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Robert Dyas£13.99Visit shop Thompson & Morgan - Colocasia Rubra Black Magic - 9cm Potted Plant
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B&Q£16.99Visit shop B&Q - Colocasia Rubra Black Magic 9Cm Potted Plant X 1
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The Colocasia rubra ‘Black Magic’ is an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add bold, tropical architecture to their landscape, particularly those with access to boggy soil or pond margins. Its primary benefit is the rapid growth of stunning, heart-shaped leaves that transition into a deep, moody purple-black hue, providing an unmatched focal point for any garden. The primary caveat is that this is a tender perennial; it is not frost-hardy and requires dedicated winter protection to survive in cooler climates.
| Model Part Number | KH4529 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Thompson & Morgan |
No. Colocasia ‘Black Magic’ is a tender perennial and will die if exposed to frost. It must be brought indoors or the tubers must be lifted and stored.
It is best suited for marginal aquatic planting. Keep it in shallow water or on a submerged shelf where the crown is just above or at the water level.
It thrives in rich, moisture-retentive soil or compost that mimics a boggy, organic-rich environment.
The leaves transition to black as they mature. Ensure the plant is getting adequate light (but not direct sun) and that it is well-fed to encourage vigorous growth.
Routine pruning isn't strictly necessary, but you should remove any old or damaged foliage at the base to keep the plant looking neat.
Yes, provided you can offer a humid environment, plenty of bright indirect light, and keep the soil consistently moist.
Check soil moisture immediately. This plant requires consistently wet soil and will show stress quickly if allowed to dry out.
The plant is likely receiving too much direct sun. Move to a position with partial shade to preserve the deep dark pigmentation of the leaves.
Ensure the plant is receiving adequate nutrients; apply a balanced fertilizer during the peak summer months to support its rapid growth cycle.
To establish your plant, enrich the planting site with organic compost to boost moisture retention. If using a container, select a pot with minimal drainage or use a saucer to trap water, as this plant is essentially a water-lover. During the growing season, apply a liquid fertilizer occasionally to fuel its rapid expansion.
As autumn temperatures drop, you must act before the first frost. Either move the entire container into a conservatory or greenhouse, or lift the tubers from the ground. If lifting, clean the tubers, remove the foliage, and store them in a cool, dark, and frost-free place packed in slightly damp sand or peat until spring planting.
