Plant

Elephant Ear Plant (Colocasia) – Propagation and Care

Elephant ear plant (Colocasia) is so easy to grow and belongs to the most famous and eye-getting herbaceous plant. Whether you want a more modest holder plant or a gigantic tropical-looking highlight, Colocasia offers a lot of shading and assortment and numerous varieties are incredibly strong. Colocasia is a variety of blooming plants in the family Araceae, local to southeastern Asia and the Indian subcontinent. A few animal groups are broadly developed and naturalized in other tropical and subtropical areas.

Elephant-ear and cocoyam are likewise utilized for a few other huge leaved genera in the Araceae. The leaves are enormous to extremely huge, 20-150 cm (7.9-59.1 in) long, with a sagittate shape. The elephant’s ear plant gets its name from the leaves, which are formed like a huge ear or safeguard.

elephant ear plant
By Vsmith – Picture taken this morning in my back yardPreviously published: Facebook account, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52436194

The plant duplicates for the most part through rhizomes (tubers, corms), yet it additionally creates bunches of two to five fragrant inflorescences in the leaf axils. Like different individuals from the family, the plant contains an aggravation that extremely distresses the lips, mouth, and throat. This acidity is caused partially by tiny needle-like raphides of calcium oxalate monohydrate. It should be handled by cooking, splashing, or maturing – now and again alongside a corrosive (lime or tamarind) – before being eaten.

Also Read: Ginger Lily Plant Propagation, Diseases, and Care

The plant can be filled in the ground or enormous compartments. They are developed externally all year in subtropical and tropical regions. In calm districts, they are planted out for the late spring and uncovered and put away over winter, dry and with ventilation to forestall contagious disease. Colocasia leaves contain phytochemicals, for example, anthraquinones, apigenin, catechins, cinnamic corrosive subordinates, vitexin, and isovitexin[1]Tagwireyi, D. and D. Ball, The management of Elephant’s Ear poisoning. Human & experimental toxicology, 2001. 20(4): p. 189-192. Read.

Important Species

Colocasia gigantea (Leucocasia gigantea)

This species is among the major survivors of the cold weather Leucocasia (previously Colocasia) gigantea so it is being named ‘Survivor’. In rich, wet soils, it handily arrived at 8′ tall x 9′ wide. Leucocasia gigantea ‘Survivor’ looks like an alocasia, the 6′ tall dark petioles (stalks) hold the huge, silver-veined, dim green leaves through and through. Whenever the plants are fully grown, the tip of the leaf curves descending, and each leaf creates unusual limbs on the underside. This clone of Leucocasia gigantea makes a quick increasing bunch[2]Rosmah, M. and A. Mariam, Asymbiotic Seed Germination and Early Seedling Development of Threatened Endemic Orchid Phalaenopsis gigantea. Innovative Plant Productivity and Quality: p. 25. Read.

Colocasia gigantea
By Raffi Kojian – http://Gardenology.org, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14651179

Colocasia fallax

In contrast to most other elephant ears, this light shade-and dampness darling structures adjusted designed leaves of smooth medium green, each featured by a wide silver streak down the middle vein with more modest silver veins emanating from the middle to the leaf edge. The plants are embellished the entire summer with little yellow spathe and spadix blossoms. The 18″ tall plants make 2′ wide bunches in 3 years however spread a lot quicker (4′ wide fix in 2 years) in extremely wet soils through short, over-the-ground stolons. it looks quite special and delightful[3]Yin, J.-T. Colocasia tibetensis (Araceae, Colocasieae), a new species from southeast Tibet, China. in Annales Botanici Fennici. 2006: JSTOR. Read.

Colocasia fallax
Image Source: Plant Delights

Colocasia affinis

Colocasia affinis ‘Jenningsii’ is a beguiling however mostly secret bantam elephant ear, cherished for its picture-great, smooth charcoal leaf face with focal charcoal veining and a goliath silver smudge in the focal point of each leaf. Generally, the material sold as this is Colocasia antiquorum ‘Illustris’ (no focal silver example and green veins). This 18-inch-tall, light shade, and dampness-adoring species has demonstrated to be a great nursery plant. Colocasia ‘Jenningsii’ goes lethargic not long before the fall freeze and sprouts in late June[4]Alam, S. and M.R. Haque, Phytochemical screening of Colocasia gigantea and Colocasia affinis (Family: Araceae) using 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR techniques. BioRxiv, 2020. Read.

Colocasia affinis
CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=169577

Elephant Ear Plant Propagation

Whether you are moving them inside to protect them from the cold or intending to upgrade your indoor design, you can relocate elephant ears inside. The most ideal way to relocate elephant ears includes cautiously getting the root ball out from underneath the ground, being certain not to harm the tuber simultaneously. The most effective way to relocate elephant ears in the colder time of year is to scale the leaves back, leaving the best two leaves, and cutting the rest.

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Bring the plants inside before the temperatures arrive at the 30s Fahrenheit. You can store the roots at cool temperatures somewhere in the range of 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep elephant ears dry while putting away them by placing them in peat greenery or cross-section sacks. In the spring, repot and develop elephant ears inside. On the off chance that you live in zone 8 or higher, elephant ears can be straightforwardly planted in the ground when the temperatures reach higher than 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. By root cutting (or bulb cutting or by runners)

Rather than utilizing the bulbs, you may likewise utilize the seeds that structure on the plants. The most effective way to proliferate elephant ears by seed is to spread them on the dirt. If you keep them clammy or fog them, they will develop rapidly. Inside a couple of months anticipate that the seedlings should require bigger holders[5]Niknejad, A., M. Kadir, and S. Kadzimin, In vitro plant regeneration from protocorms-like bodies (PLBs) and callus of Phalaenopsis gigantea (Epidendroideae: Orchidaceae). African Journal of … Continue reading.

2. By seeds

You can engender elephant ears by seed, sprinter, or by relocating. Elephant ears like to fill in soil that is reliably wet. Utilize a rich soil somewhere in the range of 5.5 and 7.0 pH.

Plant bulbs around 2 to 4 creep under the dirt, more obscure assortments can be filled in the incomplete shade, yet the lighter cultivars fill best in full light. They need warm temperatures and incline toward high dampness. Keep in mind, while developing elephant ears in pots, the greater bulbs bring about bigger plants. Treat the plants liberally when they are first developing. Throughout the spring and summer, they ought to be treated once each month with fluid compost or utilize slow-delivering cases toward the beginning of the period[6]Kolašinac, S., et al., Challenges and possibilities of organic seed production with the emphasis on control of pathogens. АГРОЗНАЊЕ, 2017. 18(4): p. 307-315. Read.

Uses and some health facts related to elephant ear plant

  • While by and large known for its consumable, boring root, the leaves of the taro plant additionally fill in as a staple food in different cooking styles.
  • While consuming cooked taro leaves might offer some medical advantages, it’s vital to take note that the crude leaves are noxious before cooking.
  • Taro leaves are a low-calorie green verdant vegetable that is high in potassium, minerals, and nutrients C and A. consuming cooked taro leaves consistently may assist with decreasing free extremists in your body, thus supporting infection counteraction.
  • Taro leaves are low in calories, high in fiber, and high in micronutrients. This adds to a few potential medical advantages, for example, advancing a solid body weight, supporting heart well-being, and forestalling sickness.
  • The leaves of the taro plant contain undeniable degrees of oxalates that can be noxious when consumed crudely. It’s essential to appropriately cook them to stay away from destructive secondary effects[7]Sharma, S., et al., Taro (Colocasia esculenta), in Antioxidants in vegetables and nuts-properties and health benefits. 2020, Springer. p. 341-353. Read.
  • Taro root is high in fiber and safe starch, which assists with bringing down cholesterol and decreasing your gamble of coronary illness. Taro root contains fiber and safe starch, which both sluggish processing and diminish glucose spikes after suppers. Because of its high fiber and safe starch content, taro root might build sensations of totality, lessen general calorie admission, and increment fat consumption, possibly prompting weight reduction and decreased muscle-to-fat ratio.
  • The fiber and safe starch in taro root are matured by stomach microbes to shape short-chain unsaturated fats, which might safeguard against colon malignant growth and incendiary inside illness.
  • Taro root has a smooth, dull surface and a somewhat sweet taste. It very well may be cooked and delighted in both sweet and flavorful dishes. You ought not to eat crude taro root as it contains intensities that might create a stinging or consuming uproar in your mouth.
  • Its great circulatory strain brings down the impacts of cancer prevention agent-rich purple sweet potato extricates. In any case, more human investigations are required[8]Prajapati, R., et al., Colocasia esculenta: A potent indigenous plant. International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases, 2011. 1(2): p. 90. Read.

Diseases of elephant ear plant

  • The Most widely recognized issue in elephant ear plants is the Leaf scourge, it’s a contagious illness that makes tan spots due to steady dampness. Different Problems with the leaf are bacterial leaf spots, leaf sear, insect bugs, and Phyllosticta leaf spots[9]Jackson, G. and D. Gollifer, Disease and pest problems of taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) in the British Solomon Islands. PANS Pest Articles & News Summaries, 1975. 21(1): p. 45-53. Read.
  • The most well-known elephant ear plant illness is the contagious leaf scourge. It produces little round injuries on the elaborate leaves that might overflow liquid and become purple or yellow when dry. Whenever the parasite is in full blossom, there is likewise fluffy development. After some time the whole leaf implodes on itself and the infection goes down the corm.
  • Parasitic Blight increments leaf spots in adjoining leaves. Phytophthora colocasiae is a growth that causes leaf scourge. It is a significant contagious infection that makes round sores on the leaf and makes a liquid shape that becomes yellow when it dries, dusts back, and falls. It can likewise reach the base on the off chance that not settled.
  • The minuscule bug takes cover behind the leaves and makes many side networks vanish right away assuming that anything occurs.
  • One of the hazardous infections among every other leaf issue as this influences the entire elephant ear plant is caused by a parasite called Pythium.
  • Phytophthora colocasia is an organism that causes a leaf scourge. It is a significant contagious illness that causes round injuries on the leaf and makes a liquid shape that becomes yellow when it dries likewise, at times dull purple spots.
  • This microorganism causes spots that in brown in shading on the leaf and you can without much of a stretch notice the specks[10]Misra, R.S., K. Sharma, and A.K. Mishra, Phytophthora leaf blight of Taro (Colocasia esculenta)—a review. Asian Australas J Plant Sci Biotechnol, 2008. 2: p. 55-63. Read.

Elephant ear plant care

  • Any place you are developing your plant, apply fair fluid manure, for example, a kelp feed, consistently when it is in development, and keep the dirt clammy.
  • Your Colocasia won’t endure ice, so in fall, treat the tubers as you would those of dahlias – uncover the plant, remove the foliage, and store the tubers in a cool yet ice-free and dry put over winter. Replant the tubers and bring them back into development in late winter the next year in a warm spot inside or in a nursery.
  • You’ll have to keep it at temperatures that are above 21°C, if not it will go torpid and lose its leaves. A treatment system like clockwork with a 50 percent weakened 20-10-10 food is a basic piece of houseplant care for Colocasia. You might cease the preparation throughout the cold weather for a long time to permit the Colocasia to rest.
  • Additionally, cut back on watering during this time and permit the dirt to dry out somewhat. Colocasia is a weighty feeder and for best execution requires natural manures and rich natural soil with a lot of treated soil material. A pH from 5.5 to 7.0 is agreeable. Most Colocasia favors splendid daylight, except if filled in incredibly sweltering, low-stickiness environments, where some light shade will be important.
  • Colocasia shows their leaves with the tip of the heart pointing down. They incline toward the full sun and predictable dampness. Alocasias hold the tip rotate about or up and they incline toward all the more very much depleted soil and a little shade.
  • Colocasia esculenta needs steady watering; to the point that the dirt of the taro plant keeps wet. Water it all the more regularly in the dry season and keep it in a spot that gets the greatest measure of water.
  • Colocasia plants are exceptionally powerful cultivators and drink a great deal of water, it is a parched plant. Never permit the plant to dry out. It is defenseless to a couple of the normal nursery bothers. Developing Colocasia inside requires high dampness. Utilize a humidifier in the room where you anticipate developing Colocasia inside[11]Gupta, K., et al., Potential of Colocasia leaves in human nutrition: Review on nutritional and phytochemical properties. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 2019. 43(7): p. e12878. Read.

References

References
1Tagwireyi, D. and D. Ball, The management of Elephant’s Ear poisoning. Human & experimental toxicology, 2001. 20(4): p. 189-192. Read
2Rosmah, M. and A. Mariam, Asymbiotic Seed Germination and Early Seedling Development of Threatened Endemic Orchid Phalaenopsis gigantea. Innovative Plant Productivity and Quality: p. 25. Read
3Yin, J.-T. Colocasia tibetensis (Araceae, Colocasieae), a new species from southeast Tibet, China. in Annales Botanici Fennici. 2006: JSTOR. Read
4Alam, S. and M.R. Haque, Phytochemical screening of Colocasia gigantea and Colocasia affinis (Family: Araceae) using 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR techniques. BioRxiv, 2020. Read
5Niknejad, A., M. Kadir, and S. Kadzimin, In vitro plant regeneration from protocorms-like bodies (PLBs) and callus of Phalaenopsis gigantea (Epidendroideae: Orchidaceae). African Journal of Biotechnology, 2011. 10(56): p. 11808-11816. Read
6Kolašinac, S., et al., Challenges and possibilities of organic seed production with the emphasis on control of pathogens. АГРОЗНАЊЕ, 2017. 18(4): p. 307-315. Read
7Sharma, S., et al., Taro (Colocasia esculenta), in Antioxidants in vegetables and nuts-properties and health benefits. 2020, Springer. p. 341-353. Read
8Prajapati, R., et al., Colocasia esculenta: A potent indigenous plant. International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases, 2011. 1(2): p. 90. Read
9Jackson, G. and D. Gollifer, Disease and pest problems of taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) in the British Solomon Islands. PANS Pest Articles & News Summaries, 1975. 21(1): p. 45-53. Read
10Misra, R.S., K. Sharma, and A.K. Mishra, Phytophthora leaf blight of Taro (Colocasia esculenta)—a review. Asian Australas J Plant Sci Biotechnol, 2008. 2: p. 55-63. Read
11Gupta, K., et al., Potential of Colocasia leaves in human nutrition: Review on nutritional and phytochemical properties. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 2019. 43(7): p. e12878. Read