Black Magic Taro (Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic') shallow water plant

Black Magic Taro (Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic') shallow water plant

Black Magic Taro has burgundy stems with leaves that (depending on the amount of sunlight the taro is getting) can range from dusky green to a dark plum color that appears black. The leaves are heart shaped, growing up to 3 feet in length. This taro grows about 2-3' tall or even taller and performs best when planted in partial shade, although it will tolerate full sun except in hot dry climates. Black Magic Taro is a perfect accent plant for the edge of the pond or streambed, and may even be grown in the regular garden!.

Black Magic tolerates lower light levels, so in colder zones it may be overwintered in the house beside a very sunny window --just be sure to water sparingly, as you would a regular house plant, as in lower light levels too much water creates stagnant soil conditions. 

Hardiness Zone: 8-11
Planting Container: We recommend a 10" x 6" fabric pot to grow a regular sized plant, or a 12.5" x 7" or 15" x 6" fabric pot to grow a specimen sized plant. In colder climates, a 10" x 6" pot will be easier to move inside for winter, but you won't get as large a plant. Click on any fabric pot link to read about why fabric pots work better than hard plastic pots!
Light Requirements: full sun to part shade
Height: 2' to 3' - Spread: 12" to 24" Wide
Water Depth: Moist soil or water up to 1" deep (Maximum water depth is for mature bog plants)

THESE PLANTS CANNOT BE SHIPPED TO HI - KNOW YOUR STATE LAWS.

FERTILIZING: For best health and growth, we recommend fertilizing regularly (unless using the plants in a plant filtration system!). Use Pondtabbs 20 count, 60 count, or 300 count for fast release, or Aquascape 6 count or 12 count capsules for slow release (once a year) fertilizing. Aquascape is preferred for low maintenance, but Pondtabbs are useful in Spring when Aquascape is slow to start in low temperatures. Pondtabbs are also useful for a quick extra nutrient push for extra bloom, and for mid-summer fertilizing of a new plant (we don't recommend using slow release fertilizer in mid-summer or later in cold climates, as plants should run out of fertilizer at the end of the year to encourage dormancy in cold climates).

Plants are shipped bare root or in starter pots, and will require planting upon arrival. For in depth planting and care instructions visit our Planting and Care Instructions for Shallow Water and Bog Plants.

For information on using plants for pond filtration, please read our blog on this topic!