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Description
Colocasia Esculenta Diamond Head, also known as Elephant Ear plant, is a tropical plant that belongs to the Araceae family. This plant is native to Southeast Asia, and it is grown for its unique foliage that resembles an elephant ear. The leaves of the plant are large and heart-shaped, with a shiny green color and a deep purple underside. The plant grows up to 3-5 feet in height and spreads up to 2-3 feet wide. It is a fast-growing plant that can produce new leaves every week during the growing season.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Colocasia |
Appearance
The Colocasia Esculenta Diamond Head is a tropical plant that is known for its unique foliage. The leaves of the plant are large and heart-shaped, with a shiny green color and a deep purple underside. The plant grows up to 3-5 feet in height and spreads up to 2-3 feet wide. The plant produces new leaves every week during the growing season, and the leaves can grow up to 2 feet long and 1.5 feet wide. The plant also produces flowers that are small and white, but they are not the main attraction of the plant.
Care Guide
The Colocasia Esculenta Diamond Head is an easy plant to care for. Here are some tips for taking care of this tropical plant:
- Water: The plant needs to be watered regularly, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: The plant needs to be fertilized every month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant needs partial shade to full shade, and it should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11, and it should be protected from frost and freezing temperatures.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Colocasia Esculenta Diamond Head is prone to some pests and diseases. Here are some of the common ones:
- Spider mites: These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: These pests can cause the leaves to curl and turn yellow. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and can cause the plant to wilt and die. It can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged.
Habitat
The Colocasia Esculenta Diamond Head is native to Southeast Asia, and it grows in wetlands and marshes. The plant prefers warm and humid conditions, and it can be grown indoors or outdoors in tropical and subtropical regions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Colocasia Esculenta Diamond Head be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with enough light and humidity.
Q: How often should I fertilize the plant?
A: The plant should be fertilized every month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can the plant be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container as long as it is provided with enough space and well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I water the plant?
A: The plant should be watered regularly, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Related Plants
- Colocasia esculenta Black Magic
- Colocasia gigantea Thailand Giant
- Colocasia esculenta Mojito
References
- “Colocasia esculenta.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a671.
- “Growing Colocasia (Taro) in the Home Garden.” University of Florida Extension, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/mg049.
- “Colocasia Esculenta.” Plant Care Today, plantcaretoday.com/colocasia-esculenta.
