This product does not ship to: Idaho

Illustris Colocasia

Proven Selections

$27.99
(8 reviews) Write a Review
Availability : Out of Stock
$27.99
This product does not ship to: Idaho
  • Height 36-60 Inches
  • Width 12-36 Inches
  • Use as a thriller when using in containers
  • Can be grown outdoors or as a houseplant!
  • Growing Zones 8 - 11

Wow! Elephant Ear (Colocasia) never disappoints with its huge, heart-shaped leaves and contrasting venation. Illustris is a dramatic Colocasia esculenta variety with a deep purple and black hue that both catches the eye with its singularity and provides a backdrop for bright blooms to shine. If you’re looking for a large show-stopping plant for a pond garden or a consistently wet area of your landscape, Illustris is for you! Plus, it is adaptable as a houseplant and the tubers can be overwintered so you can enjoy its beauty year after year.

Illustris Elephant Ear grows up to 5’ tall and 3’ wide, and the dark foliage has an upright growing habit that supports its large, majestic leaves. This large stunner looks fabulous when planted in a big container alone or as a tall “thriller” in a combination planting. The deep, dark leaves provide the perfect backdrop for showing off the colorful blooms and green foliage of other plants. The Humane Society of America says that Colocasia plants can be toxic to pets. Do not plant these in an area where a pet might want to nibble on them.

Illustris Colocasia Care

Illustris Elephant Ear thrives in partially sunny conditions with wet or soggy soils. This makes them a perfect water feature or pond plant. Keep the soil constantly wet, or plant them in an area that doesn’t dry out.

Illustris Elephant Ear is adaptable as a houseplant and the tubers can be stored for replanting in the spring. If you have space indoors to bring the large potted plant inside for the winter, it makes an excellent houseplant. Make sure it has indirect sunlight, peat-rich soil and plenty of humidity. Try placing it on a pebble mat or near a humidifier to provide the humidity it needs to thrive.

The tubers can also be stored over the winter and replanted in the spring. Before overwintering the tubers, allow the frost to kill the top of the plant and then cut off all of the stems. Then, dig up the tubers and clean the soil off of them. Wrap them in newspaper or pack them in dry peat moss. Label the tubers and store them in a cool, dark place between 35-45°F. Do not allow them to freeze.

Illustris Colocasia Spacing

These large plants need space! Elephant Ear containers must be at least 12” wide to allow room for growth. When planting in the ground, allow up to 36” space. They can be planted as close as 12” to provide a thick screen or hedge.

Illustris Colocasia Information

USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
Flower Color(s): Grown for Foliage
Foliage Color(s) Purple
Foliage Description: Black/Purple
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun
Height Class: Tall
Height: 36-60 Inches
Spread: 12-36 Inches
Spacing: 12-36 Inches
Habit: Upright
Watering: Average
Drought Tolerant: No
Container Role: Thriller
Use Types: Container, Houseplant, Landscape
Features: Foliage Interest, Deadheading Not Necessary
Maintenance: Easy
Scientific Name: Colocasia esculent 'Illustris'
Common Name: Illustris Colocasia
Other Name(s): Dasheen, Green Taro, Malanga, Taro, Elephant Ears
Plant Type: Annual
Brand: Proven Selections
SKU:
COLIL

Container Sizes

Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

4.5 Pot

4.5" Pot
 Also Know As:
   4.5" Container

 Plant Age:
   ~ 6 months
 Plant Size:
   ~ 3"-6"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
 Volume:
   1.42 quarts

Quart Pot

Quart Pot
 Also Know As:
   Quart

 Plant Age:
   ~ 6 months - 1 year
 Plant Size:
   ~ 4"-8"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
 Volume:
   1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart

2.5 Quart
 Also Know As:
   2.5 Quart Pot

 Plant Age:
   ~ 1.5 - 2 years old
 Plant Size:
   ~ 8"-12"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
 Volume:
   2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot

#1 Pot
 Also Know As:
   #1 Container
    1 Gallon
 Plant Age:
   ~ 1.5 - 2 years old
 Plant Size:
   ~ 10"-14"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 7"H x 7.75"W
 Volume:
   2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot

#2 Pot
 Also Know As:
   #2 Container
    2 Gallon
 Plant Age:
   ~ 1.5 - 3 years old
 Plant Size:
   ~ 12"-18"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
 Volume:
   1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot

#3 Pot
 Also Know As:
   #3 Container
    3 Gallon
 Plant Age:
   ~ 2 - 4 years old
 Plant Size:
   ~ 12"-30"
 Pot Size:
   ~9.5"H x 11"W
 Volume:
   2.32-2.76 gallons


For more detailed information, please click here.

Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)

Plant Addicts guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy and healthy, but the plant(s) are being shipped through the mail and accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.

For information on how to care for you new plant please check out our guide. Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty whether you’re new or an expert. There are many variables outside our control and yours that can cause the demise of your plant(s). Examples would be hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, disease, insects & many other factors. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all the unknowns and will replace your plant if it moves on to the plant afterlife.

The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant purchase. We will cover 100% of the price of the plant but the warranty does not cover shipping cost. Simply let us know if your plant has died within one year of receiving it and we’ll get you a new one shipped out. We may ask for photos for documentation purposes but again we’ll try to make it as easy as possible.

For more information, please go to our Shipping & Returns page at the bottom of the website.

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping

Standard Colors: 2-3 business days

Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice

Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations

Plant Shipping

Time of Order:

Summer Shipping

  • If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.  
    • We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location


Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.

It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.

8 Reviews - Illustris Colocasia Show Reviews

  • 5
    Love...

    Posted by Nina Sukhovetskaya on Aug 10, 2023

    The plant arrived in ok condition since it was shipped during the extremely hot weather. A few leaves were damaged but after repotting it and giving it a lot of moisture it’s thriving. Very beautiful plant!

  • 5
    Illustris...

    Posted by Keith Vaughn on Jul 06, 2023

    Plant was packaged securely and arrived promptly. Stunning plant. Everything was intact, not broken or damaged leaves. Very healthy plant

  • 1
    Horrible...

    Posted by Angela on May 29, 2023

    Arrived highly damaged. I was told it was “transplant shock” and to “be patient”. Lost half the plant. Paid for a #1 size pot, received 6” worth of tiny undergrowth. Never again.

  • 3
    Shipping?

    Posted by Engle Linda on May 26, 2023

    Loved the plant but obvious damage caused by shipping/handling. Hope it survives.

  • 1
    Very...

    Posted by Kerry Garvin on Jul 23, 2022

    The plants that I was sent arrived half dead and the rest of the stems are snapped and bent. I contacted costumer service and sent photos. My customer service representative contacted the green house manager who suggested i move the plant outside. I increased the water and watched it with care . It died right before my eyes, the stems are brown and yellow and the beautiful leaves are crunchy like potato chips. I feel like I reached out for help and got a stock answer that gets thrown out at everyone. I paid way to much to have these plants be struggling so desperately within a week of receiving them

  • 5
    Illustris colocasia

    Posted by Evelyn on Jun 18, 2022

    It is gorgeous and very healthy. Thrilled with it.

  • 5
    Gorgeous!

    Posted by Evelyn Matheny on Jun 18, 2022

    It shipped fast, it excellent condition right out of the box. It’s been a week and it’s already growing like a weed!

  • 5
    very attractive foliage

    Posted by Norma Villareal on Feb 20, 2022

    If you're looking for a beautiful, colored foliage plant for your pond garden, look no further! Illustris Colocasia is a dark purple and black hue with a show-stopping appearance. It will really stand out in any garden and make it that much more irresistible to the eye. This plant is especially great for shady areas, where it can be difficult to find colors like this. I highly recommend this plant!