Description New Guinea Gold – An unusual form from Papua New Guinea. The thick sculpted glossy green and gold speckling makes this elephant ear unique. The leaves are held upright on dramatically rigid stems. It can be quite hardy, surviving 27 degrees F with mulch, but they do prefer warmer conditions. When they are young the leaves are completely green, the speckling begins after the plants are a few months old when in high light conditions. They have a peculiar habit of producing variegated leaves only at certain times of the year (typically late summer through Autumn) occasionally missing out entirely in a year. This is not a typical case of variegation reversion since for the most part the plant does return to producing variegated leaves each year. They also are known for turning almost completely yellow for a few months and then going back to normal in an odd cycle of variegation. There seems to be no apparent reason for this behavior. However, it does make this a unique and very beautiful plant and different from the typical elephant ear. Plants can range in growth height anywhere from 5 – 8 feet tall. The growth rate, bloom and leaf color of New Guinea will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, temperature and other care factors. FAMILY: Araceae ORIGIN: Papua, New Guinea TYPE: Aroid MATURE SIZE: 6 – 8 ft. tall LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Full sun, partial sun, partial shade WATER REQUIREMENTS: Average, prefers well-draining soil but likes to stay moist TEMPERATURE: 55 – 80 degrees F.
