Colocasia esculenta ‘Midnight’ 
 
Common Names Midnight Elephant Ear, Black Velvet Taro
 
Zones 9b–11 (outdoors); Zone 8+ with protection
 
Colocasia ‘Midnight’ is one of the darkest cultivars in the genus, prized for its sleek, velvety black foliage and compact form. Unlike larger taro varieties, ‘Midnight’ maintains a tidy silhouette, making it ideal for containers, shaded borders, and tropical vignettes. Its glossy texture and deep coloration add dramatic contrast to mixed plantings.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Clump-forming; slow spread via tubers
Height: 2 ft. tall; 2 ft. wide
Trunk: Herbaceous; no true trunk
Leaves: Heart-shaped; uniformly black with glossy finish; 18–24 in. long
Petiole: Black to deep purple; upright and sturdy
Inflorescence: Rare; white spathe and spadix in spring
Fruit: Not typically produced
Ecology: Cultivar of Colocasia esculenta, bred for ornamental foliage and compact habit
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Bright shade to part sun; deeper color with increased light exposure
Watering: Regular moisture; tolerates boggy conditions but avoid waterlogging
Soil: Rich, well-draining mix with high organic content
Temperature: 68–86°F (20–30°C); protect below 50°F (10°C)
Humidity: High humidity preferred; indoor growers may mist or use humidifiers
Propagation: Division of tubers or offsets
Tolerance: Resistant to verticillium wilt; sensitive to drought and cold
 
Landscape Use Perfect for shaded patios, tropical-themed containers, woodland gardens, and pond margins. Pairs well with Colocasia ‘Illustris’, Caladium ‘Black Knight’, and Farfugium japonicum ‘Aureomaculatum’ for layered foliage contrast.