Colocasia ‘Maui Gold’

Colocasia ‘Maui Gold’ is a stunning and bold elephant ear variety prized for its bright golden-yellow leaves that radiate warmth and energy. Each leaf is large, slightly cupped, and heart-shaped, with subtle green veins that highlight its golden color. The leaf stems are usually pinkish to light green, adding contrast and dimension. The combination of size, color, and shape makes ‘Maui Gold’ a tropical showstopper that draws the eye immediately, whether indoors or in a garden setting.

Origin

‘Maui Gold’ is a hybrid Colocasia cultivar developed in Hawaii. It is part of the Colocasia esculenta family, native to Southeast Asia and India. Colocasias in general evolved in wet, tropical environments and were later selectively bred for bold foliage, unique coloration, and dwarf or compact growth habits. ‘Maui Gold’ was created to combine dramatic color with manageable size, making it ideal for indoor pots, patios, and water gardens.

What Makes ‘Maui Gold’ Special

The most striking feature of ‘Maui Gold’ is its vibrant golden-yellow foliage, which tends to stay bright even in indoor conditions. The leaves are slightly upward-facing, giving the plant an upright, architectural presence. It’s medium-sized compared to giant Colocasias, usually reaching 60–90 cm tall, which makes it easier to grow in pots while still maintaining impact. Its stems and leaf bases often show subtle pink highlights, enhancing its tropical appearance.

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Care

‘Maui Gold’ thrives in rich, moisture-retentive soil. Keep the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged. Indoors, water deeply once or twice a week, depending on room temperature and humidity. Outdoors or near water features, it enjoys soil that stays moist and can even tolerate shallow standing water at the base. A shallow water tray with pebbles works well for indoor plants to maintain humidity and prevent the soil from drying out.

It prefers bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate a few hours of gentle morning sun, prolonged direct sunlight may scorch the leaves or fade their golden color. Indoors, place it near a bright window with filtered light to keep the color vibrant.

Repotting should be done every 1–2 years, ideally in spring or early summer, using a mix that retains moisture while providing good drainage. A combination of cocopeat, compost, and perlite works well. Colocasias grow from corms, so during repotting, check for any offshoots or “pups” which can be separated to grow new plants.

Fertilize every 2–3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Rich, nitrogen-heavy fertilizers encourage lush, bright foliage. Reduce feeding in the cooler months when growth slows.

Temperature & Humidity

‘Maui Gold’ loves warm temperatures between 18–28°C and high humidity. Indoor plants benefit from misting or a pebble tray to maintain moisture. Outdoors, it thrives in tropical or subtropical climates, especially in partially shaded garden beds or near water features. In cooler regions, it can be grown indoors and brought outside during summer.

Pet and Reptile Safety

Like other Colocasias, ‘Maui Gold’ is not safe for pets or humans due to calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth and digestive tract if ingested. It is reptile safe for display purposes, as long as the reptiles do not consume the foliage.

Indoor or Outdoor Use

‘Maui Gold’ can thrive both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors, it makes a bold, tropical statement in partial shade, near ponds, or in moist garden beds. Indoors, it works well in bright, humid rooms or sunrooms. It prefers consistently moist soil but does not require permanent water. Using a water tray indoors is an excellent option to maintain humidity.

Summary Care

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

• Water: Keep evenly damp; water 1–2 times per week; can tolerate shallow standing water

• Light: Bright indirect light; limited gentle morning 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 ‘Maui Gold’ is a tropical showstopper that brightens any space with its golden foliage and bold architecture. Its medium size makes it versatile for pots, patios, and indoor tropical corners, while its consistent moisture and warm environment requirements make it an easy-to-care-for statement plant. Keep it bright, warm, and humid, and you’ll have a plant that grows healthy, radiant leaves that almost glow with tropical energy. For collectors and plant enthusiasts, ‘Maui Gold’ brings a splash of sunshine to any collection and pairs beautifully with darker-leaved Colocasias for contrast.