Xanthosoma

Family. Araceae.

Origin. Colombia.

Description. Xanthosoma is a small genus consisting of 50 species of tuberous, perennial, herbaceous, large plants. The leaves are large, spear-shaped, up to 50 cm long, plain green or with white stripes and spots, located on strong, long, ribbed petioles - up to 1 m long. The undersides of the leaves and petioles are sometimes purple. With age, xanthosomas form a stem. Some varieties have pink-green leaves. Tubers are round or oblong. Inflorescences are spadixes with greenish-white flowers, surrounded by a large white spathe up to 30 cm long.

Height. Reaches 1.5 - 2 m indoors quite quickly, give the flower enough space to grow.

Temperature conditions

A heat-loving plant that can be kept all year round at temperatures around 20°C. Do not expose xanthosoma to temperatures below 15°C. 

Lighting

Place the flower pot in a well-lit area, but avoid direct sunlight on the plant's leaves - it will cause burns. Varieties with colored leaves require a little more light to maintain color.

Care

Quite an unpretentious species. In autumn, daylight hours are shorter and xanthosomes can go into a dormant state, with the entire above-ground part of the plant dying off. During the period of active growth, the plant constantly throws out new leaves, and the old ones die off and need to be removed. It will look healthier if placed outside in summer, but be sure to bring the flower indoors if the temperature drops below 13 ° C.

Substrate

Soil with a high content of organic matter in the form of peat and leaf humus is suitable. The substrate must have good drainage. 

Feeding

During the growing season, feed every two weeks with complex fertilizers. Relates well to organic fertilizers. 

Purpose

Xanthosoma is suitable for landscaping large spaces.

Flowering time

It can bloom indoors from July to August, but this is quite rare.

Air humidity

The plant needs to be sprayed with soft water, and can also be grown using a special tray with a mesh to increase air humidity.

Soil moisture

Water frequently and deeply in spring and summer when xanthosoma is actively growing. The frequency of watering depends on the air temperature. In autumn, the frequency of watering is gradually reduced, and in winter, if the leaves of the plant have died, they simply keep the soil from drying out.

Transfer

Some specimens can successfully grow in the same soil for several years, but if you want to have a large healthy plant, replant it annually in the spring. After replanting, the bush will begin to grow faster. Xanthosoma tubers should be placed at a depth of about 5 cm.

Reproduction

Propagated in spring by dividing tubers using a sharp, sterile knife. Separation of root suckers. Rarely - by sowing seeds. 

Pests and diseases

The edges of the leaves darken when exposed to too much sun or when the soil and air become too dry. Sunburn. Growth slows down, and new leaves become smaller due to a lack of nutrients in the soil. If there is insufficient drainage, the plant rots. Leaf spot.

Of the pests, the main danger is mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, and aphids. 

Note

Xanthosoma can live for many years in indoor culture. The leaves and tubers of some species can be eaten, but in others they are poisonous and can even cause contact dermatitis.