Insecticide For Elephant Ears

Elephant ears, the common name for three distinct species of plants, are grown for their attractive foliage. However, they have the potential to be invasive in warm climates and wet locations. A nonselective, systemic herbicide repeatedly applied to the leaves and stems is the best option for killing these plants when they become a nuisance.

Types of Elephant Ears

1. The three plants commonly known as elephant ear include the true elephant ears (Xanthosoma sagittifolium), which have leaves up to 6 feet in length and can reach 9 feet in overall height; Taro (Colocasia esculenta), which has leaves 2 to 3 feet long and reaches 3 to 4 feet high; and Elephant’s ear (Alocasia spp.), which is available in large- or small-leaf varieties that grow to different sizes.These plants are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11. In the warmest zones, elephant ears will remain green year-round.

Invasive Potential

1. Elephant ears and taro can be invasive in warm climates, especially if planted near water. They have become a problem in Florida, Louisiana and Texas, where steps are being taken to remove elephant ears and replace them with native species. If elephant ears invade natural water ways, the thick roots systems can clog shallow water. This prevents water flow and kills fish that live nearby. The large leaves also can kill native species by blocking too much of the available sunlight.

Effective Herbicides

1. Taro and elephant ears in the Xanthosoma species are hard to eradicate with herbicides. Repeated applications of a 2% solution of glyphosate on the surfaces of the leaves may be effective. Painting an herbicide on the stem also may prove effective against all three species of elephant ears. Glyphosate is a systemic nonselective herbicide that is applied typically to plant leaves. It is available in a wide variety of products, each with different application instructions. For best results, always read and follow label directions.

Other Controls

1. In addition to herbicide application, elephant ears also can be controlled by digging the plants. Any new shoots that grow from roots can be killed by glyphosate applied to the young leaves. Care should be take when removing elephant ears by hand, as all species are poisonous and can irritate skin. Wear gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and close-toed shoes when working with these plants. Alocasia species are highly toxic and should never be ingested or come into contact with eyes.