Mickey Mouse Elephant Xanthosoma Albo Marginata Variegated Ear

Mickey Mouse plant, native to subtropical southern Africa, is also known as carnival bush, Mickey Mouse bush or small-leaved plane. The plant is a small, semi-evergreen shrub that reaches mature heights of 3 to 8 feet. The plant loses its shiny green leaves in spring, but they are soon replaced with new, pink-flushed foliage. Sweet-smelling yellow blooms form at the tips of the branches in spring. The flowers don’t last long, but the petals soon turn bright red, which cover the plant in early summer. Shiny black berries are suspended from these petals.

Characteristics:

Mickey Mouse Elephant Ears make a wonderful ornamental plant for spots in your garden or yard that get mostly shade or part sun. This product comes as one bulbs with small foliage. It needs to be watered when dry and grows to be about 4-5 feet tall. The plant is a pleasant deeper green and is spotted with cream colored variegations; the best part about this plant is that every ear is different and unique. They will perennialize in warmer climates, such as Texas, and will grow back every spring and die back in the fall- do not worry though, their bulbs are always viable. Work well in larger shaded spaces as well as container gardens for porches and patios.

• Xanthosoma sagittifolium is most commonly known as 'Alocasia Mickey Mouse'. It may take a second to see but you will be pleasantly amused when you take notice of the 'Mickey Mouse ears' shape of the leaf. The intricate variegation makes every leaf an individual and the rippling of the pointed end changes the shape of every leaf. No two are the same! Every leaf is a work of art.

  They're easy to grow but cannot be mass-produced because of the variegation. Every new plant must come from the mother as an individual tuber. They perform best with bright shade, consistent watering, and regular fertilization. Xantho's will grow to 6' in height and the full-grown leaf will easily measure 2'. They grow a new leaf from the center of the plant about every 2 weeks. As the new leaf unwinds it will continue to grow and the variegation coloring will change from yellow to white as the leaf matures. The Mature leaf has a magnificent blend of greens, silver & white. Your Xantho 'Mickey Mouse' will arrive growing in a 6" container and it will be 6-10" tall.

  Feel free to contact me with questions about any of your plants.

• Care Instructions

  Light Requirements: Mickey Mouse perform best with bright shade.

  Watering: Keep the soil moist for your Mickey. Consistent watering, and regular fertilization is key. I like to water with a diluted water-soluble fertilizer 20/20/20 and feed regularly with a slow-release granular fertilizer.

  Soil: When transplanting, use a very light soil with plenty of peat or perlite so that it drains well. 

  Temperature: These are tropical plants and they love the humid warm climates. If the weather is too cold they will go dormant until the spring. The tubers/bulbs will survive all winter as long as the ground doesn't freeze. If you're planting in an area where the ground freezes, dig up the tubers and store them inside until the spring.

Please do adequate research on the plant you are purchasing regarding climate, zones, watering, care and environment for optimal success before purchasing.

All sales final! Seller is not held responsible for any mishandling, cold or heat effects on plant, nor time of delay, or even loss of packages, nor how it affects the life of this thriving plant once it leaves Seller's hands.

No returns, replacements, nor refunds. If you agree to this, go ahead and make the purchase.