Written by MGV Henry Bruce, Edited by Theresa Badurek

Are you all ears to learn something new?

Plants that go by the name of “elephant ears” are really a group of similar plants with different botanical names: Alocasia, Colocasia, and Xanthosoma. They all have bold foliage and can add a tropical look to any garden. But only one of these plants is safe to plant and grow here in Florida The other two are highly invasive exotic plants. You can check the “UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants” to see if a plant might be invasive- or become invasive- in your part of Florida. Invasive plants disrupt habitat and replace native species that our ecosystems rely on.

Of the three commonly named “elephant ear” plants, Florida gardeners should only plant Alocasia species.

A popular Alocasia cultivar is ‘Hilo Beauty’. No matter what cultivar you select, never plant elephant ears in or near a natural waterway. They can spread quickly and if they naturalize can become a problem. Alocasia prefers a well-drained soil, so they prefer a drier habitat anyway.

One type of elephant ear, commonly called wild taro and known scientifically as Colocasia esculenta, is invasive in Florida and should NOT be planted. Xanthosoma sagittifolium is also considered invasive and is not recommended for planting. Leave these at the nursery or remove from the landscape.

The three plants look similar but differ in leaf attachment, shape, posture, growth habit, hardiness, and typical uses. Here are some tips for spotting each:

• Alocasia: leaf stem attaches at or near the leaf base, and the leaves are held more upright, often pointing up
• Colocasia: stem attaches to leaf slightly in from the edge of the underside, creating a “notch”, the tips often point downward and the leaf tends to droop
• Xanthosoma: stem attaches to leaf slightly in from the edge of the underside, creating a “vee-shape”, and the blades are held fairly upright with tips typically pointing down

Leaf shapes, colors, and textures vary, so check nursery labels carefully before buying and planting. Always make the Florida-Friendly choice to save your time, money, and our Florida environment.

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