and philodendrons remarkably well.
How to Use Elephant Ear Plants in Home and Garden Decor
Indoor Decor Ideas
Elephant ear plants make a showstopper in indoor spaces, add some greenery and glamour. Here’s how to incorporate them into your home decor:
Corner Filler – A big elephant ear plant in a pretty pot will fill up empty corners with greenery. No more dull spaces and no more unused areas and a big impact.
Bathroom Spa – One in a well lit bathroom creates a relaxing tropical spa vibe. The humidity in the bathroom is perfect for the plant to grow, so it’s a natural fit for this space.
Entryway Elegance – Welcome your guests with a dramatic elephant ear plant in your foyer and set the tone for the rest of the home. A big healthy plant makes a great first impression and adds charm to the entrance.
Living Room Accents – Use it as a natural divider between two areas of a big room or pair it with other greenery to create an indoor jungle. Their height adds vertical interest and breaks up flat or boring decor.
Outdoor Garden Decor
Outdoor spaces that are warm and humid are perfect for elephant ear plants. Here are some ideas on how to use them for outdoor landscaping:
Centerpiece in Garden Beds – With their presence, elephant ear plants add great depth to the design drawing attention to flower beds and creating a mesmerizing centerpiece.
Border Plants – When placed along the edges of gardens, patios, or paths, they serve as a natural border fence. Their thick foliage adds beauty and privacy to the blooming garden.
Pondside Companion – Elephant ear plants flourish near water or pond features due to their love for moisture. They transform the place into a tropical oasis with their reflection adding to the scenery.
Container Gardening – Giving freedom in mobilizing the decor, planting them in large pots allows you to change the outdoor space’s look conveniently and flexibly to suit the season.
The key to using elephant ear plants successfully lies in proper light, humidity, and maintenance, which will subsequently ensure that they thrive for a great number of years.
Caring for Elephant Ear Plants
Light Requirements
Elephant ear plants need special care to keep them happy and healthy. Here’s what to consider:
Indoors: Bright indirect light. Too much direct sun will burn the leaves, too little will stunt the growth.
Outdoors: Partial shade to full sun depending on the variety. Colocasia can take more sun, Alocasia prefers filtered light.
Watering Needs
- Elephant ears need moist soil. Water them often especially during hot weather but not waterlogged as wet roots can rot.
- If growing indoors make sure pots have drainage holes so water doesn’t accumulate at the bottom.
- Outdoor plants love damp conditions so great for rain gardens or high humidity areas.
Soil and Fertilization
- Use good soil with compost or peat to get it going.
- Feed with a balanced slow release fertiliser every few weeks during spring and summer to get those big leaves.
- Don’t overfeed as too much nitrogen will give weak stems and leaf growth at the expense of root health.
Temperature and Humidity
- Elephant ear plants like warm temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C).
- They like high humidity. If grown indoors, mist the leaves regularly or place a humidity tray nearby to keep the air moist.
- In colder climates they may go dormant in winter. Move potted plants indoors and for garden planted varieties dig up and store the tubers in a dry, cool place until next growing season.
Pest and Disease Management
- Keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites and mealybugs. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap if an infestation occurs.
- Fungal diseases like root rot can be a problem if the soil is too wet. Make sure of good drainage and don’t overhead water to minimize the risk.
- Clean leaves regularly to remove dust and prevent pest buildup.
- By following these care tips your elephant ear will be healthy, happy and a beautiful addition to your home or garden.
Potential Downsides of Elephant Ear Plants
While elephant ear plants have many perks, there are also some cons to consider:
1. Toxicity: The elephant ear plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that, when consumed, can be harmful to pets and humans.
These crystals are capable of causing irritation to the mouth, swelling of the throat, extreme challenges while trying to swallow, and severe nausea.
If pets and toddlers are part of your home, it is better to select a non-poisonous plant or ensure that it is kept out of reach.
2. Big and Space consuming: Some elephant ear varieties can get really big, with leaves spanning several feet wide.
This can be a problem for small indoor spaces where the plant will quickly outgrow its area. If growing indoors, choose dwarf varieties or be prepared to prune and repot as needed.
3. Invasive Growth Habit: In subtropical and tropical areas, elephant ear plants are very invasive.
They can spread rapidly using their underground tubers and can quickly take over garden beds if not kept in check. To mitigate, plant them in containers, or monitor their growth and prune excess shoots.
4. High Water and Humidity needs: To flourish, elephant ear plants require consistently moist soil with high humidity. If grown in dry climates or indoors with little humidity, their leaves will brown and growth will decline.
To maintain the optimal conditions, mist regularly, use humidity trays, or place the plants in areas with high humidity such as bathrooms.
5. Pests and Diseases: Similar to other tropical plants, elephant ear plants can suffer from infestations of pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs.
They can also suffer from overwatering which leads to root rot. To stop the spread of disease and infestation, make sure to keep the leaves clean, provide sufficient air circulation, and apply organic methods to get rid of pests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are elephant ear plants poisonous to pets and humans?
Yes, they have calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic if eaten. They will cause mouth and throat irritation, swelling and digestive issues in both pets and humans. Keep out of reach of children and animals so they don’t get accidentally eaten.
Can Elephant Ear grow indoors?
Yes they can if you give them light, humidity and water. They like bright indirect light and moist but well draining soil.
How do I stop my elephant ear from being invasive?
In warm zones elephant ears can spread like crazy through underground tubers. Plant in containers or monitor and remove excess shoots so they don’t take over your garden.
What kind of soil do elephant ear plants like?
They like rich, well draining soil with lots of organic matter. A mix of potting soil, peat and compost works well for them.
Can elephant ear plants survive winter?
Elephant ear plants are cold sensitive. In colder areas they will go dormant in winter. For outdoor plants, consider digging up the tubers and storing them in a dry, cool place until next growing season.
Conclusion
Elephant ear plants are gorgeous. Dramatic foliage, air purifying and versatile, they’re perfect for plant lovers who want to go tropical. But you have to consider size, toxicity and care before you bring one in.
Indoors or out these bold plants can change your space and be the piece resistance of your decor. With proper care and placement they’ll thrive for years of greenery.
