A: Elephant Ear, Alocasia spp., is extremely hardy and I would be surprised to hear it did not return from the cold. We will be better able to determine the full extent of the cold damage once summer is fully upon us. You may cut away and dead tissue now. The large leaves come up from the ground without any stem and can reach lengths up to 3 feet.There are many varieties ranging from solid colored to variegated to new cultivars with purple hues. Some of the Elephant ear cultivars are of concern to those monitoring invasive plants. We would suggest homeowners be mindful of selecting this plant especially those living near a green belt area, a nature preserve or waterway. Landscapers use this plant as a back drop for other tropical perennials or around specimen trees. Elephant ear has the potential of growing 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide therefore it is important to allow enough room for growth. In addition, you can see this would not be the best plant to put under windows of any home or business. The cold hardiness zone is from 8B to 11, which means it can be grown throughout most of Florida. Elephant ear tolerates partial sun and shade but it will show signs of burn in full sun situations. It prefers a moist, well drained soil but requires no specific pH range. Elephant ear is an easy plant to grow and thrives with little or no attention once it is established.

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