Colocasia esculenta aka Elephant's Ear

Colocasia esculenta thrives at temperatures of 21-28°C and is suited to tropical and subtropical climates. It requires frost-free conditions to grow as a perennial; in USDA zones below 8, plants are treated as annuals or corms are dug and overwintered indoors in cool, dry storage above 7°C (45°F). The plant does not tolerate prolonged cold or hard frost.

In temperate climates (zones below 8), dig corms after the first frost in autumn and store them in cool, dry conditions above 7°C until spring. In zones 8-11, plants can remain in the ground year-round but benefit from a mulch layer in cooler winters. Reduce watering as the plant dies back. Resume regular irrigation and feeding in spring as new growth emerges.

Colocasia esculenta produces fragrant flowers when they do occur, consisting of a yellow spathe and spadix. However, flowering is rare in cultivation and the foliage itself is not considered scented.

Colocasia esculenta encompasses many cultivated varieties developed across centuries of cultivation. Hawaiian kalo varieties are central to traditional Hawaiian culture. Ornamental cultivars include purple- and black-leafed forms such as 'Black Magic' and 'Blue Hawaii', as well as variegated and red-stemmed types. Starch-rich varieties optimized for corm production are widely grown across tropical Africa and Asia. Sri Lankan varieties are notable for ornamental purple leaves.

Taro grows well outdoors in tropical and subtropical climates (USDA zones 8-11). It prefers moist to wet soils, tolerating standing water, and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is suited to rain gardens, pond margins, large containers, and mixed borders. In regions with adequate annual rainfall (1,800-2,700 mm), it can be grown with minimal irrigation. Note that it is classified as invasive in the southeastern United States and parts of Australia.

Colocasia esculenta requires minimal pruning. Remove old, yellowing, or damaged leaves at the base to maintain appearance and encourage fresh growth. No structural pruning is necessary. In temperate areas, the plant dies back in autumn; cut dead foliage down before or after digging the corms for winter storage.

When grown in containers, repot taro in spring when roots become pot-bound or when corms visibly outgrow their container. Use a large, heavy container with fertile, moisture-retentive soil mix. Ensure the container can hold adequate moisture; self-watering or water-reservoir pots are ideal. Corms can also be divided during repotting to produce new plants.

Wipe large taro leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve light absorption. Do not use leaf-shine products. Avoid harsh sprays that could damage the large leaf surfaces. Regular misting in dry environments helps maintain humidity and reduces dust accumulation.

Colocasia esculenta is propagated by division of corms and offsets (daughter corms or stolons). Divide corms in spring, ensuring each division has at least one growing point. Plant divisions shallowly in moist, fertile soil. Taro can also be propagated from sections of the corm itself. Seed propagation is rarely used in cultivation.

Yellowing leaves in Colocasia esculenta most commonly result from insufficient water or inconsistent moisture — the plant requires continuously moist to wet soil and will decline quickly if allowed to dry out. Other causes include nutrient deficiency (the plant is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular fertilization), cold temperatures, or natural senescence of older leaves. Ensure consistently wet soil, feed regularly, and protect from cold.

Brown leaf tips or edges typically indicate low humidity, dry soil, or exposure to strong winds. Colocasia esculenta requires high moisture and humidity; dry air causes leaf-tip browning. Protect from wind, maintain consistently moist soil, and mist foliage in dry conditions. Brown discoloration can also result from cold damage or frost.

Drooping or wilting leaves are almost always a sign of underwatering or heat stress. Taro is a high-water plant that cannot tolerate drought; even brief drying causes rapid wilting. Ensure the soil is consistently moist to wet and provide afternoon shade in very hot climates.

In temperate climates, Colocasia esculenta is deciduous and loses its leaves naturally in autumn when temperatures drop. This is normal seasonal behaviour, not a sign of disease. In tropical and subtropical climates it remains evergreen. Premature leaf drop outside autumn may indicate cold damage, severe drought stress, or root rot from waterlogged soil in a container without drainage.

Colocasia esculenta is a fast-growing plant under ideal conditions. Slow growth is usually caused by insufficient light, cool temperatures (below 18°C), or nutrient deficiency. The plant is a heavy feeder and benefits from a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Ensure full sun to bright indirect light, consistent warmth, and adequate moisture.

Colocasia esculenta is generally considered low-maintenance with no serious insect or disease problems under good cultural conditions. Occasional issues include aphids, spider mites (under dry conditions), and fungal leaf spot. Root rot can occur if corms sit in stagnant, poorly oxygenated water; good air circulation around roots helps prevent this. In outdoor settings, slugs and snails may feed on young leaves.

Colocasia esculenta flowers are rarely produced in cultivation. When flowering does occur, the inflorescence is a spadix surrounded by a spathe; pollination in the wild is typically by insects. The plant is grown almost entirely for its corms and foliage rather than for fruit or seed production.

Colocasia esculenta has an edibility rating of 4/5. The starchy corms are the primary edible part, used worldwide as a cooked vegetable (boiled, baked, or fried like potatoes). Young leaves and stems are also edible after thorough cooking. Raw taro is toxic due to calcium oxalate crystals and must always be cooked — boiling in salted water for at least 1 hour, or thorough drying, eliminates the toxicity. Cooked corms are rich in carbohydrates, vitamin B6, vitamin E, and manganese. Taro is a major global staple with world production of 18 million tonnes in 2022.

Colocasia esculenta has a medicinal rating of 2/5. Traditional medicinal uses include leaf decoctions to promote menstruation and treat digestive complaints, heated leaf poultices applied to boils and skin conditions, leaf stalk sap for conjunctivitis, and general wound care applications. The plant has documented antibacterial and hypotensive (blood-pressure-lowering) properties. These uses are traditional and not supported by major clinical trials.

Colocasia esculenta has an other-uses rating of 1/5. Beyond food and medicine, the large leaves are used in some cultures to wrap food for steaming or baking. The starch from corms is fine-grained and suitable for baby food and specialized culinary applications. The plant is widely used ornamentally in gardens for its dramatic foliage.

Elephant's Ear is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

The Elephant's Ear is clumping in nature, with new growth originating from the soil in close proximity to the original plant.

Elephant's Ear’s native range is Southeast Asia.

Elephant's Ear should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Elephant's Ear loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Elephant's Ear requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Elephant's Ear will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

The Elephant's Ear is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

The Elephant's Ear should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Elephant's Ear is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

If you provide your Elephant's Ear with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.