Colocasia, Variegated Elephant Ear, Taro
Colocasiaesculenta 'Elepaio'

Family: Araceae (a-RAY-see-ee)
Genus: Colocasia (kol-oh-KAY-see-uh)
Species: esculenta (es-kew-LEN-tuh)
Cultivar: Elepaio

Category
Tropicals and Tender Perennials

Water Requirements
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Very high moisture needs; suitable for bogs and water gardens

Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade

Foliage
Grown for foliage
Evergreen
Good Fall Color
Smooth

Foliage Color

Height
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)

Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color
Inconspicuous/none

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
N/A

Other details

Soil pH requirements
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)

Seed Collecting