Colocasia Pharaoh’s Mask is an unusual tropical hybrid and part of the Araceae family. Because its leaves look similar to elephant ears, it is commonly nicknamed Elephant Ear Colocasia. Its leaf pattern also closely resembles that of an Egyptian pharaoh’s mask.
The perennial displays large, green leaves with protruding dark-purple veins. The strong contrasting colors and the fact that the leaves fold under on the edges give the foliage a three dimensional appearance.
The Pharaoh’s Mask also produces calla lily-like flowers. If temperatures are ideal, the plant has the capability of producing blooms all throughout the year.
Colocasia Pharaoh’s Mask Care
The Colocasia COPHAMA Pharaohs Mask PP33772 can be grown in the ground or in a container. It’s also commonly grown as an aquatic plant. If growing in a container, a three-gallon pot is recommended as the plant gets pretty large.
For the most part, Pharaoh’s Masks are somewhat intermediate on the care scale level of difficulty. Follow the below guidelines to best care for your Colocasia Pharaoh’s Mask.
Soil
Your average gardening or potting soil is perfectly suitable for Pharaoh Mask plants. Soil that is kept moist yet well-drained is best.
Its pH soil preferences are neutral to slightly acidic, between a pH of 6.1 and 7.3.
Watering
Pharaoh’s Masks enjoy moderate, consistent watering. However, it despises being too moist yet too dry.
Over- or under-watering can be noted by the plant’s leaf appearance. Yellow leaves signify that the plant is being watered improperly.
Lighting
Indirect full or partial sun is most ideal for Pharaoh’s Mask Colocasia. It’s also a fan of afternoon shade.
Be careful to not give the plant too much direct light as this can cause dehydration and/or sunscald. However, lack of sunlight can cause Pharaoh’s Masks’ leaves to remain small and/or fall off.
Humidity & Temperature
Preferable temperatures for Pharaoh’s Masks are around 60 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
This plant doesn’t require extra humidity. This is because it absorbs most of its water via its root system rather than through its leaves.
Fertilizing
It’s recommended to fertilize your Pharaoh’s Mask once a month during the active growing season. Use a water-soluble fertilizer.
Propagation
The hybrid can be propagated via rooting cutting or tissue culture. Despite popular belief, Pharaoh’s Mask Colocasia do not produce seeds.
Diseases & Pests
At this time, it’s not known which diseases and pests the Pharaoh’s Mask is susceptible to.
Toxicity
This aroid is toxic to cats and dogs.
If consumed, the calcium oxalate crystals contained within the plant can irritate the mouth and esophagus.
Hardiness Zone
The Pharaoh Mask plant is hardy to USDA zones 7 to 10.
If grown in zones that are prone to freezing temperatures, the plant will usually die. It may or may not return the following spring.
Colocasia Pharaoh’s Mask Origin
The Colocasia Pharaoh’s Mask hybrid was created by Brian Paul Williams. It was invented at Brian’s Botanical plant nursery in Louisville, Kentucky.
Colocasia COPHAMA Pharaohs Mask PP33772 is a cross between Colocasia ‘Dark Star’ and Black Stem Elephant Ear. The cross was made in June 2013, and Pharaoh’s Mask officially became its own unique plant in August 2018.
Pharaoh’s Mask has been granted a patent by the patent office as of December 21, 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pharaoh’s Mask is a hybrid variety of Colocasia esculenta, also known as Elephant Ear plants or Taro.
Unlike traditional Colocasia esculenta, Pharaoh’s Masks are adorned with succulent, purple veins and curled foliage. They also tend to be harder to find than their traditional counterparts.
Pharaoh’s Mask is a very rare variety of Colocasia with a unique, bold appearance. Part of its rarity is due to the fact that it’s a very difficult to propagate hybrid. Not to mention, Pharaoh’s Mask is a newer cultivar of Colocasia.
Pharaoh’s Colocasia Masks have a few specific requirements.
They enjoy bright yet indirect lighting and soil that is moist but not soggy. Refrain from giving them direct light, and keep them out of extreme temperatures including frost. Fertilizing monthly during the warmer months or giving your plant new potting soil is recommended.
You can expect your Colocasia Pharaoh’s Mask to grow to around a foot tall and six inches wide within its first year. At a mature age, the plant gets four to five feet tall and four feet wide. The leaves of this hybrid colocasia can reach a whopping six inches in size.