Family: Araceae
Scientific name: Leucocasia gigantea 'Thailand Giant'
English name: Giant Elephant Ear
Origin: Thailand

The leaves of this species are huge: in tropical conditions up to 180 cm! As an indoor plant they will be a little less big, but are still very impressive. This variety 'Thailand Giant' produces the largest leaves of the species and was discovered in 2003 in the tropical rain forests of Kanchanaburi in Thailand. The large leaves evaporate a lot of water and also a lot of nutrients are needed to form them. Therefore, make sure the soil is nutrient-rich and also give the plant extra plant food. In addition, the plant needs water as soon as the soil is almost dry. Especially young plants should not be too wet, while older plants can be given almost unlimited water. Furthermore, choose a sunny to semi-sunny location, spray the leaves with water regularly and do not place the plant near a heater during the winter months. Under these conditions, the plant will grow easily and eventually bloom with creamy-white flowers that smell deliciously sweet. Colocasia gigantea is the previous Scientific name of the species, but is still regularly used. So this is the same species. 

Sowing directions: Seeds have a short shelf life and can be sown shallow without any preparation in seed and cutting soil. Keep the soil constantly lightly moist and cover with foil or glass. Germination usually after a few weeks at 25-30grC.    

Sowing time: All year
Difficulty: Intermediate 
Minimum temperature: 5 degrees Celsius