Black Knight Elephant Ear

Black Knight Elephant Ear is an overly thirsty plant. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy at all times. In the growing season, water deeply but less frequently so the soil is still moist several inches below the surface — water when the first few inches of soil are dry. In the colder months, reduce watering, and water only when soil is completely dry. Be careful, as this plant is especially vulnerable to both under- and over-watering.

Colocasia Black Knight requires bright, indirect light. It grows best in a location that receives morning sun or partial sun and afternoon shade. While it can tolerate more intense light, it will need more water during these periods. Too much direct sunlight will cause the leaves to scorch. During the winter months, the plant may require more light than it would typically be given in other months.

This houseplant prefers temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C). It will suffer in temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 40°F (4°F). In hot summer months, be sure not to let the temperature exceed 85°F (29°C).

Black Knight Elephant Ear likes humidity, so mist regularly, especially as temperatures increase. Keep it away from air conditioning or heaters that can decrease the humidity level. Try to maintain relative humidity level between 60% and 80%, by using a room humidifier or placing the plant in a humid room or on a tray filled with moistened pebbles to increase the humidity.

Colocasia Black Knight prefers rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Opt for a peat-based potting mix, or create your own with equal parts top soil, peat moss, and perlite. This plant prefers a soil with a pH between 5.0-6.5. Be sure to keep the soil quality up by adding organic matter such as compost, manure, or fertilizer.

Black Knight Elephant Ear needs regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer such as an all-purpose 20-20-20. Fertilize once every two weeks in the warmer months with a diluted solution and then reduce the frequency in cooler months. Always read and follow the instructions on the package for best results.

Common pests you might see on Black Knight Elephant Ear are mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. To manage and prevent these pests, the first step is cultural control. It is imperative to maintain good soil quality, dispense with fallen leaves and old potting mix, and move plants that are prone to prior infestations away from new plants to prevent a recurrence. If infested, you may opt for a systemic pesticide you apply as a spray on the leaves. Alternatively, you can try natural remedies like neem oil, garlic spray, or insecticidal soap. Be sure to use the correct dosage and timing to make sure it does not damage the plant.

For best growth and development, Black Knight Elephant Ear should be repotted every two years. The best time to repot is in the early spring. Use a rich, organic potting soil that is well-drained. transplant into a container that is at least one size larger than the previous one and discard the old potting soil. As with any transplant, pay attention not to damage the root ball and be sure to water well.

Pruning Colocasia Black Knight is fairly simple. If the plant becomes too large or unruly, you can trim the foliage back to the desired size. If any foliage is old and limp, it should be removed as it will not recover. If the stem and foliage gets too long, you can make the plant bushier by trimming it by at least a third. Always use clean, sharp shears to avoid the risk of contamination.

Mulching is beneficial for Colocasia Black Knight as it keeps the soil near the plant moist for longer periods of time. It also helps increase the fertility and porosity of the soil, which supports the growth of the plant. Use a 2-inch layer of either bark chips or pine needles to cover the pot’s surface, avoiding the center shoot area. Build up a ring around the edges, one to two inches away from stem base.

Propagation of the Colocasia Black Knight is done by offshoots, also known as pups. When the plant is mature enough, it will start growing small shoots on the side of the stem that you can simply cut away from the main stem. Allow the offshoot to dry for a few hours. Then, plant it in individual containers with any of the recommended soil for Elephant Ear plants. Make sure the soil is moist and in a brightly lit location.

For Colocasia Black Knight, you may need to provide some support as the stems become top-heavy. For best results, install a stake or trellis on the opposite side of the stem and tie the stem loosely to the support using an elastic band.

This plant needs a rest period of difficulty in the winter months. During these months, slow and reduce the watering and do not fertilize in order to allow the plant to go dormant. Increase the humidity by misting the leaves more often. To provide extra protection, you may move your plant to a colder, but not freezing, area such as the basement or the attic.

Colocasia Black Knight is toxic if ingested and may cause irritation to the skin and eyes upon contact. Keep away from children and pets.