Colocasia ‘Royal Hawaiian’ is a striking elephant ear cultivar, prized for its dramatic foliage and tropical appeal. It serves as an excellent ornamental addition, transforming garden spaces and containers with its bold presence, creating a lush, vibrant aesthetic.
Distinctive Features
The ‘Colocasia Royal Hawaiian’ stands out with its unique visual characteristics. Its heart-shaped leaves typically emerge dark olive-green, gradually maturing into a rich purple-black hue. This deep coloration is often highlighted by contrasting, prominent veins that can appear in shades of spring green, white, or even vibrant pink, depending on the specific cultivar within the ‘Royal Hawaiian’ series. These glossy leaves can grow quite large, sometimes reaching up to 1 foot long and 0.75 feet wide, and are held on stout, often dark burgundy stems. The plant typically forms an upright, compact clump, reaching mature dimensions of about 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
Caring for Colocasia Royal Hawaiian
Light Requirements
‘Colocasia Royal Hawaiian’ thrives in locations that receive full sun to partial shade. In regions with intense summer heat, providing afternoon shade can protect the foliage from scorching and stress. Adequate light exposure is important for maintaining vibrant leaf color; too little light can diminish the intensity of its distinctive dark and variegated patterns.
Watering Needs
Consistent moisture is crucial for ‘Colocasia Royal Hawaiian’, which prefers continuously damp, but not waterlogged, soil. During hot and dry periods, increased watering frequency prevents the soil from drying out. Proper drainage is important to avoid root rot, especially in container plantings.
Soil Preferences
This plant performs best in fertile, humusy, and organically rich soils. A well-draining soil mix is recommended, often improved with organic compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility. The ideal soil pH for ‘Colocasia Royal Hawaiian’ ranges from slightly acidic to neutral, typically around 6.0 to 7.0.
Temperature and Humidity
‘Colocasia Royal Hawaiian’ is a tropical plant that flourishes in warm, humid conditions. It prefers consistent warmth and benefits from high humidity. These plants are generally frost-tender perennials, with some varieties hardy down to USDA Zones 7b.
Fertilizing
Regular fertilization during the growing season, from spring through early autumn, supports the vigorous growth of ‘Colocasia Royal Hawaiian’. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer is recommended at planting time, supplemented with a water-soluble fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth with smaller leaves.
Planting Your ‘Royal Hawaiian’
Plant ‘Colocasia Royal Hawaiian’ tubers in mid-spring, once soil and air temperatures consistently remain above 60°F. Tubers should be planted approximately 2 to 4 inches deep with the growing points facing upwards. When planting multiple tubers, space them about 2 to 3 feet apart to allow for their mature spread. For container planting, choose a suitably large pot with drainage holes to accommodate its growth. After planting, water deeply to settle the soil around the tuber.
Winter Care
In colder climates where ‘Colocasia Royal Hawaiian’ is not hardy (generally outside USDA Zones 8-11), tubers should be dug up before the first frost. After cutting back the foliage, gently lift the tubers, allow them to dry for a few days, and then brush off any excess dirt. Store them in a cool, dry, and dark place where temperatures do not drop below 40-50°F, often in dry peat moss, vermiculite, or shredded newspaper, to prevent rotting and ensure dormancy. Alternatively, potted plants can be brought indoors to a frost-free location, with watering significantly reduced during dormancy.
Addressing Common Problems
‘Colocasia Royal Hawaiian’ can encounter common issues. Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or underwatering, while browning edges signal low humidity. Stunted growth suggests a nutrient deficiency. These plants can be susceptible to pests such as aphids and spider mites. Regular inspection and adjusting environmental conditions can help address these concerns.