Elephant ear is a name given to several plants in the Colocasia family that are grown for their large, dramatic foliage. These plants are most often grown in cooler climates as an annual where they do not become a problem. However, they are hardy in zones 8-11 and grow as an evergreen in zone 11. In hot, humid, tropical locations, one little elephant ear plant can all too quickly become a mass of them. How do you get rid of elephant ears? Continue reading for the answer.
How Do You Get Rid of Elephant Ears?
Giant elephant ear (Colocasia gigantea) and Taro (Colocasia esculenta) are plants in the Colocasia family that both get referred to as elephant ears. The common elephant ear can grow up to 9 feet (2.7 m.) tall though, while Taro, only grows to about 4 feet (1.2 m.). Elephant ears are native to Central and South America where their large tubers are eaten like a potato. Taro is native to the tropics of Asia, where their tubers are also a food source. Both plants are native to sub-tropic and tropical locations, both spread by underground rhizomes and both can easily get out of hand pretty quickly. Elephant ears are listed as an invasive species in Florida, Louisiana and Texas, where they have caused many problems by invading natural waterways. Their dense tubers can clog shallow water ways and cut off water flow to native species of plants, fish and amphibians. Elephant ear’s large foliage also shades out and kills native vegetation.
Removing Elephant Ears from the Garden
Getting rid of elephant ears is no simple task. It requires persistence. Removing unwanted elephant ear plants involves using herbicides as well as actually digging up the aggressive tubers. When selecting an herbicide, read the product label thoroughly, especially if you intend to replant in the location you are spraying. Some herbicides can remain in the soil for a very long time, making it a waste of time and money to replant the area too soon. Always read labels carefully.
The proper herbicide for elephant ear will be an all-purpose type. Spray all the aerial parts of the plant thoroughly with the herbicide, then give it time to start working. The foliage and stems will die back as the herbicide works its way down into the tuber. Once the foliage has died back, start digging up the tubers. Be sure to wear gloves; not only can herbicides cause nasty chemical burns, but people have reported skin irritations from handling elephant ear tubers. Dig down 2-3 feet (61-91 cm) to make sure you are getting all the tubers out. Any small bit of tuber left in the soil can quickly become another mass of elephant ears. Also, dig out wider than the elephant ears were in the landscape to get any rhizomes trying to head off on their own. Once you think you have gotten all the elephant ears, dispose of them immediately and replace the soil. Now you just have to wait, they may come back and you may have to redo the whole process, but keeping a careful eye on the area and applying herbicide and digging up any elephant ears that come back immediately will make the task easier. Repetition and persistent elephant ear control will eventually pay off.
Note: Chemical control should only be used as a last resort, as organic approaches are more environmentally friendly. It is recommended that you try digging up all parts of the plant first before resorting to the use of herbicides.
-
How To Make Plantable Seed Greeting Cards: Share The Joy Of Growing This Holiday SeasonGet creative making holiday cards using plantable seed paper, and give the memorable gift of growing flowers that will delight recipients for months on end.
-
Want To Grow Four Season Containers? Try These 6 Best Plants For Pots All Year RoundAfter reliable container gardening options that serve you across all four seasons? You’ve come to the right place, as we present the best plants for pots all year round
-
Can You Grow Taro In A Pot – Container Grown Taro Care GuideTaro is a water plant, but you don’t need a pond or wetlands in your backyard to grow it. You can successfully grow taro in containers if you do it right. Click here and learn how to grow this plant in containers so you can enjoy the pretty tropical wherever you are.
-
Elephant Ear Plant Disease In Gardens: How To Treat Sick Elephant EarsElephant ears are often grown for their huge, robust foliage. The leaves are prone to several diseases which mar this ornamental appeal. There are also diseases that can cause crown and root rot. If your plant has disease symptoms, this article can help.
-
Dividing Elephant Ears: How And When To Divide Elephant EarsElephant ear division is useful to prevent overcrowding, produce more plants in a different location, and enhance plant health. It is important to know when to divide elephant ears to avoid plant injury or poor performance. This article will help.
-
Growing Taro For Food: How To Grow And Harvest Taro RootAnother healthier option to the standard potato chip would be growing and harvesting your own taro roots and then turning them into chips. Want to find out how to grow and harvest taro in your own garden? This article will help get you started.
-
Elephant Ear Plant Types: Learn About Common Elephant Ear PlantsElephant ears are one of those plants whose foliage receives double takes and oohs and aahs. There are different elephant ear plants in four genera available for growing in your landscape. Learn more about them in this article.
-
Elephant Ear Problems: What To Do With Elephant Ears Taking Over GardenDo elephant ears affect nearby plants? There are no allelopathic properties in the corms, but this can be an invasive plant and the excessive size may pose problems for species that live under the giant foliage. Learn more in this article.
-
Uses Of Dasheen Plants: Learn About Growing Dasheen Taro PlantsYou probably have already heard of dasheen, just with a different name: taro. Check out this article for interesting dasheen plant info including what is dasheen good for and how to grow dasheen. Click here for more.
-
Elephant Ear With Brown Edges: Why Do Elephant Ear Plants Get Brown On EdgeYou can't ask for more visual impact than the large leaved Colocasia, or elephant ear plant. That said, leaf browning on elephant ears is a common complaint. Why do elephant ear plants get brown on edge? Find out in this article.
