Question
A week ago I bought a plant, and was told it is called a
Calocassia but I cannot find information on it any where.   When
I bought it, I had the plant store (reputabale) pot two of them
into a 15" pot.  It's leaves are quite large, look like those of the
White Bird of Paradise, and grow from a similar kind of stalk.  
The difference is that the edges of the leaves are "ruffled" and
when the plant is watered, water drips from the tips of the
leaves (which it does).  I was told to keep it moist.  It had been
watered quite heavily by the plant store when it was delivered
but I was told to water it again in about 3 days.  However, the
top soil has remained wet for the entire week, so I have not
watered it but I am concerned that I should anyway.  It also
requires good light and it is placed in a corner between two
large windows where it receives light from an eastern and
southen exposure.  Can you tell me the correct name of the
plant and the care it requires?  Thank you.

Answer
Hi there,

Your plant is Colocasia esculenta, more commonly called Taro or elephant's ear.

This is a plant that comes from swampy regions of Indonesia. It loves wet soil during its spring and summer growing season. It is best to leave it sitting in a saucer that is constantly filled with water. Provide lots of bright indirect light and wrm temps.

In the fall, it is customary to let the soil and roots dry out completely. The leaves will whither and die. Cut them off and store the unpotted tuber in a cool (60 to 65 degrees) spot in the basement. In late Feb or early March, pot the tuber in some rich soil and resume the watering and light described above.

I haven't done this, but I believe that the fall/winter dormant period may not be required. That is, you can continue to grow it year-round by avoiding the dry period. Now that you have the correct name, you may want to do a little further research on winter care.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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