The sheer , dramatic leaves of elephant ear plants allow serious tropical flair in gardens and container . While most varieties romp all unripe leaves , a few extra cultivars showcase eye - catching multicolored foliation . One of the most pop is the Royal Hawaiian Aloha elephant ear , prized for its vibrant purple - contraband leaves pit with galvanizing greenish vein .
In this clause , we ’ll take a snug aspect at this alien elephant ear and how to habituate it in your own landscape Read on to learn why the Royal Hawaiian Aloha should be on your must - grow flora list !
Origins of the Royal Hawaiian Aloha Elephant Ear
First things first – what exactly is an elephant auricle plant life ? The common name refers to plants in the genera Alocasia , Colocasia , and Xanthosoma . They reset the moniker “ elephant auricle ” thanks to their very big heart - shaped or arrowhead - shape leaves that resemble an elephant ’s spike .
There are around 70 species in these tropic flora genus , most aboriginal to southeastern Asia . They grow as perennial in lovesome tropical clime but are often spring up as annuals or houseplants in colder zones .
The Royal Hawaiian Aloha elephant auricle specifically was developed by hybridize two existing species :
By span these two plants , Hawaiian plant stock breeder Dr. John Cho create an exciting new elephant ear that combines the good trait of both parents . The Royal Hawaiian Aloha has the inscrutable blackish - violet leave of absence and big green veining of C. illustris plus the vigorous growth , hardiness , and clop drug abuse of C. esculenta .
Growing Characteristics
Now have ’s expect at some key characteristics of the Royal Hawaiian Aloha elephant spike and how to grow it successfully
How to Use Royal Hawaiian Aloha Elephant Ears in the Garden
Thanks to its spectacular foliation , the Royal Hawaiian Aloha elephant ear is well-fixed to comprise into gardens , containers , and pools :
Focal point – The bold purpleness and green leave-taking demand care , name this a perfect plant to build bottom and intention around . Site it as a central focal point .
Borders and beds – Mass several plant together in garden bed and border for a high ocular shock . They also make excellent thriller plant in containers .
container – Plant one Royal Hawaiian Aloha in a container by itself or pair it with cordylines , crotons , caladiums , or other works with colored foliage .
Water gardens – The lavish leaves are well - suited to planting along pool and pool . Site in shallow water or at the sharpness .
Tropical gardens – This elephant ear is idealistic for evoking a Hawaiian or other tropic look . Combine with banana , cannas , peppiness , etc .
Growing Royal Hawaiian Aloha from a Bulb vs. a Started Plant
Elephant ear like the Royal Hawaiian Aloha can be buy and grown either from bulbs or from young started plants . Here ’s an overview of the pros and cons of each approach :
Bulb
Started plant
For fastest results and to skip the tricky bulb sprouting process , purchasing start untested plant is usually best . Just check that you buy from a reputable source . Well - established starter flora have the built - in energy stores to support speedy growth .
Caring for Your Royal Hawaiian Aloha Elephant Ear
Royal Hawaiian Aloha is one of the easier elephant auricle to manage for , specially when planted in appropriate conditions . Here are some general maintenance tips :
Give great deal of water – these are tropical plant that demand consistent moisture . give up the soil to partially dry out out between lachrymation but do n’t permit them all dry out .
Apply a balanced liquified fertilizer every 2 - 4 weeks during active growth .
Prune back unsightly or damage leafage at any meter to keep plants looking fresh .
In colder climates , dig out up bulb before Robert Frost and store hibernating over winter . Replant the undermentioned leap after risk of frost has lapse .
Remove expend bloom to boost more vigour directed to leaf ontogeny .
Site in full sun to part tincture for optimum outgrowth and coloration .
Stake grandiloquent plant if ask to provide documentation in windy conditions .
Common Problems with Elephant Ears
Elephant ear are generally vigorous , trouble - free plants when provided with suited growing conditions . However , here are a few likely job to watch for :
Leaf scorch – Insufficient water plus raging , dry , tedious weather can cause foliage edge or tip to brown . verify to allow ample irrigation .
Sunburn – In vivid afternoon sunshine , elephant ear leave of absence can develop brown washed-out spots . Site plants or apply ghost cloth to separate out sunlight .
bankruptcy to thrive – Poor maturation can be due to unconventional siting , deficient lachrymation , or very heavy or ill drain soil .
Pests – Aphids , spider tinge , and scales may appear but are easily hold in by horticultural oils or insecticidal Georgia home boy .
Overwintering Elephant Ears
In zones 7 and colder , the Royal Hawaiian Aloha and most other elephant ear wo n’t survive winter outdoors . You have two choice for overwintering them :
Treat as an annual – This is the easiest alternative . Simply allow the plant to die back after frost . Mulch the root word or hollow them up and discard the flora . Replant with a new one the following spring .
Dig and store the bulbs – Once the plant life dies back in previous fall , cautiously labour up the bulbs and root . Allow them to dry in a frost - barren place for 1 - 2 calendar week . storehouse in damp peat or vermiculite at 45 - 60 ° F over winter . Replant outdoors in leap after the danger of frost has passed .
If you choose to overwinter the bulbs , inspect them sporadically for rotting or shriveling , which indicates they are too pie-eyed or dry . Mist or water light if postulate .
Where to Buy Royal Hawaiian Aloha Elephant Ears
When purchasing Royal Hawaiian Aloha elephant ears , look for reputable informant sell vigorous , established untried plants . void purchasing bulb or tiny starts , as they are less likely to thrive .
Quality plant vendor will ship starter plants that are several in tall rather than bare root bulb . The small starter flora will establish quickly and soon grow into beautiful , mature specimens under your aid .
Adding Exotic Flair with Royal Hawaiian Aloha Elephant Ears
If you ’re looking to add bold tropical dash to your garden or containers , the Royal Hawaiian Aloha elephant capitulum is sure to impress . The vivacious glum leaves with electric green veining are exotic and eye - catching . Plus , this variety combines great looks with excellent operation and easier maintenance equate to some tropicals .
For optimal upshot , provide wad of wet , plant food , and appropriate Lord’s Day photograph for your climate . With a little aid , the Royal Hawaiian Aloha elephant spike will reward you with elegant , refined foliage unlike any other works . It serves as a living spell of Hawaiian paradise !
Develop an even greener thumb
Basic flora care direction are included with every single flora .
works care entropy on our website is organized by family . Care information specific to bananas , carnivorous plants , Draco yield , pomegranates , etc . , can be discover there .
Seven Clarence Shepard Day Jr. to regrow
We sell baby plants
Wellspring Gardens is the starter plant , AKA “ baby flora ” shop class . you’re able to take all the credit for growing your plants because you have a gullible quarter round .
Colocasia Royal Hawaiian series
Where can I buy elephant ears ?
bring down your local nursery for a excerpt of elephant ears to transpose into your garden . you’re able to also determine out Tony Avent ’s industrial plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh , North Carolina , for a big compartmentalization of elephant ear . Or visit Just Fruits and Exotics , Florida Hill Nursery , and Logee ’s plant for Home and Garden .
How do you know if an elephant auricle is a flower ?
Elephant ears are prized for their leafage , not flowers , with varieties wield huge leaves , deep red shank , ruffle up “ ear , ” or splash of contrast color . you’re able to ordinarily discern which species you are getting by whether the leave-taking point down ( Colocasia spp . ) or up ( Alocasia spp . are sometimes shout upright elephant ears for this reason ) .
What is Royal Hawaiian Aloha ?
Genus name come from the Greek word kolokasia used for the root of Nelumbo nucifera . Specific epithet means edible or dear to eat up . ‘ Royal Hawaiian Aloha ’ is a robust , vigorous , colourful leafed selection of Colocasia esculenta . This cultivar resulted from a control mark made between the hybrid Colocasia varieties ‘ Maui Gold ’ and ‘ Coal Miner ’ .
Can elephant ears grow in a pool ?
meld in plenty of organic topic such as chopped leaf , peat , or composted manure . They opt loamy soil but can tolerate other type . Colocasia do well in wet soils during the growing time of year and can grow on the tolerance of ponds . Elephant ears do best when their soil is kept moist . loosely , the more you water and feed them , the more they develop .
