Colocasia ‘Coffee Cups’

Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' is known for olive-green, dramatically cupped leaves held on tall, dark stems. The leaves can collect rainwater and tip it out when full, making this cultivar especially distinctive in the landscape.

Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' commonly grows about 4 to 6 feet tall and wide in warm, favorable conditions. Plants usually stay smaller in containers or where the growing season is short.

Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' is a perennial in USDA Zones 8 through 11, although the foliage dies back with frost. In colder zones, grow it as a summer annual or lift and store the tubers indoors.

Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' grows in full sun to partial shade, with consistently moist soil. Morning sun or filtered light can be preferable in very hot areas if intense afternoon exposure causes leaf scorch.

Yes, Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' tolerates consistently wet conditions and can grow near ponds, bog gardens, or in containers with reliable moisture. Use fertile soil that retains water but still drains enough to prevent stagnant, foul conditions around the tuber.

Plant Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' in a warm, sheltered spot with sun to partial shade and dependable moisture. It works well as a back-of-border focal plant, beside water features, or in a large tropical-style container.

Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' can be overwintered indoors, but it needs very bright light, warmth, humidity, and evenly moist soil. Its mature size and high water requirement usually make it more practical as an outdoor summer plant than a permanent houseplant.

Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' performs best with some protection from strong wind. Large leaves can tear, and tall petioles may bend or topple when exposed to repeated gusts, especially when the foliage is wet.

Water Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' whenever the soil surface begins to dry, keeping the root zone evenly moist throughout active growth. Do not allow a container-grown plant to dry out completely, because drought stress quickly causes drooping and damaged leaf edges.

Use fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained loam enriched with organic matter. The soil should stay moist or wet without becoming compacted and airless around the tuber.

Feed Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' during active spring and summer growth with a balanced slow-release fertilizer or regular dilute liquid fertilizer. Consistent nutrition supports its rapid growth, especially in containers, but avoid applying concentrated fertilizer to dry soil.

Yellow leaves can result from overwatering in poorly drained soil, cold temperatures, nutrient deficiency, or normal aging of older foliage. Check drainage and temperature first, then adjust feeding only if new growth is pale or the plant is actively growing.

Curling or drooping usually indicates drought stress, cold conditions, transplant shock, root damage, or insufficient light. Water thoroughly, keep the plant warm and sheltered, and inspect the roots if the soil is wet but the foliage remains limp.

Common pests include aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Inspect leaf undersides regularly and rinse or wipe foliage to remove light infestations, while improving air circulation and using a labeled treatment when necessary.

Potential problems include soft rot, bacterial blight, corm or root rot, and dasheen mosaic virus. Prevent many issues by avoiding cold, stagnant, waterlogged conditions, removing badly damaged tissue, and starting with healthy planting material.

Plant Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Warm temperatures are important for quick establishment, so delay planting if nights remain consistently chilly.

Plant Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' tubers about 4 inches deep, with the growing point oriented upward. In heavy or poorly drained soil, plant slightly shallower and improve the bed so excess water does not remain around the tuber.

Yes, Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' grows well in a large container with fertile, moisture-retentive potting mix and drainage holes. Choose a heavy pot to reduce tipping, and expect to water more often than an in-ground plant.

Space Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' about 3 to 6 feet apart, depending on the desired effect and growing conditions. Use wider spacing in warm climates where plants can reach their full mature size.

Propagate Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' primarily by dividing its clumping tubers or offsets. Separate sections with healthy roots and shoots during dormancy or in early spring, then replant them in warm, moist growing conditions.

Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' is generally described as a clumping cultivar rather than an aggressive runner-former. It can still expand into a substantial mound as the tuber produces offsets, so allow adequate space.

After frost kills the foliage, cut back the stems, dig the tubers, remove soil, and let them dry briefly. Store them in a dark, cool, dry location around 35 to 45°F, protected from freezing, then replant after frost danger passes.

Leave Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' in the ground only where winter conditions remain within its reliable hardiness range and the tubers are protected from freezing. In colder parts of the United States, lift and store the tubers or grow the plant as an annual.

Yes, cut the stems back after frost has naturally ended the foliage or when you are preparing the plant for dormancy. Do not remove healthy leaves too early, because they continue supplying energy to the tuber while temperatures remain warm.

Yes, Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' is toxic if chewed or swallowed raw and can cause painful irritation of the mouth and digestive tract. Keep tubers, leaves, and plant sap away from children and pets, and wear gloves when handling if your skin is sensitive.

No, Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' should not be treated as an edible taro crop. Although some Colocasia species are cultivated as food after specialized preparation, this ornamental cultivar is labeled as harmful if ingested and should not be eaten.

Remove any plant material from the mouth, rinse gently, and contact Poison Control or a medical professional for advice. Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, severe swelling, persistent vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.

Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' can produce aroid-type flowers, but it is grown primarily for its foliage and flowering is not dependable or especially showy. Warm temperatures, strong growth, and adequate light make flowering more likely.

When it blooms, Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' generally flowers during the warm growing season, often in summer. Individual plants may not bloom every year, particularly when grown in short-season climates or kept indoors.