Malanga Plant Care

Malanga (Xanthosoma caracu) belongs to the Araceae family within the Xanthosoma genus. Malanga is native to South America and cultivated in Puerto Rico. Malanga is also known as Yautia.

Malanga displays a large, tropical foliage plant growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Malanga produces produces inconspicuous flowers surrounded by a showy, colorful leaf-like structure called a spathe.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Malanga every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Malanga thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Malanga in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Xanthosoma caracu tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Malanga prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Malanga to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Malanga every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Malanga is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Malanga can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Malanga while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Malanga is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Malanga can be propagated through division of rhizomes, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to xanthosoma plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Malanga is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Malanga grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Malanga is native to South America and cultivated in Puerto Rico. In cooler regions, grow Malanga as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.