Colocasia Cleopatra's Kiss

Here’s a complete growing guide for Colocasia 'Cleopatra’s Kiss', a stunning and unique elephant ear variety:

Colocasia 'Cleopatra’s Kiss' is a striking ornamental elephant ear cultivar known for its lush, heart-shaped leaves with bold dark purple-black veins that run through vibrant green foliage. The contrast creates a dramatic and almost painted appearance, giving the plant a royal, tropical vibe. It also produces dark petioles (stems) that add even more ornamental value.

• Common Name: Elephant Ear

• Botanical Name: Colocasia esculenta 'Cleopatra’s Kiss'

• Type: Tender perennial (tuberous)

Native Range

• Native species (Colocasia esculenta) originates from tropical Asia, particularly India and Southeast Asia, where it grows in wetlands and along riverbanks.

• This specific cultivar was developed for ornamental use and is not native to the U.S.

USDA Hardiness Zones

• Zones 8b–11 (can overwinter in-ground in warm zones)

• In colder zones (Zones 2–8a), treat as an annual or lift and store tubers indoors during winter.

Mature Size

• Height: 4 to 6 feet

• Spread: 3 to 4 feet

• Upright, vase-shaped form with bold architectural presence

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to partial shade (best color in part sun)

• Soil: Rich, moist, and well-draining; thrives in boggy or wet areas

• Water: Loves water! Keep soil consistently moist; excellent in rain gardens or even shallow ponds

• Fertilizer: Heavy feeder—apply a balanced or high-nitrogen fertilizer regularly for lush growth

Care Tips

• Mulch in cooler climates to help retain soil warmth.

• If overwintering indoors, dig up the tuber before first frost, allow it to dry, and store in a cool, dry place.

• Watch for pests like spider mites or snails/slugs on new foliage.

Landscape & Garden Uses

• Focal point in tropical or exotic-themed gardens

• Rain gardens, ponds, or boggy areas

• Large containers for patios or poolside décor

• Pairs beautifully with ferns, cannas, caladiums, and hibiscus

---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.