Colocasia Cleopatra's Kiss

Plant name: Colocasia Cleopatra’s Kiss

Scientific name: Colocasia esculenta ‘Cleopatra’s Kiss’

Plant description:
Colocasia Cleopatra’s Kiss is a striking elephant ear cultivar known for its dramatic foliage patterns and strong architectural form. This upright-growing selection produces bold leaves with a refined, sculptural presence, making it an effective focal point in containers and landscape plantings. Its vigorous growth and distinctive coloring bring structure and contrast to tropical-style designs, especially when paired with fine-textured companions.

Flower description:
Like other Colocasia varieties, Cleopatra’s Kiss may produce small, calla-like spathes typical of the aroid family. Flowers are subtle and secondary to the foliage display, often going unnoticed among the large leaves.

Leaf description:
Leaves are large, shield-shaped, and slightly glossy with deep green to dark tones highlighted by contrasting markings that create a patterned, almost painted appearance. The foliage has a defined structure with prominent veining, and mature leaves are held upright on sturdy stems, enhancing the plant’s bold visual impact.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Herbaceous perennial that remains evergreen in frost-free climates but may go dormant where temperatures drop.

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 8–11 outdoors; grown as a seasonal or container plant in cooler regions.

Mature height and width:
Typically reaches 3–5 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide under favorable growing conditions.

Landscape uses:
Ideal as a statement plant in tropical gardens, large containers, water garden edges, and mixed foliage plantings. Its upright habit makes it suitable as a backdrop or focal feature, adding height and texture to layered designs.

Native range:
Colocasia esculenta originates from Southeast Asia and surrounding tropical regions, with Cleopatra’s Kiss developed through modern ornamental breeding.

Sun exposure:
Grows best in full sun to partial shade. Bright light encourages strong coloration and sturdy growth, while some protection from intense midday sun may help maintain leaf quality in very hot climates.

Water requirements:
Prefers consistently moist to wet soil and performs well in rich, organic growing conditions. Regular watering supports large leaf development and vigorous growth. Soil should remain evenly moist without becoming stagnant.

Pests and problems:
May attract spider mites, aphids, and chewing insects. Poor airflow or overly dry conditions can increase pest pressure. Root issues may occur if soil remains waterlogged without adequate aeration. Maintaining steady moisture and balanced nutrition supports healthy growth.

Heat and sun tolerance: Cold tolerance:
Tolerates high heat well when provided with consistent moisture. Sensitive to frost and freezing temperatures, which can cause foliage collapse and dormancy. Extended cold exposure may damage underground structures.

Growing tips:
Plant in fertile soil enriched with organic matter to support strong growth. Position where the patterned foliage can be viewed up close, as the unique markings are most visible at eye level. Feed regularly during active growth to maintain leaf size and color intensity. Removing older leaves as they age keeps the plant looking clean and encourages new growth from the center.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.