Light:

Full sun, partial sun or shade (southern, eastern or western or northern exposure).  The higher the light the better.

Temperature:

As a potted plant, maintain indoor temperatures above 50 degrees.  During the winter, to maintain active growth keep temperatures above 60 degrees.

Humidity:

Preferably 50% or higher; however, they will tolerate low levels with no harm.

Watering:

They can be grown with wet feet as in water gardens or bog gardens; however, they are also tolerant to periods of dryness as long as it is not severe.  A good rule of thumb is even moisture.

Fertilizer:

During the summertime under high light and moisture levels they can be grown with moderate to high levels of feed.  This will speed up growth on a seasonal basis.  During the winter reduce or stop the application of fertilizer, as they are sensitive to high levels of salts.

Pruning:

If the growth gets rough or ragged looking it can be pruned off.  At times, we will remove all the foliage to get a “fresh start.”  This does no harm and in no time the plant is full of leaves.

Insects and Disease:

They are highly susceptible to spider mite under dry conditions.  Diseases of the foliage and roots are usually not a problem

Comments:

Colocasias are vigorous fast growing plants that thrive under warmth, light and high moisture.  They can be wintered over in basements when the roots and a small amount of foliage remain until spring.  They make great garden or mixed container plants.