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Colocasia esculenta (Taro)

Colocasia esculenta Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Colocasia esculenta kol-oh-KAY-shah ess-kew-LEN-tah Common Name: Taro Synonyms: C. antiquorum Genus: Colocasia
A large, showy, marginal aquatic plant with heart-shaped, dark green leaves, taro can reach 5 feet tall and is often grown as a summer annual. Use it in a container or near water.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Eye-catching foliage. Needs moist or wet soil.
 Care: Grow in partial shade and humusy, moist or wet, slightly acidic soil. Taro can be grown in the ground or in a large aquatic container. Store dormant tubers in a dry, frost-free location.
 Propagation: Divide in winter or early spring.
 Problems: Soft rot, leaf blight, root rot. Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Invasive/Aggressive Grower;Moderate Grower
Light Part Shade Only
Moisture Medium to Wet
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Indoor Plant, Waterside
Style Water Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Tropicals

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