Colocasia ‘Kona Coffee’

Colocasia ‘Kona Coffee’ is a striking dark-leaved elephant ear variety, known for its deep chocolate-brown to almost black foliage with a subtle glossy sheen. The leaves are heart-shaped, slightly upright, and sculptural, giving the plant a bold, tropical presence. Its stems are dark burgundy to nearly black, complementing the rich leaf color and enhancing the dramatic effect. The plant is medium-sized compared to giant Colocasias, making it ideal for indoor pots, patios, and smaller garden spaces while still maintaining impact.

Origin

‘Kona Coffee’ is a cultivated hybrid of Colocasia esculenta, bred for its dark foliage and striking appearance. Like other Colocasias, it is native to Southeast Asia and India. This hybrid was selected for collectors and enthusiasts who want dramatic dark leaves with a compact, manageable size that still delivers a tropical statement.

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What Makes ‘Kona Coffee’ Special

The leaves of Kona Coffee are rich chocolate-brown, which can appear almost black in certain light, and have a smooth, slightly glossy finish. Compared to other dark-leaved Colocasias like ‘Black Magic’, Kona Coffee is slightly more upright with medium-sized leaves, giving it a compact yet architectural shape. Its veins are subtle, which enhances the glossy, uniform appearance of the leaves, giving a sophisticated, elegant look.

Care

‘Kona Coffee’ thrives in moist, nutrient-rich soil. Keep the soil consistently damp but avoid waterlogging. Indoor plants should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on room temperature and humidity. Outdoors or in tropical climates, it can tolerate consistently moist soil or shallow standing water. For indoor plants, a shallow tray with water and pebbles helps maintain humidity and prevents the soil from drying out.

It prefers bright, indirect light. While it can handle gentle morning or late afternoon sun, harsh direct sunlight may scorch the leaves, especially in pots.

Repot every 1–2 years using a well-draining but moisture-retentive mix, such as cocopeat, compost, and perlite. Fertilize every 2–3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce feeding during the cooler months when growth slows.

Temperature & Humidity

‘Kona Coffee’ 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, particularly in tropical or subtropical climates.

Pet and Reptile Safety

Like other Colocasias, ‘Kona Coffee’ 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 the reptiles do not consume the foliage.

Indoor or Outdoor Use

This Colocasia can thrive both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, it makes a dramatic statement plant in bright, humid rooms. Outdoors, it prefers partial shade and consistently moist soil. It does not require permanent standing water, but a water tray indoors can help maintain humidity and soil moisture.

Comparison to Black Magic

• Leaf Color: Kona Coffee has rich chocolate-brown tones; Black Magic is deep, almost pure black.

• Leaf Size & Shape: Kona Coffee tends to have slightly smaller, upright leaves; Black Magic has larger, broader leaves.

• Growth Habit: Kona Coffee is medium-sized and compact, while Black Magic can grow larger and more dramatic.

• Visual Effect: Kona Coffee has a warmer, coffee-brown appearance; Black Magic is intense, dramatic, and darker, making a more striking contrast with surrounding plants.

Summary Care

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

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

• Light: Bright indirect light; limited 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 ‘Kona Coffee’ is a tropical gem with rich, dark foliage and compact, upright growth. It adds elegance and sophistication to any indoor or outdoor space. Its medium size makes it versatile for pots, patios, and indoor displays, while its glossy chocolate-brown leaves provide a warm contrast to brighter plants or other dark-leaved Colocasias. With consistent moisture, warmth, and indirect light, Kona Coffee is a must-have for collectors who want dramatic tropical foliage without the giant footprint of larger Colocasias.