How to Grow Elephant Ear Dasheen
Elephant Ear Dasheen
Colocasia esculenta var. dasheen
vegetableElephant Ear Dasheen is a tropical perennial grown for its starchy corms and edible leaves, featuring large arrow-shaped foliage that can reach 3-6 feet tall. The plant produces underground tubers and is a staple carbohydrate source in many tropical regions. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and is increasingly popular in ornamental and edible gardens.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; can be grown as an annual in zones 8-9 or grown in containers indoors in cooler climates
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Growth Stages
Sprouting
2-4 weeksCorm sprouts and develops first leaves; underground root development begins
Keep soil warm (70-80°F) and consistently moist; ensure good drainage to prevent rot; maintain high humidity
Vegetative Growth
8-12 weeksLarge arrow-shaped leaves emerge and expand; petioles (leaf stems) elongate; plant builds foliage mass
Water regularly and deeply; apply balanced fertilizer monthly; increase spacing if crowded; remove damaged leaves
Leaf Development & Corm Enlargement
8-16 weeksPlant reaches full height; leaves are large and abundant; underground corm begins significant enlargement
Continue consistent watering and monthly fertilizing with higher potassium content; mulch around base; maintain humidity above 60%
Maturation
6-8 weeksLeaf growth slows; corms reach harvestable size underground; plant may flower (small greenish-yellow spathes)
Reduce fertilizer frequency; maintain steady moisture; flowers are ornamental but not essential for corm production
Dormancy/Harvest
Varies by climate; in cool zones, triggered by temperature dropLeaves yellow and die back in cooler weather; corms are fully mature and starchy
Stop watering gradually as foliage declines; dig corms carefully; cure in warm, dry place for 1-2 weeks; store in cool, dry conditions
Common Pests
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Handpick beetles; use neem oil spray; remove infested leaves; maintain plant vigor
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Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if severe
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with neem oil; isolate affected plants
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Plant in sterilized soil; practice crop rotation; avoid planting in infested soil; use resistant varieties if available
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Prune heavily infested foliage; spray with horticultural oil; improve air circulation
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Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if necessary
Uses
Starchy tuber vegetable
CulinaryCorms are cooked and eaten like potatoes, providing a mild, slightly nutty starch that serves as a carbohydrate staple in tropical cuisines. They can be boiled, roasted, fried, or processed into flour. [source]
Edible leaves (callaloo)
CulinaryYoung leaves and leaf stems are cooked as a nutritious green vegetable, popular in Caribbean and African cuisines. The leaves are rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron when properly prepared. [source]
Traditional digestive remedy
MedicinalIn traditional medicine systems, Dasheen corms are used to support digestive health and provide easily digestible carbohydrates for recovering patients. The plant is considered gentle on the stomach. [source]
Starch production
HouseholdCorms can be processed to produce arrowroot-like starch for cooking, baking, and laundry purposes, serving as a traditional starch source before commercial alternatives. [source]
Decorative foliage plant
OrnamentalThe dramatic large leaves make Elephant Ear Dasheen an attractive ornamental plant for tropical and subtropical gardens, containers, and indoor spaces, adding lush texture and height to landscapes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest leaves year-round when mature (8-12 weeks) by cutting outer petioles near the base, leaving the growing center intact. For corms, harvest 6-9 months after planting when foliage begins to decline, or wait for natural dormancy in cooler zones. Dig carefully to avoid bruising corms. Always wear gloves when handling fresh corms and leaves to avoid skin irritation from calcium oxalate crystals.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Elephant Ear Dasheen leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause mouth irritation if eaten raw; cooking breaks down these compounds and makes the plant safe to eat.
- 🌱 The plant is called 'Dasheen' because the name derives from West African 'da-shin,' reflecting the plant's ancient African origins and importance in the African diaspora.
- 🌱 In Hawaii, a related taro variety produces poi, a sacred and staple food made by cooking and pounding the corms into a paste, central to Hawaiian culture for centuries.
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