How to tell elephants ears ornamental plant apart

This group of plants usually includes three distinct species with different but sometimes overlapping native ranges and preferences. conditions. In the absence of a precise classification for this group, and some other tropical species have been mislabeled as elephants. Ears, it is difficult to distinguish these plants. It may feel like Karen is trying to learn about cat care when she owns a domestic Persian, Zen A Bengal tiger, and poor Robert a feral opossum. But don't despair. In the interest of changing the problem with confidence, use this A guide to understanding the differences and similarities between different types of elephant ears.

1. A little stunner, 'Bambino'

Alocasia is perfect for the front of a desktop or border

Name: Alocasia × Amazonica 'Bambino'

If you're looking for a smaller variety, cultivars of Alocasia × amazonica, also known as Amazon Elephant's Ear, are winners. These selections are crosses between two small species from the hot, humid forests of the Philippines and Borneo (ironically, nowhere near the Amazon) and make truly excellent houseplants. Among the many beautiful cultivars, I've always been partial to 'Bambino'. Bearing small, sculptured leaves on short petioles, this cultivar's elegant habit lends itself to container culture (I have one on my desk right now) but can also be effectively planted. In total. In a group, shiny, black-green, arrow-shaped leaves and silver veins converge

Set a strike schedule. Outdoors, complete the look with shade-tolerant coppers (Carax spp. and cvs., zones 3-10) and open, airy flowers to play off dark, dramatic foliage. In When provided with bright, indirect light or light shade, and moisture and adequate humidity, 'Bambino' can reach a manageable height of a few feet.

2. The dark and shiny leaves of jewel alocasia seem to glow in low light

Name: Alocasia cupria and cvs.

A true garden gem, the aptly named Jewel Alocasia draws immediate attention. This beautiful Borneo native exhibits glossy variegation, which helps improve photosynthesis in many shade-loving rainforest growers. Metallic mint cradles thick oval leaves with deep green veins often flecked with black and maroon. The straight variety is dull dark green with a purple sheen to its leaves, but the stunning variety 'Red Secret' (A. cupria 'Red Secret, Zones 9–11) has otherworldly garnet and purple leaves (right) and many other colors. Dewey's Reversa' (A. cuprea 'Dewey's Reversa') evokes visions of exotic beetle elytra (insertion). Jewel Alocasias can do best in a shady bed, but they are one of my favorite houseplant choices and beg to be admired as specimens. Like 'Bambino' Alocasia, Jewel Alocasia needs adequate humidity, moisture and heat.

3. 'Regal Shields' Dramatic shades invite exciting combinations

Name: Alocasia 'Regal Shields'

The aptly named 'Regal Shields' Alocasia is easy to grow and makes an exceptionally attractive container specimen. Unlike Malaysian Monster and 'Portora', 'Regal Shields' is slightly spreading, and its velvety deep green leaves can reach 1 to 2 feet in length. Lime green veins and plum leaf bases add extra interest. I enjoy using this alocasia in bright, indirect light to partial shade, grouped with airy pink and white flowering annuals and perennials to create a tranquil vignette. Another option is to embrace its dramatic personality and surround it with grassy settings of orange, peach and gold, with its muted purple and deep green tones that can't be faulted.

4. 'Portora' stuns with large, rugged leaves

Name: Alocasia 'Portora' Syn. A. 'Portadora'

I have used this cultivar frequently in gardens and as part of professional horticultural exhibitions and consider it "battle tested". 'Portora' Alocasia is unpretentious and gives any space a distinctly tropical look. The individual, spade-shaped, rough emerald leaves reach

Over 4 feet long and 3 feet wide. They are held up by tall stalks, towards the sky. The plant is capable of reaching dramatic heights under glass or outdoors and will grow a stem-like stem over time. Provided moist, rich soil and plenty of fertilizer, 'portora' can be grown successfully in most light exposures, including full sun, although some

Leaf wilting can occur during hot summer days. However you choose to grow 'Portora'—as a bold background planting, in an eye-catching border, or in a large garden—it can't fail to command attention.

5. With deep lobes and wavy leaves, the Malaysian Monster is truly unique

Name: Alocasia portae

Another head-turner, A. Portae is unique among elephant's ears because it has such sharply curved and deeply lobed leaves that it is sometimes mistaken for greater philodendron (Philodendron spp. and cvs., zones 10-12). The Malaysian Monster (as it is commonly known) compares to many other rat band ears, its character and impact are undeniable. Rich, moist soil and regular fertilizing will quickly encourage this beauty to reach 12 feet tall.

Leaves 3- to 4-feet long, on the ground or in a large container. But fear not – the size of this particular monster can be controlled by container size. A small container will limit its growth. When it's too big for your space, you can refresh the planting by dividing the branches. Malaysian Monster is a wonderful addition to a partial shade bed, border or container, providing major textural interest as the tall flowering plants pop against its dark green foliage.

Big elephant ears

6. The dramatic shades of 'Regal Shields' invite amazing combinations

Name: Alocasia 'Regal Shields'

The aptly named 'Regal Shields' Alocasia is easy to grow and makes an exceptionally attractive container specimen. Unlike Malaysian Monster and 'Portora', 'Regal Shields' is slightly spreading, and its velvety deep green leaves can reach 1 to 2 feet in length. Lime green veins and plum leaf bases add extra interest. I enjoy using this Alocasia in bright, indirect light to partial shade

The shade creates a tranquil vignette with annuals and perennials blooming in airy pinks and whites. Another option is to embrace its dramatic personality and surround it with grassy settings of orange, peach and gold, with its muted purple and deep green tones that can't be faulted.

7. 'Portora' stuns with large, rugged leaves

Name: Alocasia 'Portora' Syn. A. 'Portadora'

I have used this cultivar frequently in gardens and as part of professional horticultural exhibitions and consider it "battle tested". 'Portora' Alocasia is unpretentious and gives any space a distinctly tropical look. The individual, spade-shaped, rough emerald leaves reach

Over 4 feet long and 3 feet wide. They are held up by tall stalks, towards the sky. This plant is capable of reaching dramatic heights under glass or outdoors and will grow a stem like stem over time. Provided moist, rich soil and plenty of fertilizer, 'portora' can be grown successfully in most light exposures, including full sun, although some Leaf wilting can occur during hot summer days. However you choose to grow 'Portora'—as a bold background planting, in an eye-catching border, or in a large garden—it can't fail to command attention.

8. Malaysian Monster, with deeply lobed and wavy leaves Truly unique

Name: Alocasia portae

Another head-turner, A. Portae is unique among elephant ears because it has very acute and deeply lobed leaves that are sometimes mistaken for large philodendron (Philodendron spp. and cvs., zones 10-12). The Malaysian Monster (as it is commonly known) compared to many other rat band ears, its character and impact are undeniable. Rich, moist soil and regular fertilizing will quickly encourage this beauty to reach 12 feet tall.

Leaves 3- to 4-feet long, on the ground or in a large container. But fear not - the size of this particular monster can be controlled by the container

 Vol. A small container will limit its growth. When it's too big for your space, you can refresh the planting by dividing the branches. Malaysian Monster is a wonderful addition to a partial shade bed, border or container, providing major textural interest as the tall flowering plants pop against its dark green foliage.

9. Blue tarot dazzles with deep, moody highlights

Name: Xanthosoma violaceum

This plant's dark eggplant stems and veins are a colorful beacon in garden designs. For those who like to marvel and marvel, know that this beauty can reach 6 to 8 feet in zone 9 and above. Blue taro (as it's commonly known) requires a lot of water, fertilizer, and room to stretch, although northern gardeners should expect a more reasonable 4 to 5 feet of growth in one season. Get the most out of this selection by planting in rich, moist soil in partial shade or in a container large enough to keep the plant stable and upright in the wind. I adore how it looks when surrounded by simple green ferns or other elegantly textured plants that allow the beautiful stems and leafy undersides to be fully appreciated.

10. For a stunning variation, turn to 'Mickey Mouse'

Name: Xanthosoma sagittifolium* 'Mickey Mouse'

Strange lovers are inevitably white, cream, and painted'Mickey Mouse' Xanthosoma has bright green leaves. This foliage Exhibits a fun mutation—"mouse tails" with tapered leaf tips and dramatically curled drooping. However, this is pronounced tail Sometimes it appears only on some leaves and not on others. The Strongly variegated leaves are susceptible to burning, hence this elephant's The ear is best grown in drooping shade, where it thrives Moist soil and heat that other Tanias enjoy. There is 'Mickey Mouse' Capable of reaching a height of 6 feet at maturity with leaves 2 feet long, But in my experience it is not as vigorous a bear as other elephants Ears and takes time to reach its full potential. Regardless, this plant And its variations are always interesting. This creates a pot oddity or An unusual conversation piece in a shady garden.