Care Tips for Colocasia
Colocasia are popular plants in the home or garden - but they often get mixed up with alocasia. Why? What is the difference between colocasia and alocasia?
Both of these plants are both Araceae, also known as 'elephant ear' plants. You can tell the difference because:
- Colocasia often have the tips of their leaves pointing downwards while alocasia leaves are often horizontal or upward facing.
- Another thing to look at is whether the leaf is shiny and glossy—if it is, this tells you it is probably an alocasia.
- If your plant is taller than five or six feet, then it is likely a colocasia, as alocasia are usually smaller plants.
Find out how to care for your colocasia and keep it happy below:
Lighting
Colocasia enjoy part or full shade. They do not thrive in full sun and the heat can damage their leaves. Dappled light would be wonderful for these plants.
Watering & Soil
Keep your colocasia in an area where the soil will stay moist but not soggy. A good option is using well draining soil (not muddy or containing clay) with added mulch or compost to make sure it won't dry out too fast in the sun or heat (they will also enjoy the rich nutrients of these additions). Use pots with drainage holes if you are potting up your colocasia.
Care Tips
Prune your colocasia if they get too lanky or bulky. As well, if there are any yellow leaves they should be trimmed.
