Category: Annual
Family: ARACEAE
Genus: Colocasia
species: esculenta
Origin:
Size: 0 (min) to 0 (max)
Size Description:
Notes:
Foliage: Gorgeous glossy leaves on soft stems. The leaves are large (some up to 3 or 4 feet), heart- or spade-shaped, with distinctive markings. Beautifully colored and variegated in shades of green, purple, bluish-green, red and bronze. If placed outdoors, wind protection is necessary because the leaves are fragile.
FlowerS: If present, hooded white spathes up to 6 or 7 inches tall. Plant is grown for the foliage.
Culture: Semi-shady to shady, moist but not waterlogged medium during growing season. When the leaves fade in the autumn, less water is needed. In the fall, bring the “bulb” or rhizome indoors to a protected location such as a garage for overwintering
Pests and problems: Rotting of rhizomes when temperatures are too cool
Uses: Tropical specimen plant. Some varieties of Elephant's Ears can be grown in or near ponds. The plants’ milky sap contains sharp, needle-like crystals of calcium oxalate that may irritate skin and mucous membranes. Leaves of some species also contain prussic acid.
Propagation: Division of rhizomes.
Cultivars and Related Genus:
‘Black Magic’ has dark purple-black leaves.
The genus Alocasia is very similar.
Alocasia vs. Colocasia: Alocasia differs technically from Colocasia in ovary characteristics, but in most cases also has a shiny leaf and initially points upward, while Colocasia most often has a matte finish leaf and points downward. Another difference is that Alocasia leaves can be divided or undivided whereas Colocasia leaves are always undivided. Also, Colocasia have leaves that have the stems attached more towards the middle of the leaf and
Characteristics: Recommended Wet Soil Tolerant

Availability:		High Availability
Part Shade Tolerance:		Performs Well	See other plants that like part shade.
Deep Shade Tolerance:		Good Performance	See other plants that like deep shade.