Alphabetical Plant Listing

Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Splendid Elephant Ears

Alocasia, Colocasia, Taro, Imperial Taro


Often grown for their dramatic foliage reminiscent of elephant ears, Colocasia and Alocasia are terrific tender perennials that provide a strong ornamental interest and quickly give a touch of the tropics in gardens or containers. Impossibly exotic, their architectural shapes make them perfect for planting as focal plants or massed to create a tropical effect. Easy to grow, they stand proud and bold provided some basic rules are respected.

1. Choose The Right Tubers

  • Choose tubers that are large, firm, and plump.
  • The size of the tubers is highly correlated to the overall size of the plant and leaf production. The bigger the bulb, the bigger the plant and more spectacular the foliage.

Guide Information

Hardiness 8 - 11
Plant Type Annuals, Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Alocasia - Elephant Ears, Colocasia - Taro
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
Compare All Alocasia - Elephant Ears Compare All Colocasia - Taro Guides with Alocasia - Elephant Ears Guides with Colocasia - Taro

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 8 - 11
Plant Type Annuals, Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Alocasia - Elephant Ears, Colocasia - Taro
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
Compare All Alocasia - Elephant Ears Compare All Colocasia - Taro Guides with Alocasia - Elephant Ears Guides with Colocasia - Taro

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