Have you ever come across the magnificent Elephant Ear plants? These incredible plants, belonging to the Alocasia and Colocasia genus, are part of a diverse family of tropical plants that include Caladiums, Calla Lilies, and Philodendrons. They have captivated gardeners and enthusiasts with their unique characteristics and fascinating history.
You're reading: Elephant Ears: Fascinating Plants that Repel Deer
A Tale of Two Genus
The Elephant Ears available today fall into two distinct groups: Alocasia and Colocasia. While they share similarities in color, shape, size, and planting requirements, there are noticeable differences. The Alocasia, also known as upright elephant ears, have tall stems that grow straight up, with their leaves pointing towards the sky. These plants often reach impressive heights of 8-12 feet. On the other hand, the Colocasias have graceful arching stems, with their leaves delicately pointing towards the ground, usually reaching a height of 6-10 feet.
Ancient Roots and Victorian Popularity
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Elephant Ears have a rich history that dates back centuries. They were once valued primarily as a source of starchy food. In regions where potatoes and other starch sources couldn’t be grown, elephant ears served as a vital nutritional source. However, during the Victorian Era, when people had more leisure time and disposable income, they started exploring distant lands and discovering exotic plants. The elephant ear was one of them. These magnificent plants were brought back to Europe and the United States, becoming prized specimens in newly constructed conservatories. As a result, the popularity of elephant ears skyrocketed.
Origins and Growing Conditions
Elephant Ears are indigenous to various tropical regions in Asia, but the majority we have today originated from the foothills of the Himalayas and Malaysia. To thrive, these plants need nighttime temperatures of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer rich, organic soil, high nitrogen fertilizers, and regular watering. If you wish to grow them in containers, opt for larger ones, as the bulb’s size determines the plant’s ultimate size. Alocasia odora bulbs can be grown in any container size, but larger containers will result in significantly larger plants.
Surprising Qualities: Deer Resistance and Repellence
One of the most remarkable aspects of Elephant Ears is their unique relationship with deer. For reasons still unknown to us, deer do not eat these plants. In fact, many of our customers have reported that when they planted elephant ears in areas frequented by deer, the deer seemed to change their path to avoid them. This is particularly true for Colocasia esculenta. Whether it’s their taste, scent, or simply their presence, elephant ears have proven to be both resistant to deer and capable of repelling them.
Growing Popularity
Today, these extraordinary plants continue to enchant gardeners and horticulturists in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. However, their popularity is now spreading to temperate regions, as more homeowners and container gardeners discover how easy it is to grow these stunning Elephant Ears.
If you’re interested in learning more about Elephant Ears and their cultivation, Harvesting History Heirlooms offers several YouTube videos that provide valuable insights. You can find them at the following links:
- Growing Elephant Ears in Containers
- Elephant Ears – Their Background and History
- 5 Great Elephant Ears Varieties
- The Best Soil Mix for Containers
So why not embark on your own journey into the world of Elephant Ears? Discover the allure of these captivating plants and bring a touch of tropical splendor to your garden or containers.
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Category: Lily
