About
Colocasia gaoligongensis is a deciduous, tuberous perennial known for its bright green foliage. The leaves, which can reach lengths of 60 cm, are typically heart- to arrow-shaped and are supported by erect stalks. Each leaf features a prominent dark central spot, with possible dark green to purplish markings between the veins.
About the genus
Colocasia comprises tuberous-rooted perennials that may be deciduous or evergreen. The leaves are typically arrow-shaped or rounded and feature noticeable veining. While the flowers are small and borne on a spadix enclosed by a compact white spathe, they are rarely seen in cultivated settings.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
- Native to
- China (Yunnan)
- Toxicity
- Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Under glass, pot up tubers in peat-free potting compost. Keep in bright, filtered light and high humidity. Water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly when in growth. Keep just moist in winter. Keep tubers dry and frost-free when dormant. Requires 21 degrees minimum to stay evergreen
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by division of rhizomes
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, aphids and glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free