Colocasia esculenta
Colocasia esculenta
Taro
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Description
Colocasia esculenta, commonly called taro, is a lush, water-loving aroid with impressively large, heart-shaped leaves. It thrives in warm, wet conditions and can be grown in gardens, ponds, or big containers. Beyond its striking tropical look, its corms and leaves are traditional foods when fully cooked.
Common Names
TaroDasheenKaloEddoeElephant EarCocoyamArbiGabi
Context
nativeRegion
Likely native to tropical South and Southeast Asia, widely domesticated from India to New Guinea and the Pacific.
usdaZones
8–11 (lift and store corms in colder zones)
companionPlants
Canna (Canna indica and hybrids), Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus or C. alternifolius), Pickerel rush (Pontederia cordata), Hardy thalia (Thalia dealbata), Swamp rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), Louisiana iris (Iris louisiana hybrids)
culturalUses
Major staple crop across Asia, the Pacific, and parts of Africa and the Caribbean. Corms are boiled, steamed, or pounded (e.g., poi in Hawai‘i); leaves are eaten when well-cooked. Important in cultural ceremonies and agriculture in Polynesia and other regions.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright indirect light to partial sun; full sun outdoors if soil stays wet. Indoors, strongest light possible without leaf scorch.
WateringKeep consistently moist to wet; never let dry out. Can grow at pond margins or in 1–4 in (2–10 cm) of standing water.
SoilRich, loamy, high-organic soil that holds moisture; pH 5.5–7.0. For containers, use a heavy peat/compost-based mix with minimal perlite.
FertilizerHeavy feeder. Apply balanced or slightly higher nitrogen fertilizer every 2–4 weeks in active growth, or use slow-release at planting.
HumidityPrefers high humidity (60%+). Outdoors it loves humid summers; indoors use trays or room humidification.
TemperatureWarmth-loving; ideal 75–90°F (24–32°C). Protect below 55°F (13°C). Frost will kill foliage but corms may survive in mild climates.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitHerbaceous, clumping aroid from corms with large, sagittate leaves; suitable for borders, bogs, and large containers.
Mature Size3–6 ft tall and wide (0.9–1.8 m), larger in ideal wet, warm sites; leaves up to 2–3 ft long.
Growth RateFast in warm, wet conditions.
BloomingRare in cultivation; occasional aroid spadix/spathe in summer; primarily grown for foliage.
DormancyEnters dormancy in cool/dry periods; foliage dies back after frost. Corms can be lifted and stored dry in cold climates.
Propagation
MethodsDivision of corms/offsets, Cormels/setts, Tissue culture, Seed (rare)
DifficultyEasy by division or cormels; seed is uncommon and slow.
Best SeasonSpring to early summer, after frost danger when soils are warm.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove yellowing or damaged leaves at the base. After frost, cut back to ground. Deadhead any spent inflorescences.
RepottingRepot yearly or when rootbound into a larger, sturdy container with rich, moisture-retentive mix.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for spider mites, aphids, thrips, slugs, and snails. In wet heat, monitor for taro leaf blight (Phytophthora), bacterial soft rot, and root rot; ensure good airflow and avoid stagnant, anaerobic conditions.
ToxicityRaw plant parts contain calcium oxalate crystals; can irritate mouth and skin if ingested or handled. Must be thoroughly cooked before eating. Treat as toxic to pets if raw.
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