Genus guide
Colocasia — 24 species
Part of the Aroids family (Araceae)
Colocasia — the true elephant ears — are bold, tropical aroids grown for their enormous, heart-shaped leaves in colours ranging from lime green to near-black, with cultivars such as 'Black Magic', 'Mojito', and 'Illustris' being popular statement specimens. They thrive in bright to full sun with consistently moist to wet soil; container-grown plants may need watering daily in warm weather. The ASPCA confirms the entire genus is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses: insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause immediate oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting on ingestion, so keep well away from pets.
All Colocasia species we cover
- Affinis Taro
- Colocasia 'Black Magic'
- Colocasia 'Coffee Cups'
- Colocasia 'Illustris' (Imperial Taro)
- Colocasia 'Mojito'
- Colocasia 'Pink China'
- Colocasia Antiquorum
- Colocasia Black Coral
- Colocasia Blue Hawaii
- Colocasia Burgundy Stem
- Colocasia Colocasia Gigantea Thailand Giant
- Colocasia Crown of Tonga
- Colocasia Elena
- Colocasia Fontanesii
- Colocasia Gigantea
- Colocasia Hilo Beauty
- Colocasia Illustris Black Runner
- Colocasia Nancy's Revenge
- Colocasia Pharaoh's Mask
- Colocasia Puckered Up
- Colocasia Tea Cup
- Elephant ear
- Silver-Veined Taro
- Waterlily Taro
Colocasia — frequently asked questions
Are Colocasia plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Colocasia are not pet-safe. Of the 24 Colocasia species in the Growli library, 24 (100%) carry a toxic or mildly-toxic ASPCA classification and 0 are pet-safe. Always confirm the exact species on its pet-safety page before trusting it around cats or dogs.
How much light do Colocasia plants need?
Most Colocasia do best in bright indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Colocasia easy to care for?
Colocasia are moderate to grow: the main requirement is a genuinely bright spot out of harsh midday sun. Get the light right and the rest of their care follows.
How many Colocasia varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 24 Colocasia species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Colocasia, the rest follow closely.
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