You’ve admired the dramatic, oversized leaves of elephant ear plants in your neighbor’s garden and decided to add some to your own. But as you start shopping, you realize there are many different types to choose from. Understanding the varieties can help you pick the perfect one for your space.
Here, you’ll learn about the different types of elephant ear plants, ensuring you select the best ones to create a stunning, tropical look in your garden.
Table of Contents
- Types Of Elephant Ear Plants
- Colocasia Esculenta (Taro)
- Alocasia Macrorrhizos (Giant Taro)
- Xanthosoma Sagittifolium (Arrowleaf Elephant’s Ear)
- Colocasia Gigantea (Giant Elephant Ear)
- Alocasia ‘Polly’ (Amazonica Polly)
- Alocasia Cucullata (Hooded Dwarf Elephant Ear)
- Colocasia ‘Black Magic’
- Alocasia ‘Silver Dragon’
- Xanthosoma ‘Lime Zinger’
- Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’
- Colocasia ‘Blue Hawaii’
- Alocasia ‘Kuching Mask’
- Alocasia Zebrina (Zebra Plant)
- Xanthosoma Aurea ‘Lime Zinger’
- Colocasia ‘Pink China’
- Alocasia ‘Portora’
- Alocasia Odora (Night-Scented Lily)
- Colocasia ‘Mojito’
- Xanthosoma Atrovirens ‘Albovariegatum’ (Variegated Elephant Ear)
- Alocasia ‘Frydek’ (Green Velvet Alocasia)
- Alocasia ‘Sarian’
- Alocasia ‘Hilo Beauty’
- Colocasia ‘Coffee Cups’
- Alocasia ‘Tiny Dancer’
- Xanthosoma ‘Frozen Planet’
Types Of Elephant Ear Plants
Colocasia Esculenta (Taro)
Taro is a popular elephant ear plant that needs moist soil and sunlight for optimal growth. Its bold, heart-shaped leaves lend a tropical appearance to your garden.
Alocasia Macrorrhizos (Giant Taro)
The Giant Taro features broad, glossy leaves and thrives in a partially shaded environment. Its size makes a statement in any landscape setting.
Xanthosoma Sagittifolium (Arrowleaf Elephant’s Ear)
This plant is characterized by its arrow-shaped leaves, which add visual interest to your garden. The Arrowleaf Elephant’s Ear prefers rich, moist soil and partial shade.
Colocasia Gigantea (Giant Elephant Ear)
With a name like Giant Elephant Ear, you can expect massive leaves that create a dramatic backdrop in your garden. This plant flourishes in full sun and well-drained soil, along with plenty of water and fertilizer.
Alocasia ‘Polly’ (Amazonica Polly)
The Amazonica Polly showcases striking, dark green leaves with prominent white veins. This compact plant is well-suited for growing indoors or in containers.
Alocasia Cucullata (Hooded Dwarf Elephant Ear)
This smaller elephant ear plant features uniquely shaped leaves and can adapt to a variety of light conditions. The Hooded Dwarf Elephant Ear is perfect for small gardens or container growing.
Colocasia ‘Black Magic’
Add a touch of mystery to your garden with the dark, velvety leaves of Colocasia ‘Black Magic.’ This enchanting plant prefers a sunny location and moist, well-drained soil.
Alocasia ‘Silver Dragon’
Known for its silvery veins and textured leaves, the Alocasia ‘Silver Dragon’ is a showstopper. It thrives in partial shade and needs consistently moist soil.
Xanthosoma ‘Lime Zinger’
Brighten up your garden with the vibrant foliage of Xanthosoma ‘Lime Zinger.’ This plant enjoys partial shade and moist conditions, making it perfect near ponds or water gardens.
Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’
The stunning Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’ features a unique leaf pattern resembling dragon scales. It prefers a warm, humid environment, and indirect sunlight.
Colocasia ‘Blue Hawaii’
With its green, rippled leaves and blue veins, Colocasia ‘Blue Hawaii’ creates a subtle splash of color in your garden. This variety grows best in full sun with moist soil.
Alocasia ‘Kuching Mask’
Kuching Mask stands out with its arrowhead-shaped leaves and dark veins. It grows well in partial shade and consistently moist conditions.
Alocasia Zebrina (Zebra Plant)
The distinctive striped stems of the Zebra Plant make a bold statement. It prefers a location with ample sunlight and well-drained soil.
Xanthosoma Aurea ‘Lime Zinger’
Offering striking leaves with lime green and cream variegation, Xanthosoma Aurea ‘Lime Zinger’ is a beautiful addition to any garden. This plant thrives in full sun and humid conditions.
Colocasia ‘Pink China’
Bringing a soft touch of color, Colocasia ‘Pink China’ has pink-tinged stems contrasted with green leaves. It enjoys well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight.
Alocasia ‘Portora’
This robust variety, Alocasia ‘Portora’, features large leaves that can withstand wind and weather. Plant it in a sunny location with moist, well-draining soil.
Alocasia Odora (Night-Scented Lily)
With fragrant flowers and substantial leaves, Alocasia Odora lends a sweet aroma and tropical vibe to any garden space. It requires full sun, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Colocasia ‘Mojito’
Adding a playful touch to your garden, Colocasia ‘Mojito’ features splashes of color on its vibrant leaves. It prefers partial shade and well-drained, moist soil.
Xanthosoma Atrovirens ‘Albovariegatum’ (Variegated Elephant Ear)
Delight in the eye-catching foliage of Xanthosoma Atrovirens ‘Albovariegatum’. This variegated variety loves moist conditions and partial shade.
Alocasia ‘Frydek’ (Green Velvet Alocasia)
The velvety leaves of the Alocasia ‘Frydek’ create a luxurious, polished look. This plant requires partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.
Alocasia ‘Sarian’
With its elegant, green leaves and red-tinged stems, Alocasia ‘Sarian’ is both dramatic and sophisticated. It thrives in partial shade and consistently moist soil.
Alocasia ‘Hilo Beauty’
The stunning patterns on Alocasia ‘Hilo Beauty’ leaves enhance the visual appeal in any garden. This variety performs best in partial shade and moist but well-drained soil.
Colocasia ‘Coffee Cups’
Sporting cup-shaped leaves that capture rainwater, Colocasia ‘Coffee Cups’ is an irresistible addition to your garden. This variety enjoys full sun and well-drained, moist soil.
Alocasia ‘Tiny Dancer’
The petite Alocasia ‘Tiny Dancer’ makes a big impact with its small, slender leaves. Perfect for container growing or small spaces, it prefers partial shade and moist conditions.
Xanthosoma ‘Frozen Planet’
Embrace the icy charm of Xanthosoma ‘Frozen Planet’ and its frosted silver-green leaves. This variety grows well in partial shade and consistently moist soil.