Royal Hawaiian® Hawaiian Punch Elephant's Ear Shrub

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Choose a well-aerated potting mix or amend garden beds to ensure good drainage. Select a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, and consider using a container that provides enough space for roots to spread.

2. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during the growing season. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. 

3. Pruning: Prune away any dead or damaged leaves throughout the growing season to promote healthy growth. Wear gloves when pruning, as plants can release a compound that may cause skin irritation.

4. Fertilizing: Colocasia's are heavy feeders. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. A higher nitrogen fertilizer like a 20-10-10 or an organic fertilizer can also be used. every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to encourage lush foliage development. In fall, cut back on fertilization as the plant prepares for dormancy.

5. Winterizing: In zone 8, cut foliage to the ground and place a wire cage over the plant. Fill the cage with well shredded leaves, which will insulate the corms but not hold too much water against the plant, which can cause rot. In zones 2-7, dig the plant up before the first frost, removing the top two leaves, and replant into a container. Keep the plant in a bright window at about 45-60 F indoor temperatures. Alternately, corms can be dug up, removing all foliage, and placed in peat moss to be kept in a cool, dry place that stays above freezing.