Colocasia esculenta 'Thailand Giant' – Massive Elephant's Ear for Dramatic Impact

'Thailand Giant' Elephant's Ears

Colocasia esculenta 'Thailand Giant' is undoubtedly the plant with the largest foliage in the aroid (Araceae) family. Leaves emerge in mid- to late spring, reaching more than 6 feet long and 3 feet wide in one season under optimal conditions. In a Zone 7 garden, a leftover bud survived winter and grew a whopping 8 feet tall and wide in its first year against a heat-reflecting brick wall. Children and silly adults love to compare their ears to those of 'Thailand Giant'.

—Adrienne Roethling, Elephant's Ears, Fine Gardening issue #148, page 57

Noteworthy Characteristics

Giant, stunning foliage.

Growing Conditions & Care

Gardeners in cool hardiness zones may overwinter tubers indoors covered by peat moss during winter, after leaves have been desiccated by frost.

Propagation

Plant tubers when soil is consistently around 70°F. Offspring shoots can be transplanted.

Quick Reference

• Height: 9 ft.
• Spread: 12 ft.
• Light: Full sun only
• Moisture: Medium
• Maintenance: Low
• Foliage Color: Green
• Type: Tropical