Colocasia Plug Plants: How to Grow and Care for Elephant Ears in the UK
Colocasia plug plants (Elephant Ears) bring dramatic, exotic foliage to UK gardens with their huge, tropical leaves and bold architectural form. While these plants love warmth and moisture, they can thrive beautifully in the UK with a little planning. Here’s how to grow, feed, water and overwinter Colocasia successfully for lush results.
What Are Colocasia (Elephant Ears)?
Colocasia are tropical plants known for their huge, heart‑shaped leaves that instantly give gardens a jungle‑like feel. Grown from plug plants, they establish quickly and produce bold foliage when kept warm, moist and well‑fed.
They’re perfect for:
- Jungle gardens
- Pondside planting
- Patio containers
- Exotic borders
- Large foliage displays
Is Colocasia Hardy in the UK?
Colocasia are not fully hardy in most parts of the UK. They prefer temperatures above 10°C, and frost will damage or kill the foliage.
However, you can grow them outdoors in summer by:
- Planting after all frost risk has passed
- Providing rich, moist soil
- Overwintering the tubers or potted plants indoors
In mild coastal or sheltered microclimates (like Cornwall), they may survive outdoors with heavy protection — but overwintering is still recommended for reliability.
How to Grow Colocasia in the UK
Growing Colocasia well in the UK is all about warmth, moisture, and feeding.
1. Start with Quality Plug Plants
Plug plants root quickly and establish strong growth.
- Pot up into 2–3 litre pots using rich multipurpose or loam‑based compost.
- Keep indoors or in a heated greenhouse until nighttime temperatures stay above 10°C.
2. Choose the Right Location
Colocasia thrive in:
✔ Moist, fertile soil
✔ Partial shade (they love bright shade or filtered light)
✔ Warm, sheltered positions
Great locations include:
- Boggy borders
- Next to ponds
- Shady patios
- Tropical or jungle borders
Avoid full, harsh midday sun unless the soil stays wet — they can scorch.
3. Keep the Soil Consistently Moist
Colocasia are very thirsty plants.
- Water generously in summer
- Never allow pots or borders to dry out
- Add mulch to lock in moisture
Some varieties even tolerate their pot sitting in a tray of water — they love boggy roots.
4. Feed Regularly for Big Leaves
Feed with a high‑nitrogen fertiliser every 1–2 weeks throughout the growing season to maximise foliage size.
More nitrogen = bigger, lusher leaves.
How to Overwinter Colocasia in the UK
Because Colocasia dislike cold, winter protection is essential.
Option 1 — Lift and Store Tubers (Most Reliable)
After the first frost blackens the leaves:
- Cut back foliage
- Lift the tuber gently
- Allow it to dry for a few days
- Store in slightly damp compost or peat
- Keep in a cool, frost‑free place like a shed, garage, or cupboard
Option 2 — Keep the Plant in a Pot Indoors
If grown in containers:
- Move the whole pot indoors before frost
- Place in a bright, warm spot (house, conservatory, heated greenhouse)
- Water lightly through winter
Option 3 — Leave Outside with Heavy Protection (Risky)
Only in very mild climates.
Cover with:
- Deep mulch
- Straw
- Fleece
Even then, survival isn’t guaranteed.
Can You Grow Colocasia in Pots?
Yes — Colocasia grow brilliantly in containers.
Tips for pot success:
- Use large pots (they love root room)
- Mix compost with water‑retaining gels
- Water constantly in summer
- Stand pots in a saucer of water during heatwaves
- Feed weekly
- Bring indoors for winter
Pots make overwintering far easier.
Final Tips for Success
- Start early in spring for the biggest leaves
- Keep constantly watered and well‑fed
- Choose sheltered, warm spots
- Overwinter carefully
- Don’t expect fast growth until temperatures rise
Colocasia plug plants reward good care with huge foliage and a truly tropical display.
FAQs
Are Colocasia hardy in the UK?
Not fully. They need frost-free conditions and must be lifted or brought indoors for winter.
Do Colocasia like full sun?
They prefer partial shade with moist soil. Strong midday sun can scorch leaves if not watered enough.
Can Elephant Ears grow in pots?
Yes — they thrive in large containers kept constantly moist and fed regularly.
How big do Colocasia get?
Depending on the variety, they can reach 60cm to 2m tall with large heart-shaped leaves.
How often should I water Colocasia?
Very often! Keep soil consistently damp, especially in summer.
