To say that this plant will dwarf any plant you already own would be putting it mildly! ‘Thailand Giant’ is much larger than C. gigantea. Its glaucous green leaves can measure a whopping 5′ long x 4′ wide each. Full grown plants typically reach 9ft tall, though some grown in tropical climates have reportedly reached 20′.
From a young age, this plant produces pleasantly perfumed, white, lily-like flowers, though it really is grown more for its gigantic leaves.
Thanks to Petra Schmidt of Plant Delights Nursery, who collected seed growing in the wild in Thailand, we can all enjoy this seedling selection. Create your own private jungle with Colocasia g. ‘Thailand Giant’!
Colocasia is an outstanding tropical plant that is often grown as an annual in colder zones. It is a moisture loving plant that needs consistently moist to wet soil to perform best and achieve its maximum size. Colocasia will also grow in shallow water near the edges of ponds or bogs. This plant prefers full sun as long as sufficient moisture and humidity are provided. In dry climates, it is better sited in partial shade. Colocasias are heavy feeders, so the soil should be enriched with humus and other organic nutrients should be provided on a regular basis. Where Colocasia is hardy, it should be mulched well in winter to protect the central tuber.
Height: 9.0 Feet Spread: 9.0 Feet Hardiness Zones: 8,9,10 Flower Color: White Shades Foliage Color: Green shades Sunlight: Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) – Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) Consistent Water Needs Fertile Soil Quality Deer and Rabbit Resistant Growth Rate: Rapid
The Colocasia g. ‘Thailand Giant’ is a stunning variety of elephant ear, renowned for its colossal size and lush foliage. This tropical plant can reach a towering height of 10 feet, with leaves that can grow up to an astounding 5 feet long and 4 feet wide! Native to Southeast Asia, it thrives in warm, humid climates and quickly adds a dramatic, tropical feel to gardens and landscapes. This plant truly lives up to its name, dwarfing other plants in the garden and creating an unforgettable focal point. In this article, we will delve into the key characteristics, growth habits, care requirements, and potential challenges of this remarkable plant.
Common Names While its scientific name is Colocasia g. ‘Thailand Giant’, this plant is also known by several common names, including:
Giant Elephant Ear
Thailand Giant Elephant Ear
Elephant’s-ear
Growth Habits The Colocasia g. ‘Thailand Giant’ exhibits a rapid growth rate, often reaching its full height of 9 feet in a single growing season. In tropical climates, with optimal conditions, it can even reach an astonishing 20 feet tall! Its leaves, a striking glaucous green, emerge from sturdy, succulent leaf stalks. Unlike Alocasia plants, whose leaves point upwards, the leaves of Colocasia gracefully droop downwards. This creates a unique umbrella-like shape that adds to its visual appeal. While primarily grown for its foliage, the plant also produces fragrant, white, lily-like flowers that add a delightful touch.
Care Requirements To ensure your Colocasia g. ‘Thailand Giant’ flourishes and reaches its full potential, it is essential to provide it with the right growing conditions and care. This plant is relatively low-maintenance once established, but understanding its needs is crucial for success.
Ideal Growing Conditions The Colocasia g. ‘Thailand Giant’ prefers a warm, humid environment with plenty of moisture. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10. Here is a summary of its ideal growing conditions:
Factor
Requirements
· Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, it is best to provide some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from scorching.
· Soil
Organically rich, moist, and well-drained soil. A mix of potting soil, peat, and perlite or sand works well.
· Water
Consistent watering is crucial, especially during hot, dry periods. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged.
· Temperature
Ideal temperature range is 65-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
· Humidity
High humidity is preferred.
Planting and Care
Planting Time: Spring, after the last frost has passed.
Location: Choose a location with partial shade to full sun, depending on your climate.
Soil Preparation: Amend the soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility.
Spacing: Space plants 3-6 feet apart, depending on the mature size of the variety.
Potting Mix: When growing in containers, use a well-draining, high-quality potting mix. A mix of finely ground pine bark with sand, perlite, or vermiculite is recommended. Avoid generic brands or “moisture control” types, as they tend to retain too much water.
Watering: It is a moisture-loving plant that needs consistently moist soil but well-drained soil to perform best and achieve its maximum size. Thailand Giant is initially very sensitive to overwatering. Do not let it dry out, but do not let it sit in a puddle either—too much water during the pre-planting stage is the number one killer of Colocasia gigantea. When the plant starts to dry out, water it until the soil is saturated and then allow the pot to drain until no water runs out the bottom. Once established, it wants heavy frequent watering. More water = more plant.
Fertilizing: Colocasias are heavy feeders, so the soil should be enriched with humus and other organic nutrients should be provided on a regular basis. Compost is an excellent organic fertilizer for Colocasia g. ‘Thailand Giant’. The more compost, the better, but only apply it during active growth.
Winter Care In colder climates, the Colocasia g. ‘Thailand Giant’ needs protection during the winter. You can either dig up the corms before the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place or heavily mulch the plant to insulate it from the cold. For indoor overwintering, dig up the plant, pot it, and either treat it like a houseplant or cut the foliage off and put the pot in a garage or crawlspace. In either case, reduce watering and stop fertilizing. Keep the temperature at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Your Colocasia g. ‘Thailand Giant’ may not emerge from winter dormancy until well into the summer, so be patient.
Pests and Diseases While generally hardy and resistant to most pests and diseases when provided with proper care the Colocasia g. ‘Thailand Giant’ can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases.
Pests Common pests include:
Aphids and Spider Mites: These pests frequently target the large leaves. Regularly spraying the plant with a hose helps dislodge them, maintaining leaf health. For severe infestations, applying neem oil provides an organic solution to eliminate these invaders without harming beneficial insects.
Snails and Slugs: They feast on the young leaves, causing significant damage. Surrounding the plant with diatomaceous earth or using copper tape around pots deters these pests effectively.
Diseases Common diseases include:
Root Rot: Overwatering is a prime cause. Ensuring well-drained soil and moderating watering schedules prevent this issue. If signs of root rot appear, removing affected roots and repotting the plant in fresh, sterile soil mitigates further damage.
Leaf Spot: Manifests as discolored spots on leaves. Improving air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering reduce the risk. For existing infections, removing affected leaves and applying fungicides specifically designed for leaf spot disease helps control its spread.
Propagation Colocasia g. ‘Thailand Giant’ can be propagated through various methods:
Seed Collection: Collect seeds about 30 days after fertilization and sow them as soon as possible after drying. Germination should take place within 21 days.
Corm Division: Divide larger corms to create new plants.
Plantlet Separation: Separate the new plantlets that form at the rhizome tips on the running types.
Toxicity It is important to note that all parts of the Colocasia g. ‘Thailand Giant’ plant are poisonous when raw due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion can cause burning and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat, as well as difficulty speaking. If you have children or pets, ensure they do not consume any part of the plant. Cooking the plant thoroughly neutralizes the toxins, but it is best to err on the side of caution.
The Colocasia g. ‘Thailand Giant’ is a truly exceptional plant that can transform any garden into a lush, tropical paradise. Its towering height, enormous leaves, and unique growth habit make it a captivating centerpiece. While it requires specific care, particularly with watering and winter protection in colder climates, it is generally low-maintenance and rewards gardeners with its dramatic presence. By understanding its needs and potential challenges, such as pests and toxicity, you can ensure that your Thailand Giant thrives and becomes a highlight of your garden for years to come.
Approximate Plug Measurements: 3.25 inches deep x 2.6 inches wide.
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