Coffee Cups Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Coffee Cups'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Bulb Corm Tuber
Height
60 inches
Width
60 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9
Water
Consistent moisture
Humidity
High humidity preferred
Lifespan
Perennial in warm climates
Native To
Southeast Asia
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested raw
The Story
Plant Bio
A tropical, tuberous perennial grown for its large, heart-shaped leaves. It thrives in rich, moist to wet soils and adds a bold, dramatic texture to gardens. This cultivar is distinguished by its dramatic, upward-cupped, olive-green leaves with dark purple-black stems. The unique cup shape allows the leaves to collect water.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck tubers into well-draining, moist soil in spring for best growth.
- Mist cuttings or establish from tubers in early summer for vigorous development.
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged during growing season.
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth to promote lush foliage.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, especially in summer.
- Divide tubers in late winter or early spring for propagation and rejuvenation.
Pro Tip
Plant tubers at a depth of 2-3 inches for optimal sprouting and growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Provide partial to full sun for vibrant foliage
- Fertilize monthly during growing season
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Divide tubers every 2-3 years
Don't
- Avoid waterlogging to prevent rot ❌
- Don’t expose to frost; protect in cooler zones
- Refrain from over-fertilizing, which can cause leggy growth
- Don’t disturb tubers during active growth
- Avoid dry soil during peak summer
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Coffee Cups Taro questions
What zones can Coffee Cups Taro grow in?
Coffee Cups Taro is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Coffee Cups Taro deer resistant?
Yes — Coffee Cups Taro is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Coffee Cups Taro bloom?
Coffee Cups Taro typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Coffee Cups Taro need full sun?
Coffee Cups Taro does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
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Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Coffee Cups Taro with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
