'Variegatum Monstrosum', knowns as mouse-cup taro, is ornamentally grown in St. Louis for its attractive elephant ear-like green leaves with unusual white variegation. Leaf tips will sometimes form a cup that holds water, at times with tails extending outward from the cup. In tropical climates, plants will grow to 5-7’ tall with leaves to 2’ long, but will more often grow to 2-3’ tall in one season in Midwestern gardens. From a distance, the variegation on each large leaf purportedly resembles the light and dark patterns found on the cartoon character Mickey Mouse. Flower is a greenish-white spathe enclosing a white spadix, however flowers are infrequently produced.
Mickey Mouse Taro Plant Care
Xanthosoma Sagittifolium 'variegatum Monstrosum'
Other names: Mouse-cup Taro
What is the plant
Humidity
Normal
Lighting
Shade
Hardiness zone
8 - 10
Difficulty
Medium
Toxicity
Poisonous
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Mickey Mouse Taro needs 0.8 cups of water every 9 days when it doesn't get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5.0" pot located in Minneapolis, MN.
Pruning
Occasionally
Fertilizer
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Mickey Mouse Taro after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
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Soil
The plant needs partial shade and moist soils to grow well.
Temperature
The plant is suitable for growing in climates where temperatures never drop below 27 degrees F. or -2 degrees C.
Additional
Other: All parts of plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, an irritant to the mouth and esophagus. Toxic to cats and dogs.
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Popularity
165 people already have this plant 21 people have added this plant to their wishlists
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