Enormous Leaves of Thailand Giant (photo courtesy of Plant Delights Nursery)

In many areas of the U.S.’Thailand Giant’ elephant ears (Colocasia gigantea) is classified as an annual (USDA hardiness zone 8-10). It grows best in full to partial sunlight (6-hours minimum) and planted in a compost-rich well-drained garden soil or good container potting media. A young plant should be moved outdoors and brought back indoors when night temps fall below 40°F. Thailand Giant may be permanently moved outdoors when night temps are above 45°F.

Thailand Giant grows into a massive 8 to 9 foot tall plant with shiny grayish green foliage. In the garden individual leaves grow in excess of 4 to 5 feet in length and 3 to 4 feet wide if luxuriantly watered and fertilized. Feed with a water-soluble fertilizer such as Miracle-Gro™ or Daniels™ Plant Food, applied bi-monthly from spring planting time until September 1.

Clusters of large fragrant white flowers form at an early age, but are mostly hidden among the enormous sized leaves. The gigantic,tropical looking leaves is the major reason for growing Thailand Giant. Keep the garden soil moist, but not sopping wet. During hot dry summer periods, it should be watered frequently, as much as 2 inches per week.

A few days before first autumn frost, cut back the foliage, dig up the plant, and transplant into a large wide-based container. Store in a cool place (40-45 °F) over the winter and keep soil (potting media) relatively dry. The crown should remain dormant until watering starts up growth in early spring.