Black Stem Elephant Ear will grow to be about 6 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.