Colocasia 'Black Magic', Colocasia esculenta

Colocasia 'Black Magic' is a striking ornamental plant known for its unique dark foliage. Here are some comprehensive facts about this plant:

General Information

Scientific Name: Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic'
Common Names: Black Magic Taro, Black Elephant Ear
Family: Araceae
Origin: Native to Southeast Asia and India

Description

Foliage: The most distinctive feature of Colocasia 'Black Magic' is its large, heart-shaped leaves that are a deep, almost black, purplish hue. The leaves can reach up to 2 feet long.
Stems: The plant has sturdy, upright stems that can be green to purplish-black.
Height and Spread: It typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall with a similar spread, depending on growing conditions.

Growing Conditions

Light: Prefers partial shade to full sun. In full sun, the color of the leaves is more intense.
Soil: Thrives in rich, moist to wet soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types but prefers well-draining soils.
Water: Requires consistent moisture and can even grow in standing water, making it suitable for pond margins.
Temperature: Grows best in warm, humid climates. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-11. In cooler climates, it can be grown as an annual or brought indoors during the winter.

Care and Maintenance

Fertilization: Benefits from regular feeding during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed. Remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and health.
Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to pests but can occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, or root rot if overwatered.

Propagation

Division: The most common method of propagation is by dividing the rhizomes or tubers in spring or early summer.
Offsets: The plant produces offsets that can be separated and replanted.

Uses

Ornamental: Primarily grown for its dramatic foliage, making it a popular choice for garden beds, borders, containers, and water gardens.
Landscape Design: Adds a bold, tropical look to landscapes and pairs well with other colorful foliage plants.
Indoor Plant: Can be grown indoors in large containers, provided it receives adequate light and humidity.

Special Considerations

Toxicity: Like other Colocasia species, 'Black Magic' contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can be toxic if ingested. Care should be taken to keep it away from pets and children.
Winter Care: In colder regions, tubers can be dug up and stored in a cool, dry place during winter, then replanted in spring.

Colocasia 'Black Magic' is a versatile and visually stunning plant that can enhance any garden or indoor space with its unique foliage and dramatic presence.

Colocasia, taro, elephant ear

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Colocasia, also known as taro or elephant ear, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. They are known for their large, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to several feet long. Taro is a root vegetable that is a staple food in many tropical regions around the world.

Here are some interesting facts about Colocasia:

--There are over 15 different species of Colocasia, all native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
--The corms or tubers of the taro plant are edible and can be boiled, baked, or fried. --They have a starchy texture and slightly sweet flavor. Taro root is a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
--The large leaves of the Colocasia plant make it a popular ornamental plant. They can be grown outdoors in warm climates or indoors as houseplants. There are many different varieties of Colocasia available, with leaves in a variety of colors and patterns.

Some popular varieties of Colocasia include:

Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic': This variety has large, dark purple leaves that can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Colocasia 'Mojito': This variety has medium green leaves with dark purple flecks.

Colocasia esculenta 'Mary Giant': This variety can grow up to 10 feet tall and has large, green leaves.

If you are looking for a dramatic and eye-catching plant to add to your landscape or home, then Colocasia is a great option. Just be sure to do your research to choose the variety that is right for you and your climate.

Caladiums

Caladium bicolor

'Carolyn Wharton'

Normally a tropical plant but can be grown in most of southern USA.

Caladium is actually a variety of blooming plants in the arum family. It is usually identified through the popular names elephant ear, Heart of Jesus and Angel Wings. You can find more than one thousand termed cultivars of Caladium bicolor in the primary South American perennial.

The variety Caladium contains 7 species, that are native of Brazil and also to nearby regions of South and Central America. It will grow within open regions of the woodland as well as on slopes of streams and also turn inactive throughout the dry period. The actual wild plants mature to 14 to 40 inches (38 to 95 cm) in height, with leaves largely 5 to 15 inches (16 to 44 cm) in length and width.

Farming and Functions

Many species tend to be developed as decorative plants because of their huge, arrow head shaped leaves noticeable in various designs in pink, white and red, to some degree resembling the not related coleus, and been around in farming in Europe ever since the 19th century. The 2 varieties most generally grown are known as fancyleaved and lanceleaved. The first kind may be the more normally noticed and is the original caladium of development. The leaves tend to be heart-shaped. These offers lance-head-shaped leaves. The majority of Caladiums in farming grow to approximately 25 inches (65 cm) in heigth and 25 inches (65 cm) widespread, even though dwarf types have reached cultivation.

Quite a few cultivars are picked, a lot of them, 130 produced from C. bicolor. The lanceleaved types are produced of C. schomburgkii.

Caladiums develop from solid swollen underground bulb-shaped stem and may be spread by separating the tubers. These are sturdy just to the USDA hardiness zone 11; in cooler locations, they're usually developed as raw bulbs or as house plants.

Throughout their growing time, they require significant amounts of water and must not be permitted to dry up. Many types favor part to total shade, though sun-resistant kinds have reached cultivation. Around 95% of most caladium bulbs are usually come from Lake Placid, Florida.

Inside temperate locations, they need to be removed prior to the 1st frost. The corms become dried out and stashed away because of the winter season any time temps drop to 60 F (16 C), and kept reasonably dried out over the winter with temperatures somewhere between 55 F (12 C) and 60 F (17 C).

Many components of the plant are usually deadly. These must not be consumed and could aggravate delicate skin.

Community Exhibits

Each and every August, an event is done in Florida, the place to find most our planet's caladium areas. The favorite function is a visit to the areas of caladiums, the merchandise of neighborhood farmers. Just about every July from 2003, a Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida, have exhibited the Florida Caladium Showcase, one of the most important outdoor and indoor show of these plants, which includes brand new types.

Amazon can provide any need for Caladiums (#ad). (I will receive compensation if you buy).