Growing Colocasia Esculenta (Elephant Ear Taro) – A Tropical Foliage Star

Boasting huge, shapely leaves on bold stalks, Colocasia esculenta provides an instant tropical vibe to gardens and containers. This fast-growing tuber, known as elephant ear taro, carries a host of common names including gabi, kalo, and eddo. Let’s explore growing and caring for this dramatic warm-season performer.

Native to tropical and subtropical Asia, Colocasia esculenta thrives in hot, humid climates. Growing up to 6-8 feet tall and wide, these moisture-loving plants sport leaves up to 3 feet long! The leaves emerge chartreuse in spring then mature to dark green, blue-green, purple-black, or variegated depending on variety. The plants die back to the ground after frost.

Both the leaves and starchy underground corms (similar to bulbs) are edible In fact, taro is a nutritious staple food crop in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific islands. The leaves must be cooked before eating to remove calcium oxalate crystals that cause mouth irritation

In the garden, elephant ear taro makes a bold tropical statement with its huge foliage and lush look. It loves water and should be sited around ponds and other wet spots. Containers allow you to position it on patios and decks. Rich soil and some shelter from wind are beneficial.

Choosing the Best Varieties

Many species and cultivars of elephant ear taro exist Some top options include

• ‘Black Magic’ – Dramatic dark purple-black leaves grow up to 3 feet long. The red stems and veins add nice contrast

• ‘Black Sapphire Gecko’ – A compact 2-3 foot variety with elegant purple-black foliage featuring lime green gecko-like patterns when young.

• ‘Blue Hawaii’ – Large blue-green leaves unfurl to an impressive 3 feet across on this vigorous grower.

• ‘Fontanesii’ – One of the most cold hardy varieties, surviving winters in zone 7. Arrow-shaped leaves have striking dark green and silvery variegation.

• ‘Illustris’ – Huge 2-3 foot leaves display distinctive white central veins and main ribs against dark green. Striking and vigorous.

• ‘Mojito’ – A petite variety suitable for containers, reaching just 16 inches tall. The leaves exhibit fresh lime green and white coloration.

Growing Conditions

Here are the keys to success when cultivating elephant ear taro:

• Sun – Most varieties thrive in full sun to part shade. Variegated types appreciate some afternoon shade.

• Soil – Rich, moist soil is ideal. Amend planting sites with compost or rotted manure to encourage lush growth. Keep soil consistently moist.

• Climate – Being tropical natives, they need hot summer temperatures and high humidity. Provide ample water. Grow as annuals where they won’t overwinter.

• Fertilizer – Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season for strong growth. Reduce feeding in fall.

• Pruning – Cut back dead leaves and stems in late fall after the first frost. Mulch plants or dig and store the corms in winter.

Growing Tips and Care

Follow these tips to keep your elephant ears healthy and vibrant:

• Plant tubers or starts after the last frost date once soil warms to 70°F. Harden off plants started indoors first.

• Space plants 2-4 feet apart depending on expected mature size. Place the tuber horizontally 2 inches below the soil surface.

• Provide 1-2 inches of water per week from rainfall or irrigation. Water at the base to keep leaves dry.

• Shelter from strong winds, which can shred the large leaves. Sites near buildings or walls are ideal.

• Apply a 4-inch layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Replenish as needed.

• Stake tall varieties if needed. Avoid tying the leaves, just secure the main stalks discreetly.

• Wipe leaves periodically with damp cloth to remove dust. Watch for aphids and spider mites. Treat promptly if found.

• In zones 8-11, you can leave tubers in the ground. Elsewhere dig them and store dormant over winter in a cool spot.

• Propagate by dividing the corms or taking basal stem cuttings in spring, allowing them to root before planting out.

Companion Planting Suggestions

The bold leaves and tropical look of elephant ear taro make it a great backdrop or specimen plant. Combine it with these companions:

• Bright cannas and bananas for a bold tropical vibe

• Airy grasses like miscanthus, fountain grass, and switch grass

• Spiky plants like cordyline and yucca for contrast in form and texture

• Large-leaved hostas, ferns, and ligularia for different big foliage

• Tropical flowers like canna lily, hibiscus, and bird of paradise

• Vining plants like mandevilla and passion flower to climb up the stems

• Shrubs and small trees like Japanese maple and roses

Designing With Elephant Ear Taro

There are so many creative ways to utilize the fabulous foliage of elephant ear taro:

• Make a bold jungle-inspired statement by combining different leaf shapes and textures

• Use it as a large-scale background plant behind shorter plants

• Plant in rows along fences or property lines to create a lush tropical screen

• Surround a pond or water feature for an exotic water garden look

• Grow in containers on the patio, alternating with pots of bright flowers

• Form allées and striking focal points in the garden

• Pair different leaf colors and patterns for dramatic contrasts

Let your imagination run wild when planting elephant ear taro in the garden – the possibilities are endless!

The huge, architectural leaves of Colocasia esculenta provide gorgeous standout appeal wherever it is grown. This tropical foliage star lightens up shady areas and adds exotic pizzazz by water features or in containers. If you crave bold textures and shades of green in the garden, look no further than the fabulous elephant ear taro. Give it a try this summer and enjoy your own sultry tropical oasis!