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Description
Colocasia Esculenta Blue Hawaii is a tropical plant known for its large, heart-shaped leaves that can reach up to 3 feet in length. The leaves are a striking deep green color with purple veins and stems, and the undersides are a lighter shade of green. Unlike some other Colocasia varieties, Blue Hawaii does not produce edible tubers. Instead, it is grown for ornamental purposes and is a popular choice for landscaping and container gardening.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Colocasia |
Appearance
The Colocasia Esculenta Blue Hawaii plant has large, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 3 feet long and 2 feet wide. The leaves are a deep green color with purple veins and stems. The undersides of the leaves are a lighter shade of green, and the leaves have a glossy sheen. The plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide, and it produces small, white flowers on a spadix that is surrounded by a green spathe. The flowers are not particularly showy and are often hidden by the foliage.
Care Guide
Colocasia Esculenta Blue Hawaii prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It should be watered regularly, ensuring that the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged. The plant can benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and foliage. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Colocasia Esculenta Blue Hawaii can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. These pests can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by leaf spot, which causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves. This can be treated with a fungicide, and it is important to remove any infected leaves to prevent the spread of the disease.
Habitat
Colocasia Esculenta Blue Hawaii is native to tropical regions in Southeast Asia, where it grows in wetlands and along the edges of streams and ponds. It prefers warm, humid climates and can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 8-11. In cooler climates, it can be grown as a houseplant or in a greenhouse.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Colocasia Esculenta Blue Hawaii be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Blue Hawaii can be grown in containers and is a popular choice for container gardening.
Q: Does Colocasia Esculenta Blue Hawaii produce edible tubers?
A: No, Blue Hawaii is grown for ornamental purposes and does not produce edible tubers.
Q: How often should I fertilize Colocasia Esculenta Blue Hawaii?
A: Blue Hawaii can benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and foliage. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Colocasia Esculenta Blue Hawaii toxic to pets?
A: Yes, all parts of the Colocasia plant, including Blue Hawaii, are toxic to pets if ingested.
Related Plants
- Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Magic’
- Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’
- Colocasia esculenta ‘Maui Gold’
- Colocasia esculenta ‘Pink China’
References
- “Colocasia Esculenta.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287592&isprofile=1.
- “Colocasia Esculenta ‘Blue Hawaii’.” Plant Delights Nursery, www.plantdelights.com/products/colocasia-esculenta-blue-hawaii.
- “Colocasia Esculenta Blue Hawaii.” Gardenerdy, 21 July 2021, gardenerdy.com/colocasia-esculenta-blue-hawaii.
