I am a herbaceous perennial prized for my spectacular, heart- or arrow-shaped leaves that can grow to enormous sizes.

My most iconic feature is my large, often velvety or glossy leaves held on long, sturdy petioles (stalks). Some varieties have striking venation or dark, almost black foliage.

I grow from a thick underground tuber or rhizome (corm).

I may produce an inconspicuous floral spathe, similar to a calla lily, but the foliage is the main attraction.

I am native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Eastern Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

I am a thirsty plant that loves consistent moisture. I thrive in damp to wet soil, replicating my native rainforest or wetland edges.

Water me frequently during the growing season, never allowing the soil to dry out completely. Some varieties (Colocasia esculenta) can even grow in standing water.

I enjoy high humidity and will suffer with dry, crispy leaf edges if the air is too dry.

Reduce watering significantly when I go dormant in winter.

I thrive in partial shade to bright, indirect light. Dappled sunlight is ideal.

Most varieties can tolerate some morning sun, but harsh afternoon sun can scorch and fade my large leaves.

In too much deep shade, my growth will be slower, and stems may become leggy.

I am a heat-loving tropical plant, best suited to USDA zones 8-11, often grown as an annual in cooler climates.

I thrive in temperatures between 18°C and 29°C.

I am very sensitive to cold. Frost will kill my foliage, and temperatures below 10°C can damage my tuber. I will go dormant if temperatures drop.

I am a dramatic focal point in tropical gardens, water garden margins, and large containers.

Plant my tuber in rich, moist, well-draining soil amended with plenty of compost.

In cooler zones, I can be grown in pots and brought indoors before the first frost.

Provide ample space for my leaves to reach their full, impressive spread.

I am a heavy feeder due to my rapid production of large leaves.

Feed me every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer.

Stop feeding in late fall as I prepare for dormancy.

Primary Genera: Alocasia, Colocasia, Xanthosoma

Common Names: Elephant Ear, Taro (Colocasia esculenta), African Mask Plant (Alocasia amazonica)

Plant Family: Araceae

Plant Type: Tuberous perennial

I contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in all parts of the plant. If chewed or ingested by pets or humans, I can cause oral irritation, intense burning, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep me well out of reach.

With my very large leaf surface area, I am moderately effective at absorbing airborne pollutants and releasing oxygen and moisture through transpiration, helping to purify and humidify the air.