Elephant ear plants, known for their large, showstopping leaves, are a popular choice among gardeners and homeowners looking to add a dramatic yet tropical touch to their outdoor or indoor spaces. With their impressive size and unique shape, these plants can instantly turn an ordinary garden into a lush, exotic paradise.
For those interested in adding elephant ear plants to their landscape or home, several options are available for purchasing these magnificent plants. From local nurseries to online shops, there’s no shortage of places to find the perfect elephant ear plant to suit your needs. This article will explore some of the best venues for acquiring these stunning botanical additions, ensuring you make a well-informed decision on where to buy your very own elephant ear plant.
As more people look to create their perfect garden retreat, elephant ear plants have become increasingly popular for their tropical aesthetic and captivating presence. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner looking to start your plant collection, you’re sure to find an elephant ear variety that will thrive in your chosen environment. Dive into the world of these fascinating plants and discover the best places for finding them today!
Popular Varieties of Elephant Ear Plants
Elephant ear plants are an eye-catching addition to any garden with their large, attractive leaves that can resemble an elephant’s ear. They belong to a tropical region, and there are several popular varieties that you may want to consider for your garden or as houseplants.
Colocasia Esculenta
Colocasia esculenta, also known as “taro,” is a common type of elephant ear plant. With its large, heart-shaped leaves and striking appearance, it is perfect for making a bold statement in any garden or indoor space. Their leaves can range in color from deep green to purplish-black, giving this variety an exotic look. These plants thrive in moist, warm environments and can tolerate full sun or partial shade. Taro roots are also edible and are a staple food in some cultures.
Some popular cultivars of Colocasia esculenta include:
- Black Magic: Darkest purple-black leaves
- Nancy’s Revenge: Green leaves with a white center
- Illustris: Green leaves with black veins and deep purple stems
Alocasia Macrorrhizos
Alocasia macrorrhizos, also known as “giant taro” or “upright elephant ear,” has large, arrowhead-shaped leaves that grow upright, making it distinct from other varieties. This plant can reach up to 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it ideal for focal points in a garden or as an impressive houseplant. These plants prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They can be somewhat more temperamental than colocasia, requiring careful attention to watering and humidity levels.
Common cultivars include:
- Lutea: Large leaves with golden yellow veins and petioles
- Variegata: Leaves with a mix of green, white, and cream patches
- Borneo Giant: Massive plant with leaves up to 5 feet long
Xanthosoma Sagittifolium
Xanthosoma sagittifolium, commonly known as “arrowleaf elephant ear” or “malanga,” is another variety with arrowhead-shaped leaves. This plant grows vigorously and can reach sizes up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide, adding a dramatic touch to any space. It prefers environments with a mix of sun and shade and requires consistently moist soil. The leaves of Xanthosoma sagittifolium are often used in cooking and can be wrapped around food, similar to a banana leaf.
Popular cultivars of this variety include:
- Albomarginata: Green leaves with white margins
- Lime Zinger: Vibrant lime green leaves
- Variegatum: Green leaves with white or yellow variegation
Overall, these popular varieties of elephant ear plants offer plenty of options for adding a unique, tropical touch to any garden or indoor space. Choose the one that best suits your climate and aesthetic preferences to create a visually stunning impact.
Where to Buy Elephant Ear Plants
Local Nurseries and Garden Centers
To find a variety of elephant ear plants in your area, local nurseries and garden centers are excellent options. These establishments generally provide a collection of common and unique selections, as well as knowledgeable staff who can answer your questions about care and propagation. Visit local garden centers and inquire about their current elephant ear plant offerings.
Online Retailers
For those who prefer shopping online, various retailers offer elephant ear plants, including Lowe’s and The Home Depot. These websites feature information about sunlight requirements, planting times, and sizes for various elephant ear plant varieties. When shopping online, ensure that the plants will be shipped at the appropriate time for planting in your region.
Specialized Plant Shops
Looking for rare or unique elephant ear plant varieties? Specialized plant shops, such as Plant Delights Nursery and Wellspring Gardens, offer a diverse range of options, including chartreuse, red, black, and variegated elephant ears. These shops are ideal for garden enthusiasts searching for distinctive plants to make a bold statement in their landscape.
Overall, whether you choose to shop at a local nursery, an online retailer, or a specialized plant shop, there is a wide variety of elephant ear plants available for purchase. With proper care and maintenance, your new elephant ear plant can create a stunning focal point in your garden or landscaping layout.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing
When looking to buy an elephant ear plant, there are several factors to consider, including plant size and pot requirements, health and pest issues, and price and shipping costs. Each aspect is essential to ensure a successful purchase and a thriving plant.
Plant Size and Pot Requirements
Elephant ear plants can range in size from small indoor houseplants to larger outdoor varieties, with some growing up to 10 feet tall. Before purchasing, consider the final size of the plant and ensure you have adequate space to accommodate it. For indoor plants, make sure you have a sturdy pot large enough to support its growth. Keep in mind that the colocasia, alocasia, and xanthosoma varieties may require different pot sizes and care.
Health and Pest Issues
It’s crucial to inspect the plant for any signs of poor health or pest infestations before purchasing. Some common symptoms of unhealthy elephant ears include yellowing leaves or spots on the foliage. Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs that might be hiding near the plant’s base or on the leaves. A healthy plant will have vibrant green leaves and a strong root system. If purchasing online, read the product description and reviews to ensure the seller has a reputation for delivering healthy plants.
Price and Shipping Costs
Elephant ear plants can vary in price depending on the variety, size, and where you buy them. Online retailers like Eden Brothers and Florida Hill Nursery offer a range of options; however, it’s essential to factor in shipping costs, which may significantly increase the overall cost.
When comparing prices, take the time to research each plant’s specific needs, ensuring it is suitable for your home or garden. Check for any additional costs like fertilizer, as elephant ear plants benefit from regular fertilization. By taking all of these factors into account, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect elephant ear plant for your space.
Caring for Your Elephant Ear Plant
To help your elephant ear plant thrive, it’s essential to provide proper care in terms of light, temperature, watering, fertilizing, and pruning. By meeting these requirements, you can ensure a healthy, lush plant.
Light and Temperature Requirements
Elephant ears prefer full sun to partial shade, which means they need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, if you live in a very hot or dry climate, it’s acceptable to plant them in light shade with a couple of hours of direct sunlight.
These plants thrive in a warm environment, so it’s essential to maintain a temperature range between 65-75°F (18-24°C). If temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), it’s best to bring the plant indoors if possible.
Watering and Fertilizing
Elephant ear plants require moist, rich, fertile soil to grow properly. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist by watering the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
Provide extra nutrition by fertilizing the plant with a balanced (e.g., 10-10-10) water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season. This will promote healthy growth and help the plant produce large, vibrant leaves.
Pruning and Maintenance
Since elephant ear plants are known for their large leaves, it’s imperative to prune them as needed. Start by removing any yellowing, damaged, or diseased leaves. This will encourage healthy growth and prevent the spread of diseases or infestations.
Additionally, be mindful of the plant’s size and location as it grows. If it becomes too large for its container or starts to shade other plants in your garden, consider transplanting the elephant ear to a more suitable spot.
In conclusion, don’t forget to follow these simple care tips for your elephant ear plant. By meeting its light, temperature, watering, fertilizing, and pruning requirements, your plant will reward you with a breathtaking display of large, bold leaves for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best local nurseries for elephant ears?
To find the best local nurseries for purchasing elephant ear plants, consider visiting gardening centers or nurseries in your area. Speak to the staff to learn about their selection of different types of elephant ears such as colocasia, alocasia, and xanthosoma. You can also find recommendations by visiting online gardening forums and checking reviews.
Large elephant ear plants for sale?
Large elephant ear plants can be found at nurseries and garden centers, as well as online retailers specializing in tropical plants. Additionally, look for specialized websites like www.elephantearsplants.com that offer various sizes and types of elephant ear plants for sale.
Elephant ear bulbs availability?
Elephant ear bulbs can typically be purchased at nurseries, garden centers, and online retailers throughout the year. Depending on the season and availability, there might be a higher demand during the spring months, when most people start planting their bulbs.
Season for planting elephant ears?
The best season for planting elephant ears is during the spring, when temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C). This ensures that the soil is warm enough for the bulbs to germinate and grow without the risk of frost damage.
Elephant ear plant price range?
The price range for elephant ear plants varies depending on factors like size, variety, and where they are purchased. Generally, prices can range from $5 for a smaller plant to over $50 for rarer or more mature specimens. Shop around online and at local garden centers, comparing prices in order to find the best deals.
Elephant ear plants perennials?
Elephant ear plants are tropical perennials, which means they grow and bloom year after year. In areas with colder climates, you can still grow them as annuals or bring the plants indoors during winter to protect them from freezing temperatures.
Helpful Video
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
