Xanthosoma sagittifolium

Malanga

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Taxonomy

Description

Xanthosoma sagittifolium, often called malanga or yautia, is a lush, tropical aroid grown for its bold, arrow-shaped leaves and starchy, delicious corms. It loves warmth, steady moisture, and rich soil—thriving as a food crop in the tropics and a dramatic foliage plant in containers elsewhere.

Common Names

MalangaYautiaTanniaCocoyamElephant Ear (Xanthosoma)White MalangaYautía blanca

Context

nativeRegion

Tropical Central and South America; widely cultivated and naturalized in the Caribbean, West Africa, and Southeast Asia.

usdaZones

9-12 outdoors (perennial in frost-free areas; grow as annual or in containers elsewhere).

companionPlants

Musa spp. (Banana/Plantain), Colocasia esculenta (Taro), Zingiber officinale (Ginger), Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Canna edulis (Achira), Capsicum spp. (Peppers)

culturalUses

Staple root crop (malanga/yautia) in Caribbean, Latin American, and West African cuisines; corms boiled, fried, or made into flour; young leaves eaten after proper cooking; also grown as ornamental foliage and for animal feed.

Care

Care Requirements

LightBright indirect light to partial shade; gentle morning sun is fine. In humid tropics, can handle more sun if soil stays moist.

WateringKeep evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches begin to dry; increase frequency in heat.

SoilRich, loose, well-drained yet moisture-retentive mix; high organic matter. pH 5.5–7.0. For containers, use chunky aroid mix with compost.

FertilizerHeavy feeder. Apply balanced or slightly higher potassium fertilizer monthly in the growing season, or use slow-release; supplement with compost.

HumidityPrefers high humidity (60–80%). Tolerates average indoor levels if watered well and protected from hot, dry drafts.

TemperatureWarmth-loving: 65–90°F (18–32°C) ideal. Protect below 55°F (13°C); frost will knock back or kill foliage.

Growth & Life Cycle

HabitTuberous, clumping herbaceous perennial with large sagittate (arrow-shaped) leaves.

Mature Size3–6 ft tall and 2–5 ft wide; individual leaves 2–3 ft long.

Growth RateFast-growing in warm, wet conditions.

BloomingRare in cultivation; small arum-type spadix and spathe, not typically ornamental.

DormancyCan go semi-dormant in cool or dry conditions; foliage may die back with cold and resprout from the corm.

Propagation

MethodsDivision of corms, Offsets/suckers, Cormels (small tubers), Seed (rare in cultivation)

DifficultyEasy to moderate

Best SeasonSpring to early summer when active growth begins

Maintenance & Notes

PruningRemove yellowing or damaged leaves at the base; cut spent inflorescences; thin offsets if growing for larger corms.

RepottingRepot annually in spring or when rootbound; use a deep container to accommodate expanding corms and cormels.

Pests & DiseasesWatch for spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and snails/slugs. Prevent root rot with drainage; possible fungal leaf spots and bacterial blight; nematodes in field soils.

ToxicityRaw plant contains calcium oxalate crystals; can cause mouth and throat irritation. Only eat after thorough cooking; keep away from pets and children.

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