Colocasia Midnight, with its dramatic, near-black foliage, offers a striking visual impact in any garden or as a potted display. This captivating plant, a cultivar of Colocasia esculenta, brings a lush, tropical aesthetic with its deep, velvety leaves. Its intense coloration makes it a favored choice for introducing bold texture and rich hues.
Unique Characteristics of Colocasia Midnight
Colocasia ‘Midnight’ stands out for its uniformly black, glossy leaves and petioles. The large, heart-shaped leaves can extend up to 2-3 feet in length. This variety typically maintains an upright plant form, reaching a mature size of approximately 2 feet in height and width. It grows as a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial, adding depth to landscapes or functioning as a container plant.
Essential Care for Colocasia Midnight
Colocasia Midnight thrives when its specific environmental requirements are consistently met. Meeting these needs ensures the plant’s vigor and visual appeal throughout its growing season.
Light Requirements
Colocasia Midnight performs well in conditions ranging from partial shade to full sun. Darker-leaved varieties, like ‘Midnight’, generally benefit from more sun exposure to maintain their deep coloration. However, in hotter climates, providing some shelter from intense afternoon sun can prevent leaf scorching. Indirect light or morning sun is often ideal.
Watering Needs
These plants are considerable water enthusiasts, requiring consistently moist soil to flourish. Regular watering is necessary to prevent the soil from drying out completely, especially during the active growing season from spring to early fall. While Colocasia can tolerate very wet conditions, avoiding waterlogging is important to prevent issues like root rot. Container-grown plants may need daily watering during hot weather.
Soil and Potting
Colocasia Midnight prefers rich, well-draining soil that retains moisture. A soil mixture high in organic matter, such as compost, provides nutrients and texture. While good drainage is beneficial, these plants can thrive in conditions that might be too wet for others, including boggy areas. For potted specimens, selecting a container around 12-14 inches in diameter accommodates its growth.
Temperature and Humidity
Colocasia Midnight thrives in warm, humid environments, growing best between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C). Temperatures dropping below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage, and consistent temperatures below 40°F (4°C) significantly slow growth. Maintaining high humidity, especially for indoor plants, can be achieved through regular misting or by placing a humidifier nearby.
Fertilizing
Colocasia plants are heavy feeders, benefiting from regular fertilization during their growing season. A balanced fertilizer or one high in nitrogen (e.g., 20-10-20 or 20-20-20 NPK ratio) supports vigorous leaf growth and enhances leaf color. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks throughout spring and summer, ensuring the soil is moist before application to prevent root burn. Reduce or cease fertilization as cooler temperatures arrive and the plant’s growth slows.
Planting and Propagation
Establishing new Colocasia Midnight plants involves planting corms or transplanting young specimens, and propagation. These steps are fundamental for successful establishment and future development.
Planting
Colocasia corms should be planted in spring after the last frost has passed and soil temperatures consistently reach at least 65°F (18°C). Corms should be buried about 2-4 inches deep, ensuring the pointed end or growing bud faces upward. Space individual plants 18-24 inches apart for adequate growth and air circulation. When transplanting nursery-bought plants, plant them with the root ball at the same level as the surrounding soil, digging a hole twice as wide as the container.
Propagation
Colocasia Midnight is propagated through the division of corms or offsets. The best time for division is in early spring as new growth begins. Carefully unearth the plant, then use a clean, sharp knife to separate cormels or offsets from the main plant, ensuring each piece has at least one “eye” or growing point and some roots. Replant these divisions promptly into fresh, moist soil.
Addressing Common Challenges
Colocasia Midnight can encounter issues, often signaled by changes in its foliage. Recognizing these signs and applying solutions can help maintain plant health.
Common Issues
Yellowing leaves can indicate either overwatering or underwatering; overwatering often presents with collapsed stems and root rot. Too little water can lead to stunted growth and browning leaf margins. Adjusting watering frequency based on soil moisture levels is important. Pale leaves or stunted growth may also suggest nutrient deficiencies, remedied by a balanced fertilizer. Pests such as spider mites and aphids can affect Colocasia; regular inspection and pest control measures, like rinsing leaves or using insecticidal soap, can manage infestations.
Winter Dormancy and Storage
In colder climates, Colocasia Midnight enters a dormant phase, requiring preparation and storage for winter survival. This seasonal care is important for its return in spring.
Winter Care
As temperatures drop and frost approaches, the plant’s energy shifts from its leaves back into its underground corm. Before the first hard frost, cut back the foliage, leaving 6-8 inches of stem above the ground or removing it entirely. For plants grown in the ground, carefully dig up the corms, removing excess soil and allowing them to dry for one to two weeks in a warm, dry area. Store the dried corms in a cool, dark, and frost-free location, such as in trays of grit, paper bags, or wrapped in newspaper, at temperatures between 41°F and 50°F (5°C and 10°C). For potted plants, the entire pot can be moved indoors to a cool, dry area, and watering should be significantly reduced during dormancy.