Colocasia ‘Kona Coffee’ is a popular choice for gardens and containers, offering striking visual appeal. Its dramatic, deep-colored foliage creates a tropical ambiance in various settings.
Understanding Colocasia Kona Coffee
Colocasia esculenta ‘Kona Coffee’, known as “Elephant Ear,” is a distinctive member of the Colocasia genus. Part of the Royal Hawaiian series, it is noted for its compact growth and striking appearance.
The plant features glossy, heart-shaped leaves that are slightly cupped, displaying a deep chocolate to dark purple-black hue. Unlike some related plants, its leaves typically droop downwards, adding to its unique silhouette.
This tuberous perennial typically reaches 2 to 3 feet tall and spreads 18 to 24 inches wide. Its tropical origins mean it prefers warm, humid conditions. While it may produce small, yellowish-green flowers, these are inconspicuous, with the plant valued for its impressive foliage.
Growing and Caring for Colocasia Kona Coffee
Colocasia ‘Kona Coffee’ thrives in locations receiving full sun to partial shade, with full sun often intensifying its rich leaf coloration. In regions experiencing hot summers, providing afternoon shade can help protect the foliage from scorching. When grown indoors, bright, indirect light is suitable, though the plant can tolerate medium light conditions.
Consistent moisture is essential; the plant prefers rich, moist to wet soil and should not dry out. It can even flourish in up to six inches of standing water, making it suitable for bog gardens or near ponds. For container-grown plants, allow the top quarter of the soil to dry slightly before rewatering to prevent waterlogging.
An organically rich, well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal. While adaptable to various soil types, good drainage is important. The plant thrives in warm environments, ideally between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F).
High humidity benefits its glossy foliage; regular misting or a humidifier can help. During the active growing season (spring through summer), fertilize every two to three weeks with a balanced, nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer once a year also supports growth.
Whether planted directly in the ground or in containers, choose a location that offers some shelter from strong winds, which can damage the large leaves. Its clump-forming habit makes it an excellent focal point or an effective plant for mass plantings in beds and borders.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Colocasia ‘Kona Coffee’ is generally resilient, but some issues can arise. Pests like glasshouse red spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies may affect the plant. Regular inspection of leaf undersides allows for early detection and prompt treatment with insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.
Improper watering often leads to symptoms like yellowing leaves from excess or insufficient moisture. Consistently moist, not waterlogged, soil prevents root rot. Lack of light can cause foliage to lose its deep coloration. Dry or crunchy leaf edges indicate low humidity, remedied by misting or humidifiers.
Winter Care and Dormancy
In temperate climates, Colocasia ‘Kona Coffee’ is a frost-tender perennial that enters dormancy as temperatures drop. In regions outside USDA Zones 7b-11, where ground freezing occurs, tubers should be lifted before the first hard frost. After digging, remove excess soil and allow them to dry for several days.
Store the dried tubers in a cool, dark, and dry location, ideally between 10°C and 15°C (50°F and 60°F), nestled in materials like dry peat moss or wood shavings. Alternatively, potted plants can be brought indoors, where they may go semi-dormant and shed some leaves. During this indoor period, significantly reduce watering, allowing the soil to become very dry between applications to prevent rot. In spring, as warmer weather returns, the tubers can be replanted or potted plants can be gradually re-acclimated outdoors with increased watering.