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    • Photo of Colocasia esculenta flower by Leafari

    Photo by Leafari

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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    Colocasia esculenta

    Also Known As

    • Elephant Ears
    • Taro Plant

    Plant type

    perennial, bulb / corm / tuber, aroid

    size

    • H: 4'-6'
    • W: 4'-6'

    planting zones

    • 10a-11

    More Options

    Colocasia esculenta plant details

    Colocasia esculenta is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous perennial aroid bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. Features glossy texture. Grows well with mostly sun - dappled shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Colocasia esculenta

    Plant type: perennial aroid bulb / corm / tuber
    Plant family: araceae
    Foliage: deciduous green
    Mature size: 4 FT - 6 FT - wide, 4 FT - 6 FT - tall
    Uses: big leaves, container plant, exotic, heart-shaped leaves, showy, tropical-looking

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Colocasia esculenta

    USDA Zones: 10a - 11
    Sun exposure: mostly sun - dappled shade
    Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
    Resistant to: humidity and verticillium wilt
    Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    Colocasia esculenta is a tall taro or elephant's ear with huge, dramatic, arrow-shaped, glossy green leaves. Their blooms consist of a spathe and spadix that are yellow-green though insignificant - its all about the foliage. Native to eastern Asia, is grown as an edible by using the underground corm, much like a potato. As an tropical ornamental, grow as a marginal plant in ponds or in pots or beds with evenly moist soil. They need lots of heat to break dormancy. Though potentially hardy they are best brought in as a houseplant. Deer resistant.

    By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

    This is the classic big-leafed elephant ear plant - a dramatic addition to any landscape design. With mature heights of 4 to 6 feet and huge 18" swaying leaves, esculenta adds a coveted tropical flair. Overwinters outside in zone 8 and warmer. Grow in an oversized container and bring indoors in colder climates.

    By: Leafari

    Gardening facts about Colocasia esculenta plant

    How to Grow Colocasia esculenta

    • Sun Exposure

      • mostly sun - dappled shade

    • Water Needs

      • even moisture - regular

    • Soil Needs

      • average
      • well-drained
      • rich

    • Special Situation

      • humidity tolerant
      • verticillium wilt resistant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Foliage Season

      • deciduous

    • Texture

      • glossy

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