Colocasia Pharaoh's Mask

Plant name: Colocasia Pharaoh’s Mask

Scientific name: Colocasia esculenta ‘Pharaoh’s Mask’

Plant description:
Colocasia Pharaoh’s Mask is a dramatic elephant ear cultivar grown for its architectural foliage and bold texture. This selection forms upright clumps with strong stems that support heavily textured leaves, creating a sculptural presence in landscapes and large containers. Its distinctive form adds structure to tropical-style plantings and pairs well with both flowering and foliage companions. As a warm-season perennial, it produces its most vigorous growth during periods of consistent warmth and moisture.

Flower description:
Like other Colocasia varieties, Pharaoh’s Mask may produce small, calla-like spathes typical of the aroid family, though flowering is infrequent and not considered the primary ornamental feature. The plant is valued primarily for its foliage rather than its blooms.

Leaf description:
Leaves are thick, dark green to deep olive with pronounced raised veining that creates a quilted, almost three-dimensional appearance. The heavily puckered surface and strong vertical orientation give the plant a bold, textured look unlike traditional smooth-leaf elephant ears. Mature leaves are large and shield-shaped, held upright on sturdy petioles.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Herbaceous perennial that remains evergreen in warm, frost-free climates but may go dormant where temperatures drop significantly.

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 8–11 outdoors; grown as a seasonal or container plant in cooler climates.

Mature height and width:
Typically reaches 3–5 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, depending on growing conditions and soil moisture.

Landscape uses:
Ideal for tropical-style landscapes, water garden edges, statement containers, and bold foliage combinations. Its upright habit makes it effective as a focal point or background plant, and it provides strong contrast against fine-textured grasses or flowering annuals.

Native range:
Colocasia esculenta originates from Southeast Asia and parts of the Indian subcontinent, with cultivated hybrids developed through horticultural breeding.

Sun exposure:
Performs best in full sun to partial shade. In regions with intense sunlight, some afternoon shade helps maintain leaf color and prevent stress. Adequate light encourages compact growth and strong leaf structure.

Water requirements:
Requires consistently moist to wet soil for best performance. It tolerates heavy soils and can grow near water features, provided drainage allows oxygen to reach the roots. Regular watering is essential during active growth, especially for container-grown plants.

Pests and problems:
May attract spider mites, aphids, and caterpillars. Poor air circulation and overly dry conditions can increase pest pressure. Root rot may occur in poorly aerated soils that remain stagnant. Monitoring moisture levels and maintaining balanced nutrition help prevent common issues.

Heat and sun tolerance: Cold tolerance:
Handles high heat well when soil moisture is consistent. Growth slows when temperatures drop, and foliage may decline after exposure to frost. Cold conditions can trigger dormancy or cause top growth to die back, with regrowth occurring when warmth returns in suitable climates.

Growing tips:
Plant in rich, organic soil that retains moisture without becoming compacted. Regular feeding during the growing season supports large, vigorous leaves and steady growth. Position where the bold texture can be appreciated up close, and allow adequate spacing for mature spread. Removing older leaves keeps the plant tidy and encourages new growth from the center.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.