Culture
Best in part shade or filtered sun in moist, organically rich soils. Plant in locations protected from strong winds after last frost date. Rhizomes/tuberous roots may be started indoors in pots or containers. After last frost date, pots may be sunk to the rim in the garden and containers may be set out on the patio. Water and fertilize regularly. Before first fall frost, pots may be dug up and pots/containers should be brought inside where they can overwintered in a humid, cool (around 60-65°F) location. Reduce watering in winter. Return to the garden in spring. Rhizomatous varieties are best left in pots year-round. Tuberous varieties may be planted directly in the garden in late spring. After first fall frost, dig and lift tubers, shake off loose soil, dry and store in cool, dry location for winter. May be grown as a houseplant.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Alocasia cucullata, commonly known as Chinese taro or hooded dwarf elephant ear, is an upright, clumping perennial native to wet, tropical regions of southeastern Asia from Sri Lanka through northeastern India to Myanmar, Vietnam, and southern China. The individual thickened stems can reach 1-3' tall and are topped with glossy, heart-shaped leaves reaching up to 1.25' long and 1' wide with 1' long, arching petioles. The stems are often well-branched and will readily form offsets, producing a dense clump. The solitary, aroid-type inflorescences are made up of a 3.5-6" tall, green to creamy white spathe surrounding a 3-5.5" creamy white spadix. Fruits are around 0.25" in diameter and ripen from green to red.
Genus name comes from the Greek words a meaning without and Colocasia the name of a closely allied genus, from which it was separated.
The specific epithet cucullata means "hooded" or "hood-like", in reference to the spathe of this species which curves around and covers the top of the spadix.
'Yellow Tail' is a variegated selection of Chinese taro that features irregular splotches of creamy yellow across the leaves.
Problems
Watch for spider mites, mealy bugs, scale, and other common pests, especially on plants grown indoors.
Uses
Specimen or mass to form a groundcover in tropical shady gardens, pond edges, and other moist areas. Where not winter hardy can be grown in a container and kept as a houseplant.