Dwarf Elephant Ear
Colocasia fallax
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Bulb Corm Tuber
Height
18 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Consistently moist
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Southeast Asia
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Colocasia fallax is a clumping, herbaceous perennial from the arum family, noted for its attractive, heart-shaped, green leaves often marked with a silver-white blotch in the center. Unlike larger Elephant Ears, this species has a running habit, forming a dense groundcover. Its leaves are distinctively marked with a central silvery-white blotch.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck tubers into well-draining, moist soil in spring after danger of frost passes.
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist, especially during hot months.
- Mist foliage frequently to maintain humidity and prevent leaf scorch.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
- Remove dead or yellowing leaves to promote healthy growth.
- Divide tubers every 2-3 years in early spring for propagation.
Pro Tip
Plant in shaded or partially shaded areas with rich, moist soil for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Provide partial shade in hot climates
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly
- Mulch to retain moisture
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t expose tubers to frost
- Refrain from over-fertilizing
- Don’t ignore pest signs
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
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
Dwarf Elephant Ear questions
What zones can Dwarf Elephant Ear grow in?
Dwarf Elephant Ear is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Dwarf Elephant Ear deer resistant?
Yes — Dwarf Elephant Ear is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Dwarf Elephant Ear bloom?
Dwarf Elephant Ear 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 Dwarf Elephant Ear need full sun?
Dwarf Elephant Ear does best in part shade.
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
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Dwarf Elephant Ear 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.
