Colocasia Pink China - How to grow Amazing Tropical Leaves in your UK Garden!

Today's video is about growing, overwintering, propagating, watering and feeding one of the best Colocasia / Alocasia varieties for UK gardens: Pink China. Colocasia are an amazing 'Elephant Ears' plant, an edible crop grown throughout Asia but varieties like Pink China are more ornamental with colourful pink stems and huge tropical foliage that looks right at home in a UK exotic or jungle garden with banana plants, cannas and Tetrapanax etc. They're like a bigger version of a houseplant for your garden, but a hardy one that should survive most winters! I look at a few reasons why I think they're an amazing plant, how easy it is to grow them plus a few care tips for those big leaves. As mentioned in the video, please find links to the fertilisers mentioned below:
Budget Liquid Seaweed Fertiliser (Great for a lot of 'tropical' style plants)
amzn.to/3cZofLn
Another brand with good reviews I've used in the past:
amzn.to/3mET0c1
10lt Drum, how I now buy it - it's that helpful!
amzn.to/3mrYyGu
20kg Chicken Manure Pellets, a great 'slow release' fertiliser for massive summer growth!
amzn.to/3sZAj4R
Vitax 6X Fertiliser, I use this alongside or instead of the above to boost the growth of big leaved plants like bananas, Alocasias etc.
amzn.to/2Q3prVg
Chempak No.2 High Nitrogen Plant Feed 800G - Great for anything with big leaves and fast summer growth!
amzn.to/2RSLi2C
0:00 - Intro
1:15 - Colocasia & Pink China Info
2:08 - Pink China Colocasia Hardiness and Overwintering
3:58 - Pink China is a great choice for large exotic leaves!
5:59 - Pink China Colocasia as a beginner exotic plant
6:30 - Dividing and multiplying Colocasia Pink China
7:19 - Colocasia Pink China growth rate
7:48 - Colocasa Care and Planting Tips
9:08 - Colocasia Pink China Water Requirements
9:56 - How to Feed and Fertilise Colocasia
If you've enjoyed my content and would like to say thanks for the price of a coffee then please head over to my Ko-fi, any kind donations would be appreciated and put towards creating more exciting content (or treats for Max if you wish!): ko-fi.com/georgesjunglegarden​​
Thanks,
George

[@michazpuszczy1034]

So I must agree. My colo. pink china survived last harsh winter in the ground in my garden in Poland. Under wood chips and snow it got through up to -23 C degrees. Great plant!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Wow, that is seriously impressive! I knew they were tough but that’s amazing 😮

[@seasidesandles]

Wow! I’m impressed!

[@davegilman6046]

Thanks for another informative video George - finally got my Pink China from Big Plant Nursery this week after being on the waiting list for ages. Can't wait to get it growing!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Nice one Dave, I hope it grows well for you this summer, it’ll certainly get watered in this week!

[@tedscott1478]

I had a colocasia pink china in a pot on a shelf in my pond last year and it put out loads of pups, 16 or 17, I think, (I've divided it now and they're all over the garden). If anyone's got a pond I would definitely recommend trying the same thing in water no deeper than about 100mm, (4 inches).

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

That’s very interesting thanks Ted, I had originally thought about doing that last year but we ruled out the idea of a big pond here. I’ve just put a small wildlife pond in so might give it a go, thanks for the perfect reminder! It’s a great idea for anyone else who’s reading!

[@julzireay]

You're so lucky and a great tip. Are you planning on selling any as you have one very interested and eager customer here if you're considering it? 🤞🏻🤗

[@yvetteclayton3773]

Hi George thanks for sharing your knowledge, big thumbs up from me as always xx

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks again Yvette 😃😃😃

[@pjbaker4041]

Morning bud. Great vid. I think I have tell tale pink buds just starting to break cover !. I'll look closer today 👍🏻

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Morning! Nice one, it’s always a very welcome sign, hopefully we get some warmth soon so they can really get going 😃

[@forestdweller3210]

Great video! Thank you. 🌴

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Danielle!

[@barrymcgee2078]

Great advice 👍

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Barry!

[@iriviking774]

Just got one myself! It's my first taro! I'm so excited! 🌿

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Fantastic, they're so tough and reliable, definitely something I'll enjoy in my garden every year now!

[@iriviking774]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden I will be placing it next to my pond it will be amazing! , it's a bit sunny in the area but I think it's possible right? PS love your vids

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@iriviking774 Thank you! It should definitely be perfectly happy there, they love the moisture in summer. Good luck with it 😃

[@iriviking774]

Thanks a lot your channel is awesome and very helpful as I have the same zone as you do

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@iriviking774 That’s very kind of you, thank you. Obviously climates and conditions vary but having a roughly similar zone definitely gives you an idea of what you can try and might have successes with 😃

[@yvetteclayton3773]

Hi George thanks for sharing, i have lots of different feeds i need to look at what i have then i will be pestering you about them lol, thumbs up from me as always xx

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Yvette, apologies, I'm sure I replied to this comment but nothing is showing! I will be doing a video on feeds at some point soon but crazy busy at the minute. You can't go wrong with the basics though!

[@vincenzecalzone8666]

Cool video mate. Pink China's definitely in the wish list. I've got a mojito, very fussy, decent looking leaf like "frog in a blender" but hard work. Esculenta has been very forgiving this March when I ran out of space indoors and had to put the planted dry stored bulbs outdoors in their compost for a few frosty nights. Brought inside in April to get things going when I had more space and both pots have started to grow strongly👍. I don't think they'd hack it left in the ground mind.... Cheers👍

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Cheers 😃 I’d do the same with Esculenta, they come back well from dry storage. I completely agree with your thoughts on Mojito, they’re probably one of the most interesting looking leaves but seem to be tricky when small. Hopefully we get some more heat soon to push them all along!

[@garethvanderwesthuyzen6420]

Hey George, yet another excellent video and a plant that I hadn't previously considered adding to my collection for fear it was too tender. In your video you mentioned mulching. Do you mulch both spring and autumn, and what months in particular. Cheers.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Nice one Gareth, it’s certainly worth a go! I suppose the best time is after the first light frosts have got the top growth, late October/ November time. Thank you for watching 😃

[@iviewforfun]

Thank you George, as usual a very timely and informative vid. Quick question, what is that tree fern behind your right ear? It has one enormous frond. Ta Mike

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Mike! It’s a Cyathea Brownii I’ve just tidied up after winter 😃

[@jimmyalvinewart6361]

Great Video George. Hopefully I can get a few pink China today. I might be getting plug plants. How long would you recommend growing them on before I plant them outside. Also what pot size should put them in to grow them on from plug plants.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Jimmy and nice one. I’d either get them into 9cm to 2lt pots or get them straight into the garden!

[@Stevenm0422]

I keep going back to your videos for inspiration for plants. Can I ask, what are the small pink centred leafy plant that you showed going under your pink china. My pink china just arrived and I'm looking to bulk up under them with more colour and they look amazing in your garden

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you so much Steven, it’s Coleus ‘China Rose’, a tender bedding plant. I hope your new Colocasia grows well for you!

[@frankleigh7861]

Hi George great video as always I have invested in a China red bulb I hope I have done the right thing as I could not fined one that was already going please could you tell me how best to get the bulb going soil, start of in the house ect what size pot as much info as possible please keep the videos comming take care. regards Frank.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Frank and thank you! Personally I’d get it growing inside a sealed polythene bag with a small amount of moisture but the crucial thing is that it’s kept somewhere very warm in your house. I’ve not grow Pink China that way before but that’s what I do with Esculenta. If the place isn’t warm enough then mould can be an issue.

[@stevieboy1ify]

ive got 5 coming over the next few days to try in the garden. I've got sick and tired of trying to grow shop brought eddoes every year and if the pink china survives and spreads I can divide them and spread them round the garden instead, so cant wait to get them and try them :-) great video as always ;-)

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Wow, you’re the first person I’ve heard who actually managed to get some! I don’t blame you, that’s my thinking too, it’s an easier way of getting the same look 😃

[@stevieboy1ify]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden I have a friend who knows some ones who's propagating them i have ordered 3 from him but he's sending me another as an exchange for a mullu monster T rex plus one from someone else again as a trade. I've been searching for ages to find any so struck lucky. and cant wait to get them.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@stevieboy1ify Nice one, great that you’ve actually got some, demand seems to have gone crazy for them this year!

[@stevieboy1ify]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden yeah ive been looking and asking around all spring after out of 40 odd eddoes i only got two to grow. It was pure luck i was talking to a gardening friend who said she knows some one who has some so jumped on it lol

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@stevieboy1ify Ahh right, we’ll I hope your Pink China grow well for you! 😃

[@irismoles9369]

Than you George I’ve been looking for pink China for two years now will go to turn it tropical

[@OssyDL]

Iv just had 2 in my basket but was sold out when I got to checkout lol

[@OssyDL]

Hope you managed to get some.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I hope you were successful Iris, I’m only just finding out how much of a rush on them there was 😮

[@irismoles9369]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden they were sold out

[@jimbailey3705]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden they had 300 at the turn it tropical nursery. They didn’t think they would sell out. I had tried to reserve some, but ah well. So yeah, I also wasn’t successful! There’s always next year 😅

[@msdrummerkitty]

Have you ever watched your videos back with the sub titles on... it's really funny what some of the plant names get changed to!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I haven’t Kate but I’ll have to give it a go 😂 I think I can type them all out properly but it would take hours! We’ll leave it as a bit of entertainment for now!

[@frankleigh7861]

Hi George's I have done what you have suggested with my Chinese red bulb put it into a pot with a polythene bag over the pot, please could you tell me how long it will take to show some signs of life keep the fab vids come look forward to them all.take care. Regards Frank

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Nice one Frank. If you’ve got it somewhere warm, hopefully within 2-3 weeks, the heat is key though as they can rot if it’s not warm enough to grow. I appreciate you taking the time to watch the videos and all the best 😃

[@essex999x]

Great Vid. any clue where I can get Pink China been looking for weeks and can't manage to get any

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, Turn it Tropical will be listing some this weekend apparently!

[@jeffreyhostekint1155]

My colocasia jacks giant survived this winter under mulch in belgium i had -9

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Wow, that is interesting to know, I might give it another go one day!

[@katspray]

Can you recommend a good quality poly tunnel for my small garden eg 6x4 foot? thanks!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, I’d love to be able to but it’s been a few years since I bought one. I can’t remember the exact brand (they all pack up very similar green ones with different branding I think!) but I went on EBay, typed in the size I wanted and went off the recommendations and reviews on there. Sorry I can’t be more helpful!

[@barzeyadna]

I have lots of slug in my tropical garden would that be a problem with pink China any tips thanks for your vidoes

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Edna, it’s not an issue I’ve had and I’m reasonably sure slugs aren’t a particular problem with Colocasias. I suppose when they are just small or poking through the soil they might be vulnerable but when they get going they should be fine! Thanks and good luck with your garden 😃

[@raphlvlogs271]

i have seen big Colocasias growing in rain gutters and drainage ditches.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Nice one, with enough heat the wetter the better!

[@raphlvlogs271]

pumpkin plants can also create that big leaved look.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

They can indeed, I’ve got a few ready to go in 😃

[@msdrummerkitty]

I bought 3 from turnip tropical!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Nice one, you were one of the lucky ones who managed to get some then!

[@lukedowthwaite7814]

Started mine this year from tuber and one started east m, but the second took a lot longer and is about 2 months behind the other.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I guess they might vary depending on how dry / small the tuber was but they’ll soon crack on when it warms up 😃

[@lukedowthwaite7814]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden I actually started mine in a glass jar, an elastic band and cling film and kept them in a dark space...

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@lukedowthwaite7814 That’s great, warmth and humidity are all they need to get going! 😊

[@robbennett2704]

Hi can anyone tell me how deep should i plant pink china bulb in uk garden intend to leave over winter

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, personally I start them off in pots with heat at around 2" / 50mm ish deep but in the ground you can always use an extra mulch for the colder months just to keep the worst of the cold and frosts off them.

[@danwilson5160]

How well suited are the supermarket eddoes?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

You can certainly get them to grow, chances are they’ll be Colocasia Esculenta I believe, not as hardy as Pink China but worth a go!

[@TheSidney78]

When should I plant it out George. I have a small plant similar size to the one you showed?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Stuart, I'd plant it out after the last frosts so realistically in a month or so to give it the best start. Hopefully then the frosts will be behind us, the ground will be warmer and it will grow away nicely!

[@TheSidney78]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden thanks George, I’ll keep it inside by the window until it’s time👍🏻

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@TheSidney78 Nice one, I hope it grows well for you!

[@OssyDL]

Hi George have you any idea where I can pick some colocasia pink china up from looked on tinterweb and constantly checking ebay but everywhere is sold out which for its ability to survive and return when left outside in uk I find odd. Thought it would be easier to find.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Danny, a lot of these plants are relatively new to cultivation in the UK, so unfortunately still only becoming widely available. Turn it Tropical will be listing some this weekend apparently!

[@OssyDL]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden thanks. Just been on turn it tropical sold out and big plant nursery sold out. I already have 2 but they are the tinest thing ever.about 2.5cm tall. Will stick them on heat mat and pray haha at least I got my tropical garden vid fix for the day.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@OssyDL Oops, I’m sure they’ll be getting more in! Even a small plant will get to a good size this year, as soon as it actually warms up 😂

[@johnsloan9466]

Morning mate, I’ve gone of topic here but after reading varying answers on google I’d appreciate your opinion. How close to my house should it be ok to plant a Trachycarpus Fortunei without worrying about roots etc?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Morning John, palm roots don’t expand in the same way that tree roots do so in theory are more suitable for planting closer to buildings. Any roots can dry soil out though and lead to potential ground issues but it depends on a lot of factors. I’d personally say 1.5m should give enough room for the leaves to just touch it when mature.

[@johnsloan9466]

Thanks again mate. Appreciate the advice.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@johnsloan9466 No worries, personally I wouldn’t have any issues with going a bit closer to create a certain effect, but you’re right to do your research 😃

[@parttimeninja5521]

I have the Pink China and the Ilustris. What Colocasia besides the pink china would you recommend for the garden? I dont mind stroring the bulbs inside in winters but I have read very different experiences online about planting certain colocasia types in the garden in zones 8-10? Wonderign what other varieties you tried.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Going forwards I’m basically sticking to Pink China and Esculenta as that one can be dry stored easily. Then I’ve got a couple of Alocasia which are cared for as houseplants.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Illustris is a nice one though, how have you got on with that?

[@parttimeninja5521]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden I have had it for two years now. It seems to start a bit slower than the other types but does very well. I really like the bright veins and some leaves are green and some dark purple with green veins. Im trying out different lighting to hopefully get all purple leaves.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@parttimeninja5521 Interesting, I love experiments like that, let me know how you get on!

[@jeffbachmann7161]

I live in zone 7 in the US and have MANY deer. Will they eat my Colocasia Pink China if I plant them outside?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, I wish I could help but don't have any direct experience unfortunately - hopefully somebody else in the comments can assist. I imagine with them being softer leaves and potentially looking attractive they might potentially get munched!

[@murph6510]

Hi, does it grow well in mostly shade?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, apologies, I'm sure I replied to this comment but nothing is showing! They should do fine with some shade, they seem quite easy going but a shady spot might take longer to warm up in spring and get less late summer sun so they might not get as big. As long as they've got moisture they'll be fine!

[@murph6510]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden great, thanks

[@iriviking774]

Hey George, I have a question. I have a big clump of alocasia pink China that's currently under a layer of mulch. I decided to take of 2 shoots just now in a bit of a impulsive move! I put one inside and it's starting to form leaves already! Now I have some more little bulbs in the pollytunnel, my question being: do I need to keep it inside so the plant wil Start growing already? Or will it be fine outside in the pollytunnel? And I just have to wait for spring and they will Start growing eventually? Or will it die because it's not warm enough to make it grow right now? Greetings a big fan!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi and thank you. The smaller sections you separated and have already started to grow inside, I'd keep them inside now they're in full growth, let them build up strength and not risk the cold next week etc. With the others in the polytunnel, I'd leave them there, you don't want to encourage them to grow too early just to be cut back. You'll find that they'll probably start growing with some sun and warmth over the next month or so then the ones outside will come up later on.

[@iriviking774]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden thank you! Im so Curious to See when they grow😃

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@iriviking774 Soon enough I’m sure 😃

[@peca1n]

I had my name down to be emailed once Pink China were back in stock. Noticed the email from Turn it Tropical yesterday lunch (only emailed me earlier same morning). Went straight to their web site but already out of stock . They seem impossible to get hold of :-(

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Apparently they sold 150 plants in an hour or something, their busiest day ever! Crazy! If I hear of any more available I’ll let you and a few other subscribers who comment on my videos know but you’ll have to be quick 😂

[@irismoles9369]

I had the same problem with Turn it tropical how quickly they sold out

[@teratakmolek9233]

Hi ,the baby clumping or from tendrii?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, if you’re asking whether it spreads, it does send small runners underground and will form a nice clump in time.

[@davemcgillian2449]

This weekend or next weekend for availability?

[@OssyDL]

This weekend but sold out lol so is big plant nursery added 1 to basket there but was out of stock by the time I got to checkout

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It was this weekend Dave but I’m sure they’ll get some more in!

[@ARW.7]

Struggling to get hold of some of these 😭

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hopefully Turn it Tropical get some more back in 🤞

[@stevefindlater302]

George, do you have an email at all? If ok I’d like to send you some images of our garden and ask some advice. New to the channel and myself and my wife have been binge watching your videos all weekend. Steve

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Steve and thank you for watching my vids! There should be email link on my profile but it’s george at georgesjunglegarden dot com (set out to avoid the comment being seen as spam!), happy to help with any quick questions. Thanks, George

[@Bee-io3id]

😩 watching this Saturday eve, too late to buy from Turn it Tropical any tips for other suppliers 🙏

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Ahh no, I didn’t realise they’d sell out so quick, it was crazy from what I’ve seen. Not this year unfortunately although maybe Turn it Tropical might be getting some back in?

[@Bee-io3id]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden looks like it’s going to be on my wish list for 2022🤦🏻‍♀️

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@Bee-io3id Summer 2030 if this carries on 🤞😂😢

[@julzireay]

I feel your pain Bee 😩. Finger's crossed for the near future 🤞🏻

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@julzireay If I hear of any I’ll let you both know!

[@julzireay]

I've been trying to buy pink china for weeks now to no avail. If anyone has any clue as to who has stock please let me know thanks. Happy gardening 😊

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Turn it Tropical sold out within an hour or something yesterday apparently, crazy, maybe they’ll get a load more in 🤞

[@julzireay]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden I noticed hahaha. Went straight to their site while watching your video, thanks anyway. Enjoying your videos George your doing a fab job. Helpful and informative. Keep up the good work👍🏻

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@julzireay Yeah, a bit awkward! Thanks, I appreciate you saying so 😃

[@julzireay]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Hahaha, no worries and you're welcome 😁

[@sharonconnors6061]

Just right now like many other plants their a nightmare to get hold of. I don't know if its because everyone is buying plants for their garden cos of covid or the supply is not there again cos of covid. I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed my pink china will appear again and hope I can split it later this summer.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hopefully Sharon. I didn’t realise they’d be in such short supply but unfortunately this year both the supply and the demand of a lot of plants have been dramatically affected, it’s not just Covid but I hope plants like this come more readily available very soon!

[@jimbailey3705]

Almost all these plants aren’t grown from seed in the UK, and it’s bad for all types of plants. At my local garden centre they said 99% of bedding plants come from places such as the Netherlands and they can’t even request certain types. They can just get pallets of “pot luck” and then be stuck with double a certain colour, cause they didn’t have a choice. It’s all a bit difficult at the moment with imports into the UK.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@jimbailey3705 I completely agree and hope you see a lot more UK seed grown plants over the coming years. There’s a lot of factors affecting the availability of plants this year but the current situation mixed with the relationship with Europe, the palm ban from a few years ago, higher production and transport costs plus a surge in demand have all made it tricky for a lot of sellers!

[@jimbailey3705]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden I think it will be tricky - there might be appetite to grow more from seed in the UK now, but before that can happen we have to overcome the great glass shortage of 2021 first 😅. Growers can’t get the glass to build more glasshouses at the moment! And my in-laws can’t get their windows replaced...

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@jimbailey3705 I didn’t realise the glass situation was that bad! Maybe with all the additional costs and hassle of importing this year the situation might sway to it being more economically viable to grow more in the UK, hopefully for the sake of the environment 🤞

[@SF-ze6go]

There's someone on ebay selling the bulbs for £23 each or £45 for 3, pricey!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I’d rather buy smaller plants then you know they’re growing too. Hopefully more are available very soon!

[@SF-ze6go]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden the in stock plant suppliers I found had stopped shipping to uk because since Brexit they had been getting uk parcels returned : / anyway I have a couple of regular plants leafing up indoors at the moment, always next year for the pink. Thanx for the work you put into your videos, really look forward to them.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@SF-ze6go That’s annoying. Thanks, I appreciate it 😃

[@mrgagaggreen]

Sorry don't do socail media at all. Think I put my foot in it mentioning where I got my china's. Might stick to watching. Thanks for all your experience George

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Sorry Paul, reading between the lines you put a link in your comment and unfortunately KZbin gets rid of those comments as it thinks they’re spam (a lot are!). Thanks for watching and good luck with your plants, feel free to comment any time 😃

[@yoshii793]

Turn it tropical , pink China colocasia seem to be sold out already lol

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Ooops 😂 I’m going to have to start doing videos on plants every garden centre has in stock!

[@lukedowthwaite7814]

Seaweed fertiliser and chicken manure... 😂

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

How the magic happens 😂

[@lukedowthwaite7814]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden I’ll look into the chicken manure, I only use organic seaweed.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@lukedowthwaite7814 I use both but if I had to choose one I’d go with the seaweed for sure!