Black Leaf Illustris Elephant Ears

Black Leaf Illustris Elephant Ears (Colocasia esculenta 'Black Leaf Illustris') is a clumping tropical plant with large, velvety, almost black heart-shaped leaves veined in bright green. It stands 60 to 70cm tall and about 50cm wide, and it is built for ponds, water margins and ground that never dries out. It is a plant for the gardener who can keep it wet.

Why you'll love it

• Near-black foliage. The velvet leaves are dark enough to look black, and the bright green veins make the contrast dramatic.
• Made for water. Plant it at the edge of a pond, where the pot can sit submerged to a depth of 15cm.
• Colour deepens with age. Leaves are greener when young and on tubestock plants, then darken as the plant grows.
• Sun darkens the colour. In full sun, with plentiful water, the leaves turn a deeper shade than they do in part shade.
• Versatile in pots. It also suits indoor pots and rockery pockets, as long as the soil stays moist.

Where it works best

Pond edges and water gardens. Set the pot in shallow water, no deeper than 15cm, or plant at the margin where the roots stay wet. Space plants 50cm apart for a bold group.

Moist beds and bog gardens. A permanently damp, sheltered corner suits it, away from strong wind that tatters the big leaves.

Pots indoors and on patios. Stand the pot in a shallow dish of water so it never dries out. Bright, filtered light indoors is best.

Growing Black Leaf Illustris Elephant Ears in Australia

Position and climate. Part shade is the safe starting point, in a sheltered position. Full sun gives darker leaves but demands plentiful water. Protect it from frost and strong winds. It suits tropical and subtropical gardens best, and warm temperate ones with shelter.

Soil. Rich, moist soil that is neutral to acidic. It grows happily in pond margins and bog gardens. Mulch the surface.

Water and feed. Never let it dry out. Water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, and keep it wet after that. It is greedy for nutrients, so feed regularly through the growing season.

Pruning. It is tuberous and goes dormant in winter, when growth stops, so remove dead leaves as they fade. Every few years, replant or mulch with compost around the base, because the plant can rise out of the soil.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Black Leaf Illustris Elephant Ears as tube stock. That is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly in warm, wet conditions. Tubestock leaves are greener than those on a mature plant, and the black colour builds as the clump grows.

Our tubes are supplied by our grower, so they are not always on hand. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Elephant ears and alocasias
• Elephant ear plant care
• Best water plants for garden ponds
• Plants for tropical climates

Common questions

Can I grow it in a pond?

Yes. It is a pond-margin plant, and the pot can sit submerged to about 15cm. Do not plant it deeper than that.

Why are my leaves green, not black?

Young plants and tubestock carry greener leaves, which darken as the plant grows. More sun, with plenty of water, deepens the colour.

Is it toxic to pets?

Yes. Colocasia is toxic if eaten, and the sap can irritate skin and mouth, so keep it away from chewing pets and children.