Colocasia Pharaoh's Mask

The Colocasia Pharaoh’s Mask, or just Pharaoh’s Mask plant, is a cultivar that has gained popularity in tropical gardens and sophisticated landscaping projects. With its dramatic foliage, this plant offers a unique aesthetic appeal.

The Colocasia Pharaoh’s Mask is a patented hybrid (PPAF – Plant Patent Applied For), developed by tropical plant specialist Brian Williams from Brian’s Botanicals in the United States. The ‘Pharaoh’s Mask’ was derived from a mutation observed in another Colocasia cultivar collected by Hayes Jackson, named ‘Dark Star.’ This spontaneous mutation displayed a distinct dark central vein, a characteristic that was enhanced through selective breeding, culminating in the ‘Pharaoh’s Mask.’

Introduced commercially in the mid-2010s, this cultivar emerged from selection programs aimed at achieving exotic foliage patterns. Its name, inspired by Egyptian iconography, references the contrasting veins that evoke the grandeur of pharaonic funerary masks.

The plant quickly gained popularity in botanical collections and gardening fairs, standing out as an alternative to traditional elephant ear varieties (Colocasia esculenta). Its genetic stability and adaptability to different environments have solidified its status as an excellent choice for both residential gardens and large-scale landscaping projects.

The genus Colocasia, native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands, has traditionally been cultivated for its edible tubers (taro) and lush foliage. The genus name Colocasia derives from the Greek “kolokasion,” a term used to describe aquatic plants. However, this particular cultivar was developed as an innovation, resulting from crossbreeding between species such as Colocasia esculenta and other dark-leaved varieties. The parent species originate from tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, where they thrive in humid areas such as riverbanks and swamps. These natural habitats inspire cultivation practices that seek to replicate high-humidity environments with organically rich soils.

The Pharaoh’s Mask plant grows in clumps and features heart-shaped (sagittate-cordiform) leaves that can reach up to 60 cm (24 in) in length. The leaf texture is waxy and slightly rough, with a base coloration ranging from lime green to chartreuse, accentuated by deep purple to nearly black primary and secondary veins. The veins form a radial pattern, creating a striking visual contrast. In mature plants, the leaf edges curve downward, enhancing the raised veins and making this cultivar even more sculptural.

The petioles are long (up to 1.5 m / 5 ft), upright, and sturdy, with colors ranging from green to dark purple, providing strong support even in windy conditions. A unique feature is guttation, a process in which the plant exudes water droplets from the leaf margins, common in species from humid environments.

The inflorescence, typical of the Araceae family, consists of a spathe, a modified bract that partially encloses the spadix, where the flowers are arranged. The spathe varies in color from green to pale yellow, while the spadix contains male flowers in the upper portion and female flowers at the base.

Pollination generally occurs through insects attracted to the floral structure. After successful pollination, small, inconspicuous berry-like fruits develop, containing seeds that can be used for sexual propagation.

The stem is rhizomatous, with tubers that store nutrients and enable survival during dormancy periods. This structure facilitates propagation and overwintering in temperate climates.

In landscaping, the Pharaoh’s Mask plant stands out for its imposing and exotic presence. One of its most striking features is the three-dimensional effect of its leaves. The deep purple, almost black veins create a pronounced relief, giving the plant a uniquely sculptural texture. This makes it a valuable focal point in landscape designs, especially in tropical and contemporary compositions.

Often used in group plantings or as a standalone specimen, it enhances borders and flower beds, as well as arrangements around ponds and pools, provided the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Its vigorous growth and lush foliage make it an excellent choice for creating contrasts with lighter-toned species or more delicate foliage.

Its dramatic architecture makes it perfect for:

• Tropical Gardens: Pairs well with heliconias, ornamental bananas, and calla lilies.
• Water Features: Thrives in partially flooded areas, creating striking reflections.
• Container Gardens: Large pots highlight its foliage on patios and terraces.
• Architectural Accents: Used as a focal point at entrances or along pathways.

For optimal growth, this cultivar requires attention to environmental conditions. The soil should be rich in organic matter, well-drained, and consistently moist but not waterlogged. In containers, it requires a substrate high in organic content, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Mixes with peat, compost, and coarse sand ensure adequate drainage, which is crucial to prevent rhizome rot.

It prefers partial shade to full sun, with protection from intense direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn. In cooler regions, full sun exposure helps maintain vigor. Naturally adapted to tropical and subtropical regions, the Colocasia Pharaoh’s Mask thrives in areas with high humidity and temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F–86°F).

Its ideal habitat includes riverbanks and swampy areas where the soil remains moist but well-drained. In cultivation, it shows cold tolerance, enduring light frost only if protected. Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can damage the plant. During winter, it may enter dormancy, halting growth.

Regular watering is essential to keep the soil moist, especially during active growth periods. It is important to avoid both excessive dryness and waterlogging, as both can compromise plant health. The ideal relative humidity is above 60%, requiring occasional misting in dry environments.

Monthly fertilization with balanced fertilizers promotes vigor and enhances leaf coloration. For maintenance, it is recommended to remove aged or damaged leaves to encourage a more harmonious development.

An interesting feature of the Pharaoh’s Mask plant is its ability to grow in wet soils and even in shallow standing water, making it an excellent choice for water gardens or the edges of artificial ponds. However, it is essential to ensure that the roots are not fully submerged for long periods, as this may hinder its development.

Regarding pest and disease resistance, this cultivar is hardy and does not have specific vulnerabilities, but like other Colocasia, it can be affected by common pests such as aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Regular inspection and preventive measures, such as maintaining a clean and well-ventilated environment, help minimize infestation risks and keep the plant healthy.

Propagation of the Pharaoh’s Mask is primarily through rhizome division, a method that preserves the cultivar’s unique characteristics. This process should be carried out in spring when the plant enters active growth. To divide the rhizomes:

1. Dig up the plant in early spring.
2. Separate healthy rhizomes, each with at least one bud.
3. Replant in moist substrate, maintaining a temperature above 18°C (64°F).

Additionally, tissue culture techniques are widely used to ensure faithful reproduction of the variety and preserve its ornamental quality.