Tropical Storm Elephant Ear

Colocasia esculenta 'Tropical Storm'

Plants that Work®

Versatile 3-in-1 plant: Thrives as a year-round houseplant, a perennial in Zones 8-10, or a spectacular summer annual in the North.
Space-saving compact habit reaches only 2 feet tall, making it the premier choice for indoor tabletops or mixed patio containers.
High-contrast foliage features deep purple-black margins with a jagged, "lightning strike" creamy white center on every leaf.
High moisture tolerance allows for unique planting options, including rain gardens, pond edges, or self-watering indoor pots.

$56⁴⁴

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Plant Size

#1 Container

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Planting & Care

Where to Place

Sunlight: For indoor growth, place your plant in a spot that receives 6 to 8 hours of bright, indirect light, such as near a south or west facing window behind a sheer curtain. While it needs light to keep its deep purple color, direct glass-magnified sun can scorch the foliage, so watch for "bleaching" on the white centers.
Soil: Use a high quality, peat-based potting mix that is designed to hold moisture while still allowing for some aeration. Ensure your container has plenty of drainage holes because, while this plant loves water, stagnant water at the bottom of a pot indoors can lead to root rot.

Watering and Humidity

Indoor environments are significantly drier than the tropics, so you must keep the soil consistently moist to the touch without letting it become a soggy mess. Since these plants "breathe" through their large leaves, they require high humidity to prevent the edges from turning brown and crispy. Think of it like a spa treatment; placing the pot on a tray of wet pebbles or using a nearby humidifier will keep the foliage lush and vibrant.

Pruning Tips

Pruning indoors is primarily about "grooming" to maintain the plant's compact two foot shape and aesthetic appeal. When an older leaf begins to droop or turn yellow at the bottom of the clump, snip the stem off cleanly about an inch above the soil line. This type of regular maintenance prevents the plant from wasting energy on dying tissue and helps you spot any indoor pests like spider mites before they become a problem.

Fertilizer Needs

During the active growing months of spring and summer, use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer every four weeks to fuel those high-contrast leaves. Scale back feeding to once every eight weeks during the winter because the plant naturally slows its metabolism during shorter days. Avoid high-nitrogen "bloom booster" fertilizers as they can lead to weak, lanky stems that cannot support the weight of the heavy velvet leaves.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

An Exotic Powerhouse for Any Space

Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a sun-drenched apartment, the Tropical Storm Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta 'Tropical Storm') brings an immediate sense of the exotic to your doorstep. This isn't your average, oversized Taro. 'Tropical Storm' was specifically bred to be a compact showstopper, offering the same dramatic, dark foliage as its larger cousins but in a manageable 2-foot frame. This smaller stature makes it the ultimate "crossover" plant—perfect as a high-contrast patio accent in the summer and a sophisticated houseplant in the winter.

High-Voltage Foliage

The name "Tropical Storm" perfectly captures the visual energy of its leaves. Each heart-shaped leaf emerges in a deep, moody purple-black that appears almost charcoal in certain lights. A bold, creamy-white center then "strikes" through the middle of the leaf, creating a jagged contrast that looks like a lightning bolt against a dark sky. Because the stems are also dark and succulent, the plant maintains a cohesive, high-fashion look from the soil line to the leaf tips.

From Patio Thriller to Indoor Specimen

In the garden, use Colocasia esculenta 'Tropical Storm' as the "thriller" in your mixed containers. Its bold texture and dark colors make lime-green ferns or bright pink petunias pop with intensity. Because it loves water, it is also a fantastic choice for boggy areas or the edges of a garden pond where other plants might struggle with "wet feet."

When the temperatures begin to dip, you don't have to say goodbye to this beauty. Simply move your containers indoors. As a houseplant, 'Tropical Storm' acts as a living sculpture, cleaning the air and adding a bold focal point to your interior design. Its compact size ensures it fits perfectly on a side table or a plant stand without overwhelming the room.

Seasons of Beauty

In warmer climates (Zones 8-10), 'Tropical Storm' provides year-round interest in the landscape. In northern zones, it serves as a fast-growing summer annual that creates a vacation-like atmosphere in an instant. For the gardener who wants a plant that can transition from the poolside to the parlor, 'Tropical Storm' is the clear choice.

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Growing Zones 8-10

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Tropical Storm Elephant Ear suitable for?

Tropical Storm Elephant Ear is hardy in USDA zones 8-10 for year-round outdoor growing. In colder zones, treat it as an annual or bring containers indoors when temperatures drop. Plant outdoors after last frost for best results.

How large does Tropical Storm Elephant Ear grow at maturity?

Tropical Storm Elephant Ear reaches a compact 2 feet tall and wide at maturity. This smaller stature makes it perfect for containers and indoor use, unlike traditional oversized elephant ears. Shop at Nature Hills for this manageable showstopper.

What are the planting zones or climate requirements for growing Tropical Storm Elephant Ear outdoors?

Tropical Storm Elephant Ear thrives year-round outdoors in zones 8-10. In northern zones, treat it as an annual or move containers indoors before first frost. It handles wet conditions well, making it ideal for bog gardens or pond edges.

How do I care for Tropical Storm Elephant Ear after planting, including watering and fertilizing?

Tropical Storm Elephant Ear thrives with consistent moisture and loves "wet feet" more than most plants. Water regularly to keep soil moist, and fertilize monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer. Perfect for boggy spots or pond edges where it can stay naturally hydrated.

What is the mature height and width of Tropical Storm Elephant Ear?

Tropical Storm Elephant Ear reaches a compact 2 feet tall and wide at maturity. This smaller stature makes it perfect for containers, indoor use, or tight garden spaces where traditional elephant ears would be too large. Shop at Nature Hills for this manageable showstopper.

What light requirements does Tropical Storm Elephant Ear need?

Tropical Storm Elephant Ear thrives in bright, indirect light to partial shade. While it tolerates some direct morning sun, harsh afternoon rays can scorch its dramatic dark foliage. Indoors, place it near a bright window with filtered light for optimal growth.