Colocasia esculenta ‘Diamond Head’

Colocasia esculenta ‘Diamond Head’ is a striking tropical elephant ear celebrated for its vivid lime-green leaves with prominent yellow highlights and bold, upright growth. The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and slightly cupped, giving the plant a sculptural, tropical presence. Its stems are often light green to pale pink, complementing the bright foliage and enhancing the dramatic, architectural appearance. ‘Diamond Head’ is medium to large in size, making it perfect as a statement plant indoors or as a tropical feature outdoors.

Origin

‘Diamond Head’ is a cultivated variety of Colocasia esculenta, originating from the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and India. This cultivar was selected for its bright, eye-catching foliage and upright, architectural growth habit. It is popular among collectors and tropical plant enthusiasts who want dramatic color without the giant size of some other Colocasias.

What Makes ‘Diamond Head’ Special

The defining feature of ‘Diamond Head’ is its bright lime-green leaves with subtle yellow highlights, which create a tropical, sunlit effect. Compared to darker-leaved varieties like ‘Black Magic’ or ‘Kona Coffee’, Diamond Head adds brightness and vibrancy, making it ideal for pairing with dark foliage or other bold tropical plants. The leaves’ glossy surface and upright form make it an elegant, statement-making plant in any setting.

Google Image

Care

‘Diamond Head’ thrives in moist, nutrient-rich soil. Keep the soil evenly damp but not waterlogged. Indoor plants should be watered deeply once or twice a week, adjusting frequency based on humidity and temperature. Outdoors, it enjoys consistently moist soil or can be planted near water features. For indoor growth, a shallow tray with water and pebbles helps maintain humidity and supports healthy foliage.

It prefers bright, indirect light, with some tolerance for gentle morning or late afternoon sun. Avoid harsh midday sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and fade their color.

Repot every 1–2 years using a moisture-retentive, well-draining mix such as cocopeat, compost, and perlite. Fertilize every 2–3 weeks during the growing season to promote lush, vibrant foliage. Reduce feeding during cooler months when growth slows.

Temperature & Humidity

‘Diamond Head’ prefers warm temperatures (18–28°C) and high humidity. Indoor plants benefit from misting or a pebble tray. Outdoors, it thrives in partial shade and consistently moist soil, especially in tropical and subtropical climates.

Pet and Reptile Safety

Like all Colocasias, ‘Diamond Head’ is not safe for pets or humans due to calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves and stems. It is reptile safe for display purposes if reptiles do not consume the foliage.

Indoor or Outdoor Use

‘Diamond Head’ is versatile and can thrive both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, it makes a striking statement in bright, humid spaces. Outdoors, it enjoys partial shade and consistently moist soil, making it ideal for patio containers, tropical garden beds, or near water features. While it prefers consistently damp soil, it does not require permanent standing water, though a water tray indoors can help maintain humidity.

Comparison to Other Colocasias

• Leaf Color: Bright lime-green with yellow highlights; contrasts beautifully with dark-leaved varieties like ‘Black Magic’.

• Visual Impact: Fresh, vibrant tropical presence; perfect for adding brightness and contrast.

• Growth Habit: Upright, sculptural leaves; medium to large size.

Summary Care

• Soil: Moist, nutrient-rich, well-draining

• Water: Keep evenly damp; water 1–2 times per week

• Light: Bright indirect light; gentle morning or late sun

• Temperature: 18–28°C

• Humidity: High

• 
  

  Fertilizer: Every 2–3 weeks during growing season

• Pet Safe: ❌ No

• Reptile Safe: ✅ With caution

Final Thoughts

Colocasia esculenta ‘Diamond Head’ is a tropical showstopper that brings vibrant color, elegance, and architectural form to any indoor or outdoor space. Its lime-green, glossy leaves with yellow highlights make it a versatile addition to both tropical gardens and indoor plant collections. With consistent moisture, warm temperatures, and bright indirect light, ‘Diamond Head’ thrives and pairs beautifully with dark or contrasting foliage for a striking tropical display.