Jumbo Diamond Head Elephant Ears introduce a striking, tropical presence to any garden or patio. Celebrated for their dramatic foliage, these plants transform landscapes. Their impressive size and unique coloring make them a popular choice for creating a bold visual impact.
Understanding Jumbo Diamond Head Elephant Ears
The ‘Jumbo Diamond Head’ variety of Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta) produces large, glossy leaves that are a deep, almost black color, sometimes described as blue-black or deep purple. This rich, dark coloration provides a striking contrast in garden beds and containers.
Leaves can reach up to 2.5 feet long, and plants can tower between 4 to 8 feet tall. The foliage often has a unique, diamond-shaped or pointed appearance with a lustrous sheen. This combination of size, dark hue, and reflective surface makes ‘Jumbo Diamond Head’ a captivating focal point.
Planting and Care
Light Requirements
Jumbo Diamond Head Elephant Ears thrive in full sun to partial shade. While they tolerate full sun, partial or dappled light is preferred. Too much direct sun can scorch leaves, while insufficient light may diminish their dark coloration.
Soil and Planting
These plants prefer rich, well-draining soil that remains consistently moist. An ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral. When planting tubers, set them 4 to 6 inches deep, pointy side up, and space them approximately 4 feet apart. Compost or well-rotted manure provides essential nutrients.
Watering Needs
Jumbo Diamond Head Elephant Ears have high water requirements and flourish in consistently moist conditions. The soil should never dry out completely during the active growing season. Signs of underwatering include wilting, yellowing leaves. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves, dark spots, or root rot, so soggy conditions should be avoided.
Fertilizing
Elephant Ears are heavy feeders due to their vigorous growth and large foliage. During the spring and summer, apply a water-soluble, high-nitrogen fertilizer every two to four weeks. Water the plant thoroughly before and after applying fertilizer to prevent root burn. Regular feeding supports plant vigor and impressive leaf development.
Temperature and Hardiness
Jumbo Diamond Head Elephant Ears are tropical plants that thrive in warm conditions. They are perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11. Ideal growing temperatures typically range between 65°F to 75°F (18-24°C).
Overwintering
In regions outside USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11, Jumbo Diamond Head Elephant Ear tubers are not reliably hardy outdoors and require overwintering. Before the first hard frost, or when foliage begins to die back, carefully dig up the tubers. Brush off any excess soil but avoid rinsing them with water.
Allow tubers to dry in a cool, dark place with good air circulation for several days to a week. Once dry, store them in a medium like dry peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust in a breathable container. The storage location should be cool, dark, and dry, with temperatures ideally between 40°F and 60°F (4-15°C).
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Jumbo Diamond Head Elephant Ears are robust, but issues can arise. Yellowing leaves can indicate over or under-watering, nutrient deficiencies, or insufficient light. If the plant is receiving too little water, leaves may droop or turn yellow, while overwatering can cause yellowing with dark spots or root rot. Adjusting watering frequency and ensuring well-draining soil can often resolve these issues.
Pests like spider mites and aphids can occasionally affect Elephant Ears. Regularly inspecting the undersides of leaves can help detect infestations early. If pests are present, they can often be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil applications. Cold temperatures can also cause leaves to yellow or turn brown.