• Other common names taro 'Black Magic'

  • Family Araceae

  • Genus Colocasia can be deciduous or evergreen, tuberous-rooted perennials with arrow-shaped or rounded leaves, often prominently veined; flowers are minute, on a spadix held within a small white spathe, but are seldom produced in cultivation

  • Details 'Black Magic' is a tuberous, frost-tender perennial growing to 1.8m tall. Large, heart-shaped leaves to 60cm long are held on purple-black stems. The leaves emerge green then darken with age to a deep purple-black colour

How to grow

 

Cultivation Under glass, pot up tubers in loamless potting compost. Keep in bright, filtered light and high humidity. Water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly when in growth; grows well in boggy areas and waterside locations. Keep just moist in winter. Keep tubers dry and frost-free when dormant. Requires 21°C minimum to stay evergreen

Propagation Propagate by division in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types Flower borders and beds Architectural Patio & Container Plants Sub-tropical

 

How to care

 

Pruning No pruning necessary

Pests Glasshouse red spider mite, aphids and glasshouse whitefly may cause problems

Diseases Generally trouble free

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