Mouse-cup Taro Care

This plant has an irregular variegation pattern, first emerging yellow with light gray green. It originates from Tropical America. As the leaves mature the green color deepens and the cream fades to white, very striking! This Xanthosoma is known as the Mickey Mouse Taro because the shape of the leaves look similar to the Disney character. At the tip of the leaf a pocket with a tail forms, providing further interest, and it also holds water like a cup. They like a bright shady site of rich moist soil and when happy will grow to 4-5 ft with huge variegated leaves. Container plants may be brought indoors before frost for overwintering in a cool location either as a houseplant with reduced watering or as a cut back dormant plant. USDA Hardiness zones: 8 - 10.