Colocasia black magic, scientifically known as Colocasia esculenta, is a popular and visually striking ornamental plant. It belongs to the family Araceae and is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in areas with a tropical climate. As the name suggests, Colocasia black magic is characterized by its deep, dark purple-black leaves. The foliage is large, heart-shaped, and glossy, often reaching sizes of 2 to 3 feet long and wide. The plant itself can grow up to 4 to 6 feet tall, adding a dramatic and exotic touch to any garden or landscape. This plant is a perennial, meaning it can survive and thrive for several years under the right conditions.
Another way to overwinter these plants is to chop off everything at the top and dig out the corm and keep it and store it somewhere dry ready to replant next year.
Placing the plant indoors means that the leaves will start to revert back to a green colour as the plant won t be receiving as much direct sunlight as it did when outside. Whether you enjoy dabbling in indoor gardening or are thinking of adding some exotic plants to your garden, you ll love the amazing Colocasia Black Magic plant and its striking, bold architectural foliage, commonly known as black Elephant Ears or Taro.
This plant is a perennial, meaning it can survive and thrive for several years under the right conditions. It is commonly grown as an outdoor plant in regions with mild winters, but it can also be grown indoors as a houseplant. Colocasia black magic prefers full to partial shade and well-draining soil.
‘Black Magic’ elephant’s ear
Rising to about 36 inches, this elephant’s ear’s deep-purple stalks suspend luxurious leaves of the same color. When the leaves’ undersides are dusted with chalky-looking bloom, they have an intriguing, almost gray look. This plant does well in a bog or even in the margins of a water garden, as well as in average garden soil.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsDark purple, almost black, heart-shaped leaves. Loves wet conditions.
CareElephant's ear is generally not hardy anywhere colder than Zone 9, so treat it like other summer-blooming bulb. Let frost kill the top growth, then dig up the bulbs and dry them in open shade. Soon they will look shriveled, and any clinging soil will dry up and fall off with the roots. Hang them in well-ventilated sacks in a dry, cool (about 50°F) place. When spring arrives, plant the bulbs in 1- or 2-gallon pots and put them in a greenhouse to give them an early start. Position them so that any remnants of last year's stems rise above soil level. Since the bulbs have no roots at this point, water them once, and don't douse them again until leaves emerge. Grow in a warm greenhouse or outdoors at a pool margin, in a moist border, or in large aquatic containers.
PropagationDivide in winter or early spring.
ProblemsSoft rot, bacterial blight, corm and root rot, and dasheen mosaic virus are common. Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites occur.
- Genus : Colocasia
- Zones : 11
- Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
- Foliage Color : Black
- Uses : Containers
- Growth Rate : Fast, Moderate
- Moisture : Medium to Wet
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Light : Partial Shade
- Plant Type : Perennials
- Characteristics : Showy Foliage
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
What makes these plants slightly different to most alacasias is that they love to be in wet soil and can even be planted 15 cm (6 inches) beneath water level. They love wet buggy conditions which makes them perfect for ponds and they’re also not fussy about soil type.
It thrives in moist conditions and can tolerate standing water, making it an ideal choice for water gardens or areas with high humidity. In addition to its striking appearance, Colocasia black magic also has a cultural significance in some regions. In Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures, the plant is known as "poi" and is traditionally cultivated for its starchy tubers, which are used in various culinary dishes after cooking. When it comes to care, Colocasia black magic requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It benefits from occasional fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. During the growing season, it may produce small, insignificant flowers on long stalks, but the main attraction remains its impressive foliage. However, it's worth noting that Colocasia black magic can be toxic if ingested, so it should be kept away from children and pets. Also, in regions with colder climates, the plant may require protection or be brought indoors during winter to prevent frost damage. Overall, Colocasia black magic is a unique and visually stunning plant that adds a touch of drama to any garden or landscape. With its deep purple-black foliage and tropical charm, it is sure to capture attention and serve as a focal point for plant enthusiasts and admirers alike..
Reviews for "Colocasia Black Magic: A Low-Maintenance Plant with High Visual Impact"
1. Jane - 1/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the Colocasia black magic plant. Despite following all care instructions, it started wilting and turning brown within a week of having it. It didn't thrive in the indoor conditions as advertised and I had to throw it away. It was a waste of money and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
2. Mark - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for the Colocasia black magic plant, but it didn't live up to my expectations. It required more care and attention than I anticipated. The plant grew weak and lacked the vibrant colors that were advertised. Overall, I found it to be a bit too finicky for my liking and I wouldn't buy it again.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - The Colocasia black magic plant didn't do well in my garden. It struggled to grow and didn't produce the lush foliage that I was expecting. Despite providing adequate water and care, it seemed to wither away rather quickly. I was disappointed with the overall performance of this plant.
4. Mike - 1/5 stars - I'm not happy with my purchase of the Colocasia black magic plant. It didn't thrive in my garden and seemed to attract pests. The leaves were constantly damaged and it required a lot of attention to keep it looking presentable. I was hoping for an easy-to-grow and low-maintenance plant, but this one fell short of my expectations.
5. Emily - 2/5 stars - The Colocasia black magic plant didn't survive the winter. Despite taking all necessary precautions to protect it from the cold, it died within a few weeks. I was disappointed with its sensitivity to temperature changes and expected it to be more resilient. It's definitely not a plant for colder climates.