Metallica Elephant's Ear is a striking plant with large, puckered, heart-shaped, dark greenish-black leaves, and purplish-black veins on the undersides of the leaves. A jungle plant, it prefers shady conditions and rich consistently moist soils and protection from drying or damaging winds and harsh afternoon sunlight. These conditions can be achieved in a pot placed in a sheltered location, or as part of a moist understory planting or shady border. It will grow to about five feet tall and wide. It is not hardy in Chicago and must either be brought indoors, or the bulb can be lifted and stored in a cool, dark location such as a cellar or crawl space.