Heart of the Jungle
Colocasia esculenta 'Heart of the Jungle'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
60 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
8, 9
Water
Consistent moisture to wet
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Tender perennial
Native To
Tropical Asia
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested raw
The Story
Plant Bio
Colocasia esculenta 'Heart of the Jungle' is a lush perennial with large, arrow-shaped dark green leaves that create a bold, tropical foliage display, complemented by small, inconspicuous flowers. This cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant, heart-shaped leaves with striking dark green coloration and prominent veins, making it a standout feature in shaded garden areas.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck rhizomes 2 inches deep in rich, well-draining soil.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Place in partial shade for best foliage color.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring to propagate.
Pro Tip
Ensure consistent moisture for lush foliage and healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture ❌
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Place in partial shade for optimal leaf color
Don't
- Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
- Expose to full sun in hot climates 🌱
- Over-fertilize, which can cause leaf burn
- Neglect watering during dry periods
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Heart of the Jungle questions
What zones can Heart of the Jungle grow in?
Heart of the Jungle 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 Heart of the Jungle deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Heart of the Jungle, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Heart of the Jungle bloom?
Heart of the Jungle typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Heart of the Jungle need full sun?
Heart of the Jungle 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'
Black Beauty Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Beauty'
Taro
Colocasia esculenta
Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Chicago Harlequin'
Black Magic Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic'
Pink China Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Pink China'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Heart of the Jungle 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.
