taro

Taro (Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito') thrives with consistently moist soils, so regular watering is important. Water it when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Usually, this means watering 1-2 times a week, or when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Do not let the soil become completely dry between waterings, as taro will require more frequent watering when it is recovering from drought. During the summer months, you may need to water more frequently, as it tends to dry out faster than other seasons. Additionally, frequent misting or placing the plant near a humidifier can be beneficial.

Taro (Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito') needs fluorescent sunshine for 10 to 12 hours a day for optimal growth. Plant your taro in an area that receives full sun in the morning and partial shade or dappled sunlight in the afternoon. Too much direct sunlight will cause the leaves to burn. Bright, indirect light is the best option. For optimum health and growth, place the plant in a south-facing window that receives sunlight throughout the day and place it in a shaded area during peak afternoon sunlight hours.

Maintaining tamu size and keeping the Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito' healthy is best achieved by regular pruning. For moderate growth, prune back stems and foliage in early spring to thin and tidy up taro plants. Also, prune any dead or damaged stems or leave throughout the gardening season. For more aggressive pruning, wait until plants are dormant in late fall to wintertime to cut back foliage and stems to the ground to promote robust growth and large leaves. Use sharp, clean pruners to remove stems and foliage and avoid tearing of leaves.