Hitchhiker Elephant Ear
Remusatia pumila
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Medium to wet
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Himalayas to Southeast Asia
Toxicity
Contains calcium oxalate crystals; toxic if ingested, can cause skin and eye irritation.
The Story
Plant Bio
A small, clumping, tuberous perennial with glossy, heart-shaped, dark green leaves. In summer, it produces small, hooded, greenish-white flowers (spathe and spadix). Notable for its unique method of vegetative reproduction via stolons that produce tiny bulbils, which can attach to animals to be dispersed.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck rhizomes into well-draining soil in spring.
- Water regularly but do not overwater; keep soil moist.
- Mist leaves frequently to increase humidity.
- Place in partial shade to protect from direct sun.
- Fertilize monthly during growing season with balanced fertilizer.
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring.
Pro Tip
Maintain consistent moisture and humidity for best foliage growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Provide partial shade for optimal foliage
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
Don't
- Avoid direct harsh sunlight ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy fertilization to prevent leaf burn
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Hitchhiker Elephant Ear questions
What zones can Hitchhiker Elephant Ear grow in?
Hitchhiker Elephant Ear is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Hitchhiker Elephant Ear deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Hitchhiker Elephant Ear, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Hitchhiker Elephant Ear bloom?
Hitchhiker Elephant Ear typically blooms in summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Hitchhiker Elephant Ear need full sun?
Hitchhiker Elephant Ear does best in part shade.
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Grow Hitchhiker Elephant Ear with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
