As summer turns to fall (the first day of autumn is officially tomorrow!), elephant ears are making a more prominent appearance at Rudy’s Happy Patch Market.

Elephant ears are tropical plants, so they do well in hot, humid climates.  That’s close enough in Southwest Georgia these days. When other plants start to fade in late summer and early fall, they continue to thrive and make beautiful, sturdy porch or lawn plants. Just bring them inside in the winter as container plants.

Two types of elephant ear plants are grown: alocasias and colocasias. The former has paddle-shaped leaves that tilt outward or upward. The latter has heart-shaped leaves, and the tips point downward.

While all elephant ears plants are hardy and low-maintenance, remember the following: 

Leaves tilt upward (Alocasia): a little midday shade and well-drained soil. Leaves point downward (Colocasia): full sun and consistent moisture.