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

Garden photo gallery of Colocasia esculenta

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By: Leafari

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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

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Colocasia for your garden

Colocasia antiquorum 'Illustris'

aka Colocasia esculenta, Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum 'Illustris', Colocasia illustrius, Elephant Ear, Illustris Elephant's Ear, Illustris Imperial Taro, Taro