Royal Hawaiian® Maui Gold Elephant Ear

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: This variety performs best in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light to maintain its vibrant chartreuse color. In hotter climates, afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent leaf scorch, though too much shade will cause the stems to stretch and the gold hue to fade toward lime green.
• Soil: These plants crave rich, loamy soil that mimics a tropical forest floor. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost to improve drainage, as "wet feet" in cold, stagnant soil can lead to bulb rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, keep the soil consistently moist like a wrung-out sponge to help the large root system establish. Once mature, Maui Gold can handle heavy watering and even boggy conditions, but inconsistent moisture will cause the leaf edges to crisp and turn brown. If the plant goes through a dry spell, it will sacrifice its oldest leaves to survive, leading to a smaller, less impressive display.

Pruning Tips

Since these plants grow from a central corm, they do not require traditional pruning, but you should "deadhead" old foliage by cutting yellowing leaves at the base of the stem. Removing these spent leaves allows the plant to direct all its energy into producing the next massive, neon leaf. Think of it like grooming; it keeps the plant looking tidy and prevents pests from hiding in decaying organic matter.

Fertilizer Needs

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or a slow-release granular formula every 4 to 6 weeks during the peak growing season to fuel its rapid growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because they encourage soft, lush growth that is easily damaged by the first cool breezes of autumn. Providing plenty of potassium instead will help strengthen the corm for its winter dormancy.