Popular foliage plant that has large green foliage and deep olive with mocha veins and stems. The cupped foliage will collect rainwater until there is enough water to bend the stem and pour the water out. Some Colocasia tend to be spread by runners, while others remain as a clump. ‘Coffee Cups’ is a clumper.
Known commonly as Elephant Ears because of their large and striking leaves, the Colocasia is a popular perennial in warmer regions, and a favourite annual in colder regions. The intricately patterned, cupped leaves of Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' provide additional delight as a water feature: when a 'Coffee Cups' leaf fills with rainwater, the stem slowly tips until the water pours away, and then rises again. Large plantings of 'Coffee Cups' plants are in continuous, graceful motion in the rain.
Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' makes a wonderful statement when fully grown in a warm, sunny to part shade positions in the garden, in a large feature pot either solo or in a combination planting, or even indoors in a bright position. Colocasia do very well in wet conditions and can be used as a water plant in boggy ground.
Plant Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' into moist fertile soil. Sunny to partly shaded aspects are preferred. Mulch, water in well and keep the moisture levels up. Once established, a Colocasia can tolerate dry periods, but too much stress will badly affect its appearance.
In warm regions, cut the foliage down to ground level in late Autumn to benefit knew foliage in Spring. Colocasia form tubers which can be dug up and stored over Winter in cold climates. Before the first frosts, cut back the dying stems and dig up the tubers. Clean off any soil, wrap the dry tubers in newspapers or pack them in peat moss. Label each tuber or group of tubers so you know what they are come springtime. Store tubers in a dark, cool (35 to 45 F) place. Do not allow tubers to freeze.
Wear gloves & wash hands
