Elephant ear plants, a common name for species within the genera Colocasia, Alocasia, and Xanthosoma, are popular for their dramatic, tropical foliage. These aroids are sought after as striking landscape accents in warm climates and as bold statement houseplants across the globe. The cost of acquiring an elephant ear plant can differ significantly, ranging from a few dollars for a dormant root structure to hundreds for a rare cultivar. The final price depends on several factors, including the specific species, the plant’s maturity, and the type of retailer selling it. Understanding these variables can guide a shopper toward finding the perfect plant at the best value.
Price Differences Based on Elephant Ear Variety
The specific genus and cultivar of an elephant ear plant is the primary factor influencing its price, differentiating between mass-market affordability and collector-level expense. Colocasia esculenta and its close relatives, such as the common green-leaved varieties or the popular black-leafed ‘Black Magic,’ typically represent the lower end of the cost spectrum. These common types are readily available at garden centers and are priced as commodity landscape plants, reflecting their ease of propagation and high availability.
More specialized varieties, especially those from the Alocasia genus, command higher prices due to unique leaf textures, colors, and growth habits. Cultivars like Alocasia ‘Silver Dragon’ or Alocasia ‘Maharani’ are often sold as indoor collector plants. A starter plant of a coveted Alocasia may cost two to three times more than a similar-sized common Colocasia.
The highest prices are reserved for rare hybrids or variegated forms, where the presence of white or yellow streaks on the leaf is difficult to propagate consistently. Variegated elephant ears, such as certain Alocasia macrorrhiza variants, can reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars for mature, stable specimens. The distinction in price reflects the difficulty in cultivation and the demand for novelty within the plant community. Xanthosoma varieties tend to fall within the mid-range of pricing, with specific types like ‘Mickey Mouse’ being moderately priced for their novelty leaf shape.
Cost by Purchase Form: Bulbs, Starters, and Mature Plants
The stage of growth at the time of purchase provides the widest variation in elephant ear plant cost, offering options for every budget and patience level. The least expensive way to acquire an elephant ear is by purchasing a dormant corm or bulb, which is the underground storage organ of the plant. These are typically sold in mesh bags or bulk bins, often in packs of three to five, with prices ranging from $5 to $15 for a pack of common varieties. Buying dormant bulbs allows a gardener to acquire a large quantity of plants for a minimal investment.
Moving up the price scale are starter plants, which are small, actively growing specimens sold in 4-inch or 6-inch pots. These plants offer a head start on growth and have established roots, making them a popular mid-range option for those who want instant foliage. Prices for starter plants generally fall between $15 and $30 for common varieties and some less-rare specialty cultivars. This size provides a good balance between cost and immediate visual impact.
The most substantial investment is a mature, established plant, usually sold in gallon-sized containers or larger, which can instantly transform a garden space. These established plants are typically well over a foot tall and have a robust root system. Prices for large, common varieties can start around $40 and may exceed $100 or more for jumbo sizes or rare cultivars. The higher cost reflects the nursery’s time, resources, and growing space required to bring the plant to a large, mature size.
Retailer Price Comparison and Buying Tips
The type of retailer greatly affects the price and selection of elephant ear plants, offering distinct benefits to different types of buyers. Big box stores and mass-market retailers generally offer the lowest prices, focusing on bulk sales of common Colocasia bulbs and basic varieties of starter plants during the spring planting season. These stores are ideal for acquiring foundational landscape plants but typically have a limited selection of rare or specialized cultivars.
Local nurseries and independent garden centers usually price their plants higher but offer a broader range of established plants and local expertise. These retailers often stock higher-quality, regionally adapted varieties that may not be found in mass markets. Prices generally reflect the specialized care and lower volume required.
Online specialty retailers provide access to the widest and rarest selection of Alocasia and Colocasia cultivars, including many new hybrids and variegated forms. While their prices can be the highest, due to the rarity of the plants and the cost of specialized shipping, they are the best source for collectors seeking specific, hard-to-find plants.
For the most practical purchasing strategy, timing the acquisition can lead to significant savings. The peak season for elephant ear sales is late spring and early summer, when prices are generally at their highest due to demand. The best time to find substantial price reductions is during the late summer and early fall clearance sales. Since elephant ears are tropical, retailers often heavily discount their remaining potted inventory before frost to avoid the labor of overwintering them.