The Red Elephant Ear plant offers dramatic, tropical flair to any garden or indoor space. Its immense, shield-like foliage, often reaching impressive sizes, creates a bold architectural statement. While “Elephant Ear” refers to several plants with this distinct leaf shape, the red varieties are prized for their rich, deep coloration, ranging from metallic bronze to near-black with vibrant red accents.
Identifying the Red Elephant Ear Plant
The common name “Elephant Ear” encompasses three main genera within the Araceae family: Colocasia, Alocasia, or Xanthosoma. Red-leaf varieties typically belong to the first two. A key distinction is how the leaves are held: Alocasia leaves point upward and outward (“upright elephant ears”), while Colocasia leaves typically droop downward.
Many red cultivars are Alocasia, such as ‘Red Secret,’ which features a metallic, coppery-red sheen and a deep burgundy underside. These leaves are often thicker and more rigid than Colocasia counterparts. In contrast, Colocasia esculenta varieties like ‘Red Devil’ often feature dark, nearly black blades contrasted by brilliant red veins and petioles. Colocasia leaves are peltate, meaning the stem attaches to the center of the leaf, contributing to their characteristic downward posture.
Providing Optimal Growing Conditions
Red Elephant Ears thrive in warm, humid conditions, mimicking their native tropical environment. They are heavy feeders and require consistently moist soil rich in organic matter. Use garden soil amended with compost or manure for fertility and moisture retention, ensuring the soil drains well to prevent tuber rot.
Light requirements differ between the genera. Colocasia tolerates more direct sun exposure, even thriving in full sun if the soil remains constantly wet. Alocasia varieties, especially those with deeper coloring, prefer bright, filtered light or partial shade, as intense afternoon sun can scorch the foliage. Indoor plants should be placed near an east or west-facing window providing bright, indirect light.
Consistent moisture is essential; the soil should never dry out completely during the active growing season. Outdoor container plants may require daily watering, and Colocasia types can be grown as pond marginals. Supplement feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during spring and summer. These plants are not frost-tolerant and must be brought indoors or have their tubers stored when temperatures drop below 50°F.
Toxicity and Safe Handling
All parts of the Red Elephant Ear plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, a defense mechanism common to the Araceae family. These microscopic, needle-like structures, known as raphides, are released when the plant tissue is chewed or ingested. Upon contact, the crystals cause immediate and intense irritation to the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms include immediate oral pain, burning sensation, excessive drooling, and localized swelling. The most serious concern following ingestion is the potential for significant throat swelling, which can compromise the airway. Keep these plants out of reach of pets and small children. When handling or pruning, wear gloves to prevent skin irritation from the sap.