• A large Plumbea Nigra elephant ear plant with broad, dark leaves stands prominently, filling the frame.
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Ships Spring 2027

Elephant Ear Bulbs - Plumbea Nigra

An elegant variety with tips pointing skyward

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About the Variety

Key Features

Heat Tolerant
Prefers Dappled Shade
Prefers Moist Soil
Clay Soil Tolerant
Container Friendly
Fast Growing
Easy to Grow
Medicinal
Edible
Reduces Erosion

Plant Details

BOTANICAL NAME

Colocasia esculenta

LIFE CYCLE

  • Perennial

SEED TYPE

  • Bulb

LIGHT REQUIREMENT

  • Partial Shade

BLOOM SEASON

  • Summer through Fall

GROWTH HABIT

  • Clumping
  • Upright

PLANT HEIGHT

  • 36 to 60 inches

COLOR

  • Black
  • Green

Elephant Ears Bulbs Plumbea Nigra is a striking evergreen plant native to Indonesia. Its dramatic, nearly black, dark green leaves are supported by robust purple stems, creating a bold visual impact unlike no other plant in the garden. This Alocasia variety reaches a height of three to five feet, making it an excellent choice for adding a tropical, dramatic flair to gardens or patio containers. A fast-growing, broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial, it is prized for its glossy, eye-catching foliage. Commonly known as black metallic taro or nigra elephant ear.

  • • One of the showiest leaves blending between a dark green, almost black hue with purple undertones
  • • Water regularly as it loves wet, rich soil along with high humidity
  • • Can take up to three years to reach  maximum height

Planting Information

PLANTING SEASON

  • Spring

PLANTING DEPTH

  • 4 to 6 inches Deep

WATER NEEDS

  • High

PLANT SPACING

  • 2 to 4 feet

HARDINESS ZONES

  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11

COVERAGE

Amount Recommended Coverage
1 Bulb / Ships in Spring Up to 0.5 Sq. Ft
3 Bulbs / Ships in Spring Up to 1 Sq. Ft
5 Bulbs / Ships in Spring Up to 1.75 Sq. Ft

Planting Guide

View our Elephant Ear Planting Guide to learn more.

Ready to Grow

We guarantee that our seeds & bulbs will be true to type and ready to thrive. If something doesn't grow as expected, we will make it right. Questions? Call us at 855-440-2929

All elephant ears
Grown by Our Community 

    Elephant Ear Bulbs - Plumbea Nigra FAQs

    What size bulbs will I receive with Plumbea Nigra Elephant Ear?

    The bulbs for Plumbea Nigra Elephant Ear measure 5 to 7 inches in circumference.

    Customer Reviews

    Overall rating: 1.4 / 5 from 5 reviews.

    Customer photo review of Elephant Ear Bulbs - Plumbea Nigra

    I ordered three of these bulbs and after shipping and taxes it was $80. The bulbs were very small and one did not come up. The ol two that did come up are no where close to what you represent online to customers. I’ve placed orders with your company multiple times with great results but this was disappointing and angering especially at the price point! Please see attached photo which has been in the ground several months. I would like a refund or credit please!!!! As you’ll see in the picture I provided this is definitely not the same elephant ear that you are advertising.

    Amanda 1/5 Verified

    Elephant Ear Bulbs - Plumbea Nigra

    Store owner replied: Hello Amanda. Thank you for your review of Eden Brothers! We appreciate you taking the time to report these findings so we can share them with our growers in hopes of preventing such occurrences moving forward. We strive to ensure the viability and accuracy of our products and can share in your frustrations, as we wish for all customers to be satisfied with their purchase. It's so important to have feedback like this so we can continually improve our products. We're happy that we were able to come to a satisfactory resolution for you and look forward to continuing gardening with you!

    I was really looking forward to seeing how beautiful it would be in person, but unfortunately it didn't sprout. I did order very late in the season so maybe I didn't get the best/healthiest bulb. Bummer.

    Nicky 1/5 Verified

    Elephant Ear Bulbs - Plumbea Nigra

    Store owner replied: Hello Nicky. Thank you for your review of Eden Brothers! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, as feedback like this helps us improve our products and planting expectations. From our follow-up with Customer Service, it looks like we were able to assist you, and we’re glad we could help. Thank you again for bringing this to our attention!

    Of the 3 bulbs that I received, only one sprouted and grew. The one that grew was very quick growing and very impressive. I am disappointed about the 2 that didn't.

    Donald D. 3/5 Verified

    Elephant Ear Bulbs - Plumbea Nigra

    Store owner replied: Hello Donald D. Thank you for your review of Eden Brothers! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, as feedback like this helps us improve our products. From our follow-up with Customer Service, it looks like we were able to find a resolution for you, and we’re glad we could help. Thank you again for bringing this to our attention and we hope you enjoy the one that did so well!

    I was excited as this was the only bulb to start emerging out of my recent order, then all of a sudden nothing! Same compost, same conditions as my other orders.. sale bulbs..

    Denielle 1/5 Verified

    Elephant Ear Bulbs - Plumbea Nigra

    Store owner replied: Hello Denielle. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of Eden Brothers. We sincerely appreciate your feedback, as it plays an important role in helping us improve our products and service. We're glad to see our Customer Service Team was able to assist you, and we hope your garden brings you joy this season and beyond!

    I am so disappointed.

    Chai 1/5

    Elephant Ear Bulbs - Plumbea Nigra

    Store owner replied: Hello Chai. Thank you for your review of Eden Brothers! We greatly appreciate you bringing this to our attention. It's so important to have feedback like this so we can continually improve our products and processes. After speaking with our Customer Service Team, it seems we were able to resolve this for you. Thanks for your time in sharing your experience with us!

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