Editing Colocasia (section)

== Cultivation ==
[[File:Starr 070730-7885 Colocasia esculenta.jpg|thumb|''C. esculenta'' corms]]
''[[Colocasia esculenta|C. esculenta]]'' and other members of the genus are cultivated as [[ornamental plant]]s, or for their edible [[corm]]s, a traditional [[starch]] staple in many tropical areas.

The plant can be grown in the ground or in large containers. They are grown outside year-round in subtropical and tropical areas. In temperate regions, they are planted out for the summer and dug up and stored over winter, dry and with ventilation to prevent fungal infection. They can be grown in almost any temperature zone as long as the summer is warm. Growth is best at temperatures between {{convert|20|and|30|C|F|abbr=on}}. The plants can be damaged if temperatures fall below {{convert|10|C|F|abbr=on}} for more than a few days.

The root [[tuber]] is typically planted close to the surface. The first signs of growth will appear in 1 to 3 weeks. The adult plant will need a minimum of at least {{convert|1|m2|sqft|abbr=on}} of space for good growth. They do best in [[compost]]-rich [[soil]] and in [[shade (shadow)|shade]], but will grow reasonably well in average soil provided it is moisture-retentive. The plants should not be left to go dry for too long; if this does happen, the leaves will wilt; watering will allow the plant to recover if done before they get too dry. Periodic fertilisation (every 3 to 4 weeks) with a common plant [[fertiliser]] will increase yields.