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

Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.

Start Free Trial

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide