Name: Black Magic elephant ear
Brand: Van Noort
SKU: VAN-327-100-50
Price: 19.99 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Sale Sold out

Black Magic elephant ear forms a monumental clump of velvety purple-black heart-shaped leaves whose peltate blades incline on sturdy petioles

Tuber Araceae

Van Noort

Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic'

From bulb to bloom

Common nameBlack Magic elephant ear

FamilyAraceae

GenusColocasia

Bulb typeTuber

Botanical nameColocasia

Quantity per pack1 rhizome

Black Magic elephant ear (Colocasia esculenta) quickly creates a spectacular tropical silhouette with enormous velvety purple-black heart-shaped leaves. Unlike Alocasia, whose blades are often more upright, Colocasia’s peltate leaves spread and incline elegantly from sturdy petioles. The Van Noort package of 1 No. 1 tuber contains substantial reserves for producing a vigorous clump that generally reaches 150 cm. Flowers with a spathe remain inconspicuous; the true attraction is this mass of architectural foliage, ideal for transforming a large container, lush border, or pond-side planting throughout the warm season. Every new leaf increases the bold scale and shade beneath the clump.

Plant the tuber in spring after every frost risk has passed and soil has become thoroughly warm. Set it 5 cm deep with buds upward in rich, humus-filled, moist, freely drained soil. Allow 60 cm between plants and choose a warm position sheltered from wind, in sun or bright partial shade. Water generously so soil remains consistently moist without standing water, then feed regularly according to a balanced fertilizer label. Organic mulch helps conserve moisture and protects shallow roots during hot periods. In containers, inspect drainage holes frequently and never let the root ball dry completely.

Black Magic elephant ear excels in a very large container, tropical garden, moist border, or beside a pond without submerging the tuber. Pair this tropical foliage plant with cannas, coleus, caladiums, ferns, and fine grasses to amplify textural contrast. Before the first frost, bring the container inside or lift the tuber, dry it briefly, and store it somewhere cool, dry, and frost-free. Inspect it through winter, then replant only firm tissue. Every part contains irritating calcium oxalate crystals; never consume it and keep it beyond the reach of children and pets. Wear gloves when handling damaged tissue.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Perennial
Hardiness: Zone 10

Planting and establishment

Planting guide

Planting & establishment

Planting depth

8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in.)

Planting period

Spring

Propagation

Division of offsets and tubercule sections in spring

Growing method

After the last frost, wait until soil and nighttime temperatures have warmed before planting the Van Noort package of 1 No. 1 tuber. Choose a bright full-sun to partial-shade site protected from gusts. Loosen an area wider than the future clump and incorporate mature compost into rich, humus-filled, well-drained soil. Lay the tubercule horizontally with buds upward and the crown 25 to 50 mm below the surface; avoid deep planting that traps moisture. Space plants about 75 cm apart. Backfill without compacting, water deeply, and apply light organic mulch without covering the crown. Maintain even moisture because large leaves lose water quickly, but never leave the soil saturated. Begin moderate feeding after active growth is visible. Monitor slugs, spider mites, and wind damage. Before cold-climate first frost, bring the container inside or lift the tubercule carefully. Clean it, let it dry briefly, then overwinter it cool, dry, and frost free. Wear gloves whenever handling the plant, and label stored material clearly. The following spring, wake the tubercule gradually in warm, barely moist mix. Increase water only after roots and shoots become active. Record planting depth and date so successful conditions can be repeated. Keep the crown visible enough to monitor firmness without exposing developing roots.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Neutral to slightly acidic

Minimum temperature

10 °C (50°F)

Care level

Easy

Watering

Water deeply after planting, then keep the growing medium evenly moist during active growth. Check soil several centimetres below the surface and irrigate when the top begins to dry, before leaves wilt. Always empty the saucer and reduce water sharply as temperatures fall or dormancy begins. Indoors, adjust frequency to actual light and warmth rather than following a fixed schedule. Room-temperature water limits shock to tropical roots, especially after the plant returns indoors. Watch leaf posture and pot weight, and water early in the day so excess moisture can drain before cooler night conditions.

Soil type

Rich, humus-filled, loose, well-drained soil supports the large leaves of Black Magic elephant ear. Loam amended with compost holds even moisture while releasing excess water around the tubercule. In containers, use a quality potting mix opened with fine bark or perlite. Avoid compact clay, water-filled saucers, and cold saturated soil, which encourage rot. Refresh the upper layer of mix each spring when complete repotting is unnecessary. Test drainage after settling, keep mulch away from the crown, and replace any sour-smelling medium immediately.

Fertilization

In spring and summer, feed every two to four weeks with diluted balanced fertilizer, or apply a controlled-release formula according to its label. Begin only after new leaves confirm root activity. Water before feeding and periodically flush container mix to limit salt accumulation. Stop feeding during dormancy or whenever low winter light markedly slows growth. Firm, evenly spaced growth indicates that the feeding rate is sufficient. White deposits on the mix or pot rim signal salt accumulation and a need for thorough flushing with plain water.

Seasonal care

In spring, inspect the stored tubercule and remove only soft tissue with a clean tool. Repot it in fresh mix as buds swell, then increase warmth, light, and watering gradually. Wait until frost has ended before outdoor acclimation; expose the plant to sun and wind in stages over one week. During summer, keep soil evenly moist, feed moderately, and rotate containers for balanced growth. Cut yellow leaves at the base while wearing gloves, monitor slugs and spider mites, and shelter broad blades from gusts. In autumn, bring the pot inside before nights remain below 12°C, or lift the tubercule before frost. Reduce water as growth slows, remove excess soil, and let the tubercule dry briefly. In winter, store a dormant tubercule cool, dry, ventilated, and frost free, or maintain a leafy plant in a warm bright room with less water. Inspect monthly for rot, excessive shrivelling, or pests. Keep the plant clearly labelled and inaccessible to children and pets at all times. Across the seasons, record emergence date, watering rhythm, and response to light so culture can be adjusted precisely the following year. At repotting, divide only offsets carrying their own roots and let every cut dry briefly before replanting. Clean the container, replace compacted mix, and verify that the crown remains firm. Increase spring moisture in small stages rather than flooding inactive roots.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

50 cm (20 in.)

Choose a heavy container 45 to 60 cm wide and at least 40 cm deep with several drainage holes. This volume stabilizes the 150 cm plant and gives the tubercule room to form offsets. Fill it with rich, airy potting mix amended with compost and perlite or fine bark. Set the crown just below the surface and water until surplus drains freely. Position the pot in full sun to partial shade, sheltered from wind. During summer, check moisture frequently because large leaves and a warm container use water quickly, yet never leave the saucer full. Feed at diluted strength during active growth and rotate the pot regularly. Stake only if the plant leans. Before cold nights, clean the foliage, inspect for pests, and acclimate the plant indoors. Overwinter it in leaf in a warm bright room, or allow dormancy and store the tubercule cool, dry, and frost free. Repot in spring when roots fill the container, and always wear gloves while handling damaged tissue. Raise the container on feet to preserve drainage after heavy rain. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and detect spider mites early. Keep the crown free of accumulated mulch and check that drainage holes remain open throughout summer.

Growth and flowering

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

100 to 150 cm (40 to 60 in.)

Width / spread

60 to 80 cm (24 to 32 in.)

Flower color

Green

Foliage color

Bronze to purple-black

Foliage type

Deciduous

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom period

Flowers may appear in summer on a mature, well-established plant. Typical of the aroid family, each inflorescence consists of a pale spathe surrounding a narrower spadix. It often remains discreet beneath the enormous foliage and is not guaranteed during cold-climate short season. The plant is grown primarily for leaves, so do not force flowering through excessive fertilizer. If an inflorescence appears, observe it on the plant instead of treating it as a cut flower. Remove it only after decline if conserving energy for foliage is the priority. It clearly illustrates the botanical structure characteristic of the aroid family.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Combine Black Magic elephant ear with plants that enjoy warmth, rich soil, and steady moisture without becoming invasive. Cannas repeat its vertical habit; coleus, begonias, impatiens, and ornamental sweet potato add colour and low coverage. Papyrus or finely textured grasses provide contrast in large containers. Leave enough root space and adjust watering to each species, however. Overwinter companions separately whenever their winter requirements differ. Avoid overcrowding the main pot. Separate neighbouring containers create a comparable layered effect while simplifying repotting, pest inspection, watering, and winter storage.

Garden use

In a cold Canadian regions garden, place Black Magic elephant ear where its foliage can be viewed closely and sheltered from prevailing wind. A large pot beside a patio, a bright courtyard, or the centre of a tropical border suits it better than an exposed edge. Use one plant as a living sculpture, or repeat several containers to frame an entrance. Around the base, combine begonias, coleus, impatiens, or ornamental sweet potato to cover the mix without competing for height. Cannas and fine grasses extend the vertical rhythm, while purple or chartreuse foliage emphasizes the enormous purple-black leaves. Keep about 60 cm between plants so air can circulate and each clump retains its outline. Avoid areas used by young children or pets because the plant is toxic when chewed. Finally, maintain clear access for watering and autumn transport. This seasonal role allows the display to change annually while the tubercule is safely preserved indoors. Soft evening lighting directed toward the foliage reveals prominent veins and extends the architectural effect after sunset. Avoid fixtures that produce direct heat. A dark backdrop or simple wall further clarifies the leaf outline and makes the seasonal specimen feel intentional.

Frequently asked questions

When should the tubercule be planted?

Plant the Van Noort package of 1 No. 1 tuber after all danger of frost, generally in late May or June in colder Canadian regions, once both soil and nights are genuinely warm. Choose a bright full-sun to partial-shade position protected from wind. Lay the tubercule horizontally with buds facing upward and the crown 25 to 50 mm below the surface. Rich, moist, well-drained soil prevents drying without trapping water. Irrigate deeply, then be patient because slow emergence does not necessarily indicate a problem. Avoid saturating a tubercule that remains dormant. In containers, begin growth under warm shelter and gradually acclimate the foliage before its final outdoor placement.

How should this Colocasia be overwintered?

Before the first frost, bring the pot inside or lift the tubercule. To keep the plant leafy, place it in a warm, bright, humid room away from drafts, then reduce watering slightly and stop feeding if growth slows. For dormant storage, let foliage decline, cut it back while wearing gloves, clean the tubercule gently, and allow it to dry briefly. Store it in a ventilated container under cool, dry, frost-free conditions. Inspect monthly for rot, mould, or excessive shrivelling. Label the material clearly and keep it inaccessible to children and pets because every plant part is toxic when chewed. Check stored material monthly, maintain ventilation, and remove any soft section with a sterile tool before damage spreads.

What light produces the best leaves?

Provide bright light in full sun to partial shade. Gentle morning sun encourages sturdy growth, while light shade protects leaves during very hot afternoons. An acclimated plant can receive more sun when soil remains moist, but never move an indoor-grown specimen abruptly into a scorching site. Increase exposure over one week to prevent burns. Shelter the clump from wind as well, because large blades tear easily. Indoors, position the pot near a bright window without touching cold glass. Rotate it regularly to maintain an upright, balanced habit, and watch moisture closely as increasing light raises water use. A simple windbreak can preserve intact margins without reducing the bright, filtered light needed for vigorous growth.

Why do the leaves turn yellow?

One older leaf may yellow naturally as a new leaf develops. Several yellow leaves at once, however, commonly indicate saturated mix, blocked drainage, sudden cold, insufficient light, or stressed roots. Check soil deeply and empty the saucer before adding water. Inspect roots if odour or a soft base accompanies yellowing. In winter, reduce irrigation as growth slows. Brown tips may instead signal dry air, irregular watering, or salt accumulation. Remove only fully yellow leaves with a clean tool while wearing gloves, then correct the cause instead of automatically applying fertilizer. Stable warmth, light, moisture, and airflow usually restore balanced growth.

Is the plant safe for pets?

No. Colocasia esculenta contains calcium oxalate crystals that strongly irritate the mouth and other tissue when any part is chewed or swallowed. Position the pot where cats, dogs, and young children cannot reach it. Wear gloves when planting, dividing, or cutting leaves, especially whenever sap could touch skin. Wash hands and tools afterwards, and never confuse this ornamental product with an edible plant. If a person or animal bites the plant and develops pain, drooling, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, promptly contact a poison centre, medical professional, or veterinarian. Keep stored tubers labelled and equally inaccessible during winter. Store dormant tubers in a ventilated labelled container and wear gloves again when spring planting begins.