What is Xanthosoma?
Xanthosoma refers to a genus of herbaceous crops in the Araceae family, with Xanthosoma sagittifolium, commonly known as cocoyam or taioba, being a notable species cultivated for its edible leaves and tubers rich in nutrients. One of the more visually striking houseplants you can grow, xanthosoma (Caladium lindenii) is a rare tropical plant from Colombia.
Is Xanthosoma an Alocasia?
Elephant ears are actually a group of plants scientifically known as Alocasia, Colocasia, and Xanthosoma. They all have bold foliage and can add a tropical look to any garden. Most prefer full sun and well-drained soil, as well as plenty of water and fertilizer. Elephant ears are a bold, tropical plant with broad leaves that look great in Whispering Pines yards but can also hold water after rain or irrigation. These mini puddles are the perfect size for mosquito larvae to develop.Other Problems with Elephant Ear Plants tall, thick petioles have quite a job sustaining the large leaves, so some staking may be required. Without support, the broad leaves have a tendency to droop and cover lower growing plants. They also replace the old leaves as the plant matures.Elephant ears can be pruned to keep them healthy. Remove yellowing or dying leaves by cutting them off at the bottom of the stem with a sharp knife.Elephant Ears are poisonous to children. Touching the stems or leaves can cause skin irritation and possibly a rash and itching. Eating the leaves, stems, or sap can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat and lead to swelling.Zone: Elephant ears are tropical plants. In zones 9-11 they can be grown outdoors year-round. In cooler areas (zones 3-8) the bulbs should be planted outdoors in the spring, after all danger of frost.
Is Xanthosoma poisonous?
Are Xanthosoma poisonous for your pets or children? The plant is toxic when ingested, for both humans and animals. We advise you to keep Xanthosoma plants out of reach of pets and children. Xanthosoma longepedunculum can pose some risks to our furry friends. The leaves and sap of this plant may cause irritation if ingested or if they come into contact with a dog’s skin.
What soil is best for Xanthosoma?
What type of soil does your Xanthosoma need? A moist, well-drained acidic neutral soil is best. Add coarse sand or perlite to assist drainage and some light garden compost can even be included. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season (spring and summer), water 2-3 times a week. In winter, reduce to once a week or every two weeks. Feed your Xanthosoma every 2-3 weeks with an organic fertilizer during the growing season to support healthy leaf development.