Elephant ear plants, encompassing genera like Colocasia, Alocasia, Xanthosoma, and Caladium, are tropical perennials famed for their oversized, dramatic leaves. Native to regions from Southeast Asia to the Americas, they thrive in zones 8-12, loving warm, humid climates with rich, moist soil. Their bold foliage makes them stars in gardens and as houseplants.
These plants vary widely—some tower up to 15 feet with arrow-shaped leaves, others stay under 2 feet with heart-shaped bursts of color. Leaves can be green, black, or variegated, often glossy or velvety, pointing up or drooping down. They grow from tubers or rhizomes, blooming rarely but with striking effect when they do.
Origins trace back to ancient cultivation—taro (Colocasia) as a food crop in Asia, Xanthosoma in the Americas—while Alocasia and Caladium shine as ornamentals. Modern hybrids, bred in places like Hawaii and the U.S., push their diversity with wild colors and patterns. They’re as functional as they are beautiful.
Most elephant ears prefer partial shade to full sun, excelling near water or in soggy soil, though some tolerate drier spots. Their size suits them for focal points, borders, or pots, with smaller types thriving indoors. High humidity and warmth are key to their lush growth.
Beyond aesthetics, they offer ecological perks—edible roots for humans, berries for birds—though many are toxic raw, with sap that can irritate skin. Deer avoid them, but pests like spider mites can strike indoors. They’re low-maintenance once established, needing only frost protection in cooler zones.
From Polynesian fields to modern nurseries, elephant ears blend history and horticulture. Whether for food, shade, or sheer drama, their giant leaves—up to 6 feet in some—deliver a tropical punch, transforming spaces into jungles with minimal effort.
Elephant Ear Plants
Colocasia esculenta (Taro)
Origin: Southeast Asia, likely Malaysia or Indonesia; spread across Polynesia and beyond.
Taro, a staple crop for millennia, grows 3-6 feet tall in zones 8-11, with heart-shaped, velvety green leaves up to 3 feet long pointing downward. Its starchy corms are edible when cooked, a dietary cornerstone in tropical regions. Thriving in wet, sunny conditions, it’s perfect for water gardens or as a bold garden accent, though it’s invasive along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Alocasia macrorrhizos (Giant Taro)
Origin: Tropical Southeast Asia, from India to New Guinea.
Giant taro towers 6-15 feet in zones 9-12, with glossy, upward-pointing leaves reaching 3-6 feet long on thick stalks. Often grown for ornament, its massive, arrow-shaped foliage adds jungle drama, though its corms are edible if prepared properly. It loves rich, moist soil and partial shade, excelling as a statement piece or houseplant.
Xanthosoma sagittifolium (Tannia)
Origin: Tropical Americas, from the Caribbean to northern South America.
Tannia grows 4-6 feet tall in zones 8-11, with stiff, arrow-shaped leaves up to 2 feet long held upright. Known as “yautia” or “malanga,” its edible tubers are a food source in Latin America. It prefers warm, humid conditions with full sun to part shade, making it a striking, less common choice for tropical gardens.
Caladium bicolor (Heart of Jesus)
Origin: South America, primarily Brazil and the Amazon Basin.
This petite elephant ear, reaching 1-2 feet in zones 9-11, dazzles with heart-shaped leaves in vibrant combos—green, white, pink, or red—spanning 8-12 inches. Grown for foliage, not food, it thrives in shade with moist soil, ideal for borders or containers. Its delicate beauty fades in frost, requiring indoor wintering in cooler climates.
Colocasia ‘Black Magic’
Origin: Cultivated in Hawaii from C. esculenta stock, Southeast Asian roots.
‘Black Magic’ hits 3-5 feet in zones 8-11, with stunning, dusty black-purple leaves up to 2 feet long, drooping elegantly. A sun-loving variety, it needs consistent moisture to maintain its dark allure, making it a gothic focal point in gardens or pots. Its striking color contrasts vividly with lighter plants.
Alocasia ‘Polly’ (African Mask)
Origin: Hybrid from Southeast Asia, bred from A. amazonica, Philippines origin.
‘Polly’ grows 1-2 feet tall in zones 10-12, with glossy, dark green, arrow-shaped leaves (12-18 inches) etched with bold white veins. A compact houseplant favorite, it demands high humidity, indirect light, and well-drained soil. Its sculpted look mimics a tribal mask, adding exotic flair indoors.
Xanthosoma ‘Lime Zinger’
Origin: Cultivar from tropical Americas, likely bred in the U.S. or Caribbean.
‘Lime Zinger’ reaches 3-4 feet in zones 9-11, with chartreuse, arrow-shaped leaves up to 2 feet long that glow in partial shade. This vibrant twist on Xanthosoma thrives in warm, moist conditions, offering a pop of color for tropical beds or containers. It’s less about food, more about eye-catching foliage.
Colocasia ‘Mojito’
Origin: Hawaii, a C. esculenta cultivar from Polynesian lineage.
‘Mojito’ grows 2-4 feet in zones 8-11, with variegated green leaves splashed with black dashes, up to 2 feet long, drooping downward. Its unpredictable patterns make each leaf unique, thriving in sun or shade with wet soil. Perfect for pots or borders, it adds a playful, tropical vibe.
Alocasia zebrina (Zebra Plant)
Origin: Philippines, a native Southeast Asian species.
Reaching 2-3 feet in zones 10-12, Alocasia zebrina features arrow-shaped, green leaves (1-2 feet) on zebra-striped stems. A stunning houseplant, it craves bright, indirect light and high humidity, with well-drained soil. Its patterned petioles make it a standout in indoor collections.
Caladium ‘White Queen’
Origin: Cultivar from South America, bred in the U.S. from C. bicolor.
‘White Queen’ stays 1-2 feet tall in zones 9-11, with creamy-white, heart-shaped leaves (8-12 inches) veined in green and pink. A shade lover, it thrives in rich, moist soil, perfect for underplanting or containers. Its ethereal look brightens dark corners but needs frost protection.
Colocasia ‘Diamond Head’
Origin: Hawaii, bred from C. esculenta, Southeast Asian origins.
‘Diamond Head’ hits 3-4 feet in zones 8-11, with glossy, near-black leaves up to 2 feet long, drooping with a reflective sheen. Full sun deepens its color, paired with wet soil for best growth. This dramatic cultivar shines in modern landscapes or large pots.
Alocasia ‘Frydek’ (Green Velvet)
Origin: Philippines, a Southeast Asian hybrid of A. micholitziana.
‘Frydek’ grows 2-3 feet in zones 10-12, with velvety, dark green leaves (12-18 inches) and bold white veins, pointing upward. A humidity-loving houseplant, it needs indirect light and moist, well-drained soil. Its lush texture and contrast make it a tropical jewel indoors.
Colocasia ‘Illustris’
Origin: Hawaii, bred from C. esculenta, with Southeast Asian roots.
‘Illustris’ grows 3-5 feet tall in zones 8-11, featuring heart-shaped, dark green leaves (up to 2 feet) with vivid purple-black veining, drooping downward. Thriving in full sun to part shade with wet soil, its dramatic contrast makes it a standout in boggy gardens or containers. The bold pattern evokes a painterly effect.
Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’
Origin: Borneo, Southeast Asia; a natural dwarf species.
‘Black Velvet’ reaches 1-2 feet in zones 10-12, with velvety, near-black leaves (6-10 inches) edged in silver veins, held upright. A compact houseplant, it demands high humidity, indirect light, and well-drained soil. Its plush texture and jewel-like appearance make it a favorite for indoor displays.
Xanthosoma ‘Mickey Mouse’ (Variegated Malanga)
Origin: Cultivar from tropical Americas, likely U.S.-bred from X. sagittifolium.
‘Mickey Mouse’ hits 3-5 feet in zones 9-11, with arrow-shaped, green leaves (1-2 feet) splashed with white and a quirky, lobed tip resembling mouse ears. It loves warm, moist shade and rich soil, adding whimsy to tropical beds or pots. Its variegation brightens shaded areas.
Caladium ‘Florida Sweetheart’
Origin: U.S., bred from C. bicolor, South American Amazon origins.
‘Florida Sweetheart’ grows 1-2 feet in zones 9-11, with heart-shaped, pink leaves (8-12 inches) rimmed in green, thriving in shade with moist soil. A vibrant container or border plant, its delicate, translucent look fades in frost, needing indoor care in cooler climates. It’s a sweet, colorful accent.
Colocasia ‘Tea Cup’
Origin: Hawaii, a C. esculenta cultivar from Southeast Asian stock.
‘Tea Cup’ reaches 3-6 feet in zones 8-11, with glossy, dark green leaves (2 feet) that cup upward, collecting water like teacups before drooping. Full sun and soggy soil enhance its sculptural form, perfect for water features or bold planters. Its unique shape adds intrigue.
Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’
Origin: Southeast Asia, bred from A. baginda, likely Malaysian roots.
‘Dragon Scale’ grows 2-3 feet in zones 10-12, with thick, emerald-green leaves (10-14 inches) textured like dragon scales, accented by dark veins. A humidity-loving houseplant, it needs bright, indirect light and well-drained soil. Its reptilian allure makes it a collector’s gem.
Xanthosoma robustum (Robust Elephant Ear)
Origin: Central and South America, from Mexico to Brazil.
Xanthosoma robustum towers 4-8 feet in zones 9-11, with massive, arrow-shaped, green leaves (2-3 feet) on sturdy stalks. Grown for its bold foliage and edible tubers, it thrives in sun to part shade with moist soil. Its commanding size suits tropical landscapes or food gardens.
Caladium ‘Red Flash’
Origin: U.S., a C. bicolor cultivar from South American lineage.
‘Red Flash’ hits 1-2 feet in zones 9-11, with heart-shaped, red leaves (10-14 inches) veined in green and pink, thriving in shade with rich, wet soil. A vivid understory or pot plant, its fiery color pops but requires frost protection. It’s a dramatic foliage star.
Colocasia ‘Blue Hawaii’
Origin: Hawaii, bred from C. esculenta, Southeast Asian origins.
‘Blue Hawaii’ grows 3-5 feet in zones 8-11, with green leaves (2 feet) streaked with blue-purple veins, drooping gracefully. It loves sun and soggy conditions, shining in water gardens or as a striking accent. Its cool tones offer a refreshing twist.
Alocasia ‘Stingray’
Origin: Southeast Asia, a A. macrorrhizos hybrid, likely from Thailand.
‘Stingray’ reaches 3-5 feet in zones 10-12, with green, arrow-shaped leaves (1-2 feet) ending in a whip-like tail, mimicking a stingray. A quirky houseplant or patio feature, it needs humidity, indirect light, and moist soil. Its playful shape adds flair.
Caladium ‘Pink Beauty’
Origin: U.S., bred from C. bicolor, South American Amazon roots.
‘Pink Beauty’ stays 1-2 feet in zones 9-11, with heart-shaped, pink leaves (8-12 inches) mottled in green and white, loving shade and moist soil. Ideal for borders or pots, its soft hues fade in cold, needing indoor care. It’s a gentle, pastel standout.
Colocasia ‘Elepaio’
Origin: Hawaii, a C. esculenta cultivar from Polynesian ancestry.
‘Elepaio’ grows 2-4 feet in zones 8-11, with green leaves (1-2 feet) splashed with white variegation, drooping slightly. Sun or shade with wet soil suits it, making it a versatile pick for gardens or containers. Named for a Hawaiian bird, it’s a lively, patterned beauty.
Colocasia ‘Hilo Beauty’
Origin: Hawaii, bred from C. esculenta, with Southeast Asian ancestry.
‘Hilo Beauty’ grows 2-4 feet tall in zones 8-11, featuring heart-shaped, green leaves (1-2 feet) splashed with creamy yellow and white blotches, drooping slightly. Thriving in full sun to part shade with consistently moist soil, its camouflage-like pattern makes it a standout in gardens or pots. This Hawaiian gem adds a playful, variegated twist to the lineup.
Alocasia ‘Portora’
Origin: Southeast Asia, a hybrid likely from A. macrorrhizos, bred in cultivation.
‘Portora’ reaches 4-6 feet in zones 9-12, with large, ruffled, green leaves (2-3 feet) pointing upward on sturdy, mottled stems. A bold outdoor or patio plant, it loves humidity, partial shade, and rich, well-drained soil. Its wavy edges and imposing size bring a wild, architectural vibe to tropical settings.
Xanthosoma violaceum (Purple Stem Taro)
Origin: Tropical Americas, from the Caribbean to northern South America.
Xanthosoma violaceum grows 4-6 feet in zones 8-11, with arrow-shaped, green leaves (2-3 feet) atop striking purple stems. Known as “blue taro,” its edible tubers are a staple in some cultures, thriving in sun to part shade with moist soil. The vibrant stems make it a dual-purpose pick for food and flair.
Caladium ‘Moonlight’
Origin: U.S., bred from C. bicolor, rooted in South American Amazon origins.
‘Moonlight’ stays 1-2 feet tall in zones 9-11, with glowing, white heart-shaped leaves (8-12 inches) subtly veined in green, thriving in shade with moist, rich soil. Perfect for underplanting or containers, its luminous foliage brightens dark corners but needs frost protection. This ethereal cultivar offers a soft, radiant charm.