Elephant’s Ear (Colocasia, Alocasia, or Xanthosoma spp.)

Sun Needs:

• Full sun to partial shade, depending on the variety
• Colocasia prefers more moisture and can handle full sun
• Alocasia prefers bright, indirect light or dappled sun

Bloom Time:

• Rarely blooms
• May produce small, calla-like flowers on a spathe and spadix

Size:

Height: 3 to 8 feet (some varieties may reach up to 10 feet)
Width: 2 to 6 feet

Attributes:

• Grown mainly for tropical foliage
• Leaves can be green, black, or variegated
• Ideal for moist garden beds, water edges, or large containers
• Some types (like Colocasia esculenta) are edible when cooked, but must be handled properly

Care Tips:

• Needs consistently moist, well-draining soil
• Loves humidity and warmth
• Can be grown indoors or outdoors in summer
• Not frost-tolerant – dig up tubers in cold climates for winter storage
• Feed with regular fertilizer during the growing season