Giant Elephant Ear
I'm 5'4" tall, so this is an idea of what these can do! I've added info from plant files to try and give you accurate info. These multiply in my yard like crazy!
Colocasia gigantea is an outrageous, fast growing tropical landscape plant well worth growing for the looks of fascination and delight. In a single season, a well fed and watered 4” pot will grow into a monster plant reaching 6-10’ tall with large rounded, powdery green leaves that look like giant elephant ears. Use as a fast growing annual in your summer garden for a dramatic tropical effect. In the winter, dig the tubers and place in the cellar or prune the plant and bring inside. Colocasia gigantea is also called ‘Giant Taro’ since the starchy tubers are eaten in some parts of the world.
Hardy to Zone 8 and higher for outdoors.
Full sun, partial sun, or shade, grows 6-10' in container, minimum temperature 40°.
Light: Full sun, partial sun or shade (southern, eastern or western or northern exposure). The higher the light the better.
Temperature: As a potted plant, maintain indoor temperatures above 50 degrees. During the winter, to maintain active growth keep temperatures above 60 degrees.
Humidity: Preferably 50% or higher; however, they will tolerate low levels with no harm.
Watering: They can be grown with wet feet as in water gardens or bog gardens; however, they are also tolerant to periods of dryness as long as it is not severe. A good rule of thumb is even moisture.
Fertilizer: During the summertime under high light and moisture levels they can be grown with moderate to high levels of feed. This will speed up growth on a seasonal basis. During the winter reduce or stop the application of fertilizer, as they are sensitive to high levels of salts.
Pruning: If the growth gets rough or ragged looking it can be pruned off. At times, we will remove all the foliage to get a “fresh start.” This does no harm and in no time the plant is full of leaves.
Insects and Disease: They are highly susceptible to spider mite under dry conditions. Diseases of the foliage and roots are usually not a problem.
Comments: Colocasias are vigorous fast growing plants that thrive under warmth, light and high moisture. They can be wintered over in basements when the roots and a small amount of foliage remain until spring. They make great garden or mixed container plants.
