The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Taro

Colocasia esculenta

kol-oh-KAY-shah ess-kew-LEN-tah Audio

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 CharacteristicsEye-catching foliage. Needs moist or wet soil.

CareGrow 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.

PropagationDivide in winter or early spring.

ProblemsSoft rot, leaf blight, root rot. Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.

  • Genus : Colocasia
  • Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 10, 11, 9
  • Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
  • Uses : Containers
  • Growth Rate : Fast, Moderate
  • Moisture : Medium to Wet
  • Maintenance : Moderate
  • Light : Partial Shade
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Characteristics : Showy Foliage
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide