Elephant ear plants, encompassing the genera Colocasia and Alocasia, are prized for their dramatically large, tropical-looking foliage. These striking plants are propagated from underground storage structures often referred to as bulbs, corms, or tubers. To successfully grow these impressive specimens, the initial step requires sourcing healthy and vigorous planting material.
Local and Physical Retail Options
The most common way to find elephant ear tubers is through local brick-and-mortar stores, particularly during the spring months. Large chain garden centers are convenient and offer commonly available stock at competitive prices. However, the selection often focuses only on the most widespread green cultivars of Colocasia esculenta, limiting options for collectors seeking variegated or dark-leafed plants. Tubers at these locations are usually placed on display racks shortly before the final expected frost of the season, marking the start of their planting window.
Local, independent nurseries often provide a more curated selection and a higher level of horticultural expertise regarding tropical plants. These businesses may carry varieties that are better adapted to the specific microclimates of the region and can offer specialized care instructions. Although the purchase price for tubers at a specialized nursery can be higher, this cost often includes reliable, region-specific planting advice and better quality control.
Specialized Online Suppliers
Searching online opens up access to a wider range of exotic and rare elephant ear cultivars that are unavailable at most local stores. Specialized bulb and tuber companies are a reliable source for unique plants, including specific Alocasia varieties like ‘Stingray’ or dark-leafed Colocasia such as ‘Diamond Head’. These suppliers focus exclusively on dormant stock and often provide detailed growing information specific to each cultivar, which is beneficial for less common selections. Purchasing from a dedicated company also helps ensure the material is correctly identified and labeled, which is a common risk when dealing with rare cultivars.
Large e-commerce platforms and sales hosted by horticultural societies also offer avenues for acquiring less common tubers from smaller growers. When using these platforms, checking the seller’s history and customer reviews is a necessary step due to the perishable nature of the product. Tubers are sensitive to prolonged transit times and extreme temperatures, so it is important to select sellers who package the material carefully and offer expedited shipping options.
Evaluating Bulb Quality Before Purchase
Inspecting the physical quality of the elephant ear tuber is crucial for ensuring successful growth. A healthy, viable tuber should feel firm and solid when gently squeezed, indicating proper moisture retention within the storage tissue that fuels initial growth. The item should also feel heavy relative to its size, which is another sign that the cellular structure is dense and not dried out from poor storage conditions. Avoid any tubers that feel spongy, soft, or noticeably light, as these lack the energy reserves needed to sprout successfully.
The surface of the corm should be dry and free from any visible signs of mold, mildew, or dark, soft blemishes that suggest fungal activity. Look closely for the presence of small, firm bumps, which are the dormant “eyes” or growth points from which the new shoots will emerge. An intact eye is necessary for the plant to break dormancy and begin leaf production. Discoloration or excessive shriveling suggests the tuber has been improperly stored or has begun to rot, significantly reducing its chances of successful germination and establishment.