Appearance and growth habit

Colocasia Esculenta 'Pharaoh's Mask' is a spectacular tropical foliage plant, famous for its enormous, deeply textured, shield-shaped leaves with dramatic dark green colouring and prominent raised veins. The unusual leaf texture creates an almost quilted appearance, giving it plenty of personality. Growing from underground corms, it develops large, upright foliage and makes a fantastic statement plant for anyone who loves bold tropical greenery.

Care requirements

Provide bright, indirect light to partial sun, with protection from harsh afternoon sunlight. Colocasia enjoys consistently moist growing conditions and does not like drying out completely. Use a rich, moisture-retentive but well-draining growing medium and provide warmth and higher humidity. Regular feeding during the growing season will encourage those impressive leaves. Given enough space and the right conditions, this plant can grow surprisingly large!

Troubleshooting

Yellowing leaves can indicate inconsistent watering, nutrient deficiencies or natural ageing, as older leaves are regularly replaced by new growth. Brown leaf edges may result from low humidity, underwatering or excessive direct sunlight. Watch for spider mites, thrips and other common foliage pests. During cooler months, growth may slow down or the plant may enter dormancy, so reduce watering accordingly.

Pet and reptile safety

Colocasia Esculenta 'Pharaoh's Mask' contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic if chewed or ingested by cats, dogs and other pets. It can cause mouth irritation, drooling, swelling and difficulty swallowing. It is not recommended for reptile enclosures or habitats where animals may nibble on the foliage. Keep away from curious pets and reptiles.