Marianne's Response

Why Did My Black Beauty Elephant Ears Turn Green?

Hello! I bought some black beauty elephant ears last year. I absolutely fell in love with them. I wintered them, then re-planted them this year. Last year they were black, but this year they are green! What happened? Why are they not black this year?
Thanks

Posted by Jeannie Mouse on September 4, 2017

Marianne's Response

This happens with some foliage plants after they have been overwintered. The plants revert back to their original green color. It is sometimes said to be temperature related but I suspect the green section of the tuber just dominates over the more exotic black in somewhat of a hostile takeover. At least the plant looks healthy - but green. You may just need to splurge on young black beauty elephant ears each spring. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti