Species
Colocasia giganteaGiant Elephant's Ear1 other cultivar
The Story
Plant Bio
Large, lush foliage that can create a dramatic tropical effect in gardens.
Aptly named, this cultivar is one of the largest elephant ears, capable of reaching 9 feet tall with individual leaves spanning 4-5 feet.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Bulb Corm Tuber
Height
108 inches
Width
96 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
High; consistently moist to wet soil
Humidity
High humidity preferred
Lifespan
Tender Perennial
Native To
Southeast Asia
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested raw; contains calcium oxalate crystals.
Bloom period
Late summer – Early fall
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck corms into well-draining soil in a sunny spot, 2 inches deep.
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during active growth.
- Mist foliage regularly during dry periods to boost humidity.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
- Remove dead or damaged leaves to encourage healthy growth.
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring for propagation.
Pro Tip
Use rich, organic soil and keep the soil consistently moist for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to maintain moist soil 💧
- Apply organic compost annually 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t plant in heavy, poorly-draining clay soil
- Refrain from over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Thailand Giant Taro questions
What zones can Thailand Giant Taro grow in?
Thailand Giant Taro is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Thailand Giant Taro deer resistant?
Yes — Thailand Giant Taro is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Thailand Giant Taro bloom?
Thailand Giant Taro typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Thailand Giant Taro need full sun?
Thailand Giant Taro does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Colocasia to compare
Black Runner Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Runner'
Taro
Colocasia esculenta
Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Chicago Harlequin'
Black Beauty Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Beauty'
Pink China Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Pink China'
Elephant Ear Ruffles
Colocasia esculenta 'Ruffles'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Thailand Giant Taro with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.