Types of Colocasia

It is known that there are more than twenty varieties of Colocasia, herbaceous and rhizomatous plants that have large leaves, so large that you could put both open hands under them and they would be hidden. They are huge. But that is precisely why they are such beloved plants: whether kept indoors or outdoors, they bring an enchanting tropical exoticism.

In addition, they are not demanding plants. All they need is light (but not direct), and heat. And that at home is easily achieved. So, we are going to show the different types of colocasia most recommended.

Colocasia 'Black Coral'

The Colocasia 'Black Coral' is a plant that reaches a height of 1,20 meters by a width of 90 centimeters. Its leaves are large, up to 40-70 centimeters, and are dark lilac in color.. It is a beautiful cultivar that adapts very well to living in pots, but it is important that it be protected from frost.

Colocasia 'Black Magic'

The Colocasia 'Black Magic' is very similar to the previous one; in fact, it's easy to confuse them if you don't know them well. But to know if it is a 'Black Magic', you just have to look at its leaves and touch them: if they are velvety, then it is, but if they are bright lilac, it will be a 'Black Coral'. It must also be protected if temperatures drop below 0 degrees.

Colocasia 'Hawaiian Punch'

Colocasia 'Hawaiian Punch' is one of my favorite cultivars. It has green leaves, but the nerves and stems that hold them are a magnificent coral red color. In addition, it can measure between 1 and 1,5 meters in height, and its rhizome withstands moderate frosts very well. It is a plant that is perfect in the patio, on the terrace, or in a room where there is a lot of light.

Colocasia esculenta (formerly Colocasia antiquorum)

La colocasia esculenta it is the most common variety; and almost always it is also the 'mother' of the cultivars that attract so much attention. It is known as malanga, taro or pituca, and is native to Asia, probably from the southeast. It grows up to a meter in height, and has green leaves that are about 40 centimeters long by 70 centimeters wide. Its stems are green. The rhizome withstands frost, but its leaves die when the cold arrives.

colocasia gigantea

La colocasia gigantea It is a species known as giant elephant ear or Indian taro that reaches up to between 1,5 and 3 meters. Its leaves are green, large since they can measure almost a meter long.. It is native to Southeast Asia including Japan, but although it can withstand the cold, only the rhizome will withstand some moderate frosts.

Colocasia 'Kona Coffee'

The Colocasia 'Kona Coffee' is a cultivar that has dark green or dark lilac leaves and reddish stems. It is a medium-sized plant, which reaches a height of approximately 1 meter, and is ideal for growing in pots or in ponds. Like other varieties, it is able to withstand the cold very well, but frosts dry out the leaves.

Colocasia 'Maui Gold'

The Colocasia 'Maui Gold' is a cultivar that It has very light green leaves, which with the reflection of the sun look almost yellow.. The stems are pale in color, and can be about 1 meter tall. It needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct light, as well as a mild climate in order to grow well.

Colocasia 'Mojito'

The Colocasia 'Mojito' is one of the most curious cultivars: it has green leaves with dark bluish lilac spots that strongly attract attention. In addition, it has red stems. It is a beautiful plant that reaches a height of 1-1,2 meters by about 60 centimeters wide. It can be kept in pots, ponds, or in the garden exposed to sunlight. It prefers warm climates, although it tolerates the cold.

Colocasia 'Tea Cup'

The Colocasia 'Tea Cup' bears some resemblance to the 'Hawaiian Punch', but differs from it by have almost black veins and leaf stems, and not red. These leaves are green and measure about 60 centimeters long. The total height of the plant is 1,5 meters, and the most interesting thing is that the rhizome withstands frost without difficulty.

Colocasia 'White Lava'

Colocasia 'White Lava' is another splendid cultivar. It has dark green leaves with a white spot that extends throughout its center., as if it were lava making its way through the grooves of a volcano. It grows up to 1,20 meters high and 90 centimeters wide. It really likes the sun, it can even be exposed to it directly, but you have to protect it if there is frost in your area and you don't want it to lose its leaves (the rhizome withstands sub-zero temperatures well).

Which of these types of Colocasia did you like the most?