How to Grow and Care for Colocasia Royal Hawaiian

The Colocasia ‘Royal Hawaiian’ series is a group of tropical plants, known as elephant ears, selectively bred for their spectacular foliage and robust garden performance. Developed to feature unique coloration and improved disease resistance, they stand apart from more common types of Colocasia. This series introduced a range of vibrant colors and patterns to the genus, from deep blacks to brilliant golds. They provide a tropical feel with a more refined and dependable plant.

Popular Royal Hawaiian Varieties

Within the ‘Royal Hawaiian’ collection, several varieties have gained popularity for their unique appearances. ‘Black Coral’ is highly sought after for its deep, glossy, jet-black leaves. The leaves have a corrugated texture that adds to their visual depth, making them a focal point in any planting combination. This variety holds its dark color well, even in strong light.

Another standout is ‘Maui Gold’, which offers a brilliant contrast with its large, chartreuse to golden-yellow leaves on sturdy, green stems. The foliage can act as a bright beacon in shadier parts of the garden. Its vibrant color is most pronounced when it receives adequate bright, indirect light.

‘Hawaiian Punch’ presents lush, green leaves distinguished by their vivid, bright red stems and veins. The coloration of the petioles, or leaf stalks, is particularly intense, creating a striking visual effect against the green leaves. This variety draws attention to the structure of the plant itself.

The ‘White Lava’ variety is notable for its dynamic variegation. Its green leaves feature a prominent central vein of creamy white or yellow that bleeds outwards into the surrounding tissue as the leaf matures. This “eruptive” pattern is unique to each leaf, creating an ever-changing display.

Planting and General Care

The corm, which is the bulb-like underground stem, should be planted with the pointy, growing tip facing upwards. Place it about 2 to 4 inches deep in the soil. This depth provides enough coverage for stability without burying it so deep that it struggles to emerge.

These plants flourish in bright, indirect sunlight. While they can tolerate some direct sun, particularly in the morning, intense afternoon sun can scorch the leaves. Darker-leafed varieties like ‘Black Coral’ are especially susceptible to sun damage, which can bleach their rich coloration. A location with dappled sunlight is ideal.

They perform best in rich, organic soil that retains moisture while also draining well enough to prevent root rot. Amending garden beds or potting mixes with a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure will provide necessary nutrients and improve soil structure.

Consistent moisture is a requirement for Colocasia. The soil should be kept evenly moist, especially during the peak growing season. They should not be allowed to sit in waterlogged soil, which can deprive the roots of oxygen. Check the top inch of soil; if it feels dry, it is time to water thoroughly.

As tropical natives, plants in the ‘Royal Hawaiian’ series thrive in warmth and high humidity, growing best in temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. During the active growing period, a balanced liquid fertilizer applied every two to three weeks supports their growth. A 20-20-20 formulation will enhance foliage color.

Growing Colocasia Indoors vs. Outdoors

When cultivated outdoors, these plants excel in garden beds or large containers, serving as a seasonal feature in cooler climates. In regions colder than USDA zone 8, their corms will not survive a hard freeze. They must be brought into a frost-free area during winter to be enjoyed year after year.

To overwinter the corms, wait until the first light frost has caused the foliage to die back. Carefully dig up the corms, brush off the excess soil, and allow them to air-dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area for several days. Once dry, store them in a cool, dark place like a basement, nestled in a box of peat moss or sawdust to prevent them from completely drying out.

As houseplants, Colocasia need a large pot to accommodate their root system and support the substantial foliage. They need to be placed near a window where they can receive several hours of bright, indirect light. To meet their high humidity needs, you can place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water or use a room humidifier.

Indoor plants may experience a period of dormancy during winter, especially if light levels and temperatures are lower. During this time, growth will slow, and the plant may lose some leaves. It is important to reduce watering frequency, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings to prevent root rot.

Common Problems and Solutions

A frequent pest on indoor Colocasia is the spider mite. These tiny arachnids thrive in warm, dry conditions and are identified by the fine, silky webbing they create on the undersides of leaves. An infestation can cause the leaves to appear stippled with yellow or bronze spots. Increasing humidity and regularly wiping the leaves with a damp cloth can help prevent them.

Yellowing leaves are a common concern and can be a sign of improper watering from both too much and too little water. Before watering, check the soil’s moisture level by inserting a finger about an inch deep. If the soil is still damp, wait another day or two before watering again to avoid stressing the plant.

The drooping of leaves is almost always an indication of thirst. The large surface area of Colocasia leaves results in a high rate of transpiration, meaning they release a significant amount of water. If the roots cannot absorb water quickly enough to replace what is lost, the leaves will wilt. A deep, thorough watering will cause them to perk back up within a few hours.