Growing Calathea allouia (Tipee Tambo) in the Caribbean

                                                  Beautiful flower of the Tipee Tambo plant

Calathea allouia belongs to the Marantaceae family and is a relative of arrowroot. For those of us in the Caribbean, we know it as "topee tambo" or "tipee tambo", a root crop that is usually associated with Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. Around that time, these little tubers start making an appearance in markets and roadside stalls.

I was lucky enough to get a couple of tipee tambo plants from my joiner. I always wanted to try growing the crop, but my soil is terrible—heavy clay that cracks in the dry season and collects water in the rainy season. Nonetheless, I decided to give it a shot.

I dug two holes, placed the tubers in, and watered them. This was just at the end of the dry season (May) and right before the start of the rainy season (June) here in Trinidad and Tobago. That was pretty much it! I left nature to do the rest because I didn’t get a chance to fertilize the plants, and my soil wasn’t exactly the best. Maybe the gardening genie worked a little magic because what I discovered when I dug into those holes truly surprised me.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Like other root crops such as sweet potato, ginger, and turmeric, tipee tambo thrives in loose, well-draining, fertile soil. A sandy loam rich in organic matter is ideal, making harvesting easier and reducing the risk of tuber damage.

Fertilizer

Tipee tambo benefits from organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure mixed into the soil before planting. A light application of a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) during early growth can help boost yields, but the crop is fairly resilient and can grow well with minimal inputs if the soil is rich.

Irrigation

Consistent moisture is key, but waterlogging can cause rot. If grown in heavy clay soil, consider adding organic matter or planting on raised beds to improve drainage. A deep watering once or twice a week should suffice, depending on rainfall.

Pest and Disease Management

Tipee tambo is relatively pest-resistant, but occasional troublemakers like aphids or nematodes may appear. Keeping the soil healthy with organic matter and ensuring good drainage helps prevent most issues. If pests become a problem, a mild neem oil spray can help.

Harvesting and Storage

The tubers are ready to harvest around nine months after planting when the foliage dies back. Gently dig around the base to avoid damaging them. Once harvested, they can be stored in a cool, dry place or boiled immediately for consumption.

The leaves dry to signal that the plant is ready for harvesting 

  

                        The dried shoots are removed to show the rhizomes 

 Tubers of the Calathea allouia as it is dug up from the planting hole

How to Prepare and Eat

In the Caribbean, tipee tambo is typically boiled in salted water until tender and enjoyed as a snack.  Ensure that the tubers are washed thoroughly to remove any excess dirt before boiling.   Remove the paper-thin skins with a knife and enjoy!

Growing tipee tambo turned out to be an unexpected success for me, despite my heavy clay soil and lack of proper care. If you have better soil, you’ll likely get an even bigger harvest. So, why not give it a try? You might be pleasantly surprised!

 Happy Gardening!

 The Grey Haired Gardener