Species taro
a deep-green leaf with lime-green veins and midrib on a light-green stem

taro

Colocasia esculenta

Also Known As - coloyam,elephant's ear,elephant's ear
Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is an amazing aquatic plant that is both beautiful and edible. It has long, bright green leaves that curl at the edges and a fleshy pink stem that originates from a large bulbous root. Its leaves and root are a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a popular addition to many dishes. The root can be boiled, mashed, or turned into chips. Its leaves can be steamed or boiled. It also provides a great aesthetic for pond and aquarium owners, as its foliage is a stunning addition to any landscape. Taro's strong root system can help control erosion and create a natural water filter. Taro makes a great companion plant in vegetable beds, protecting fragile vegetables from pests and offering a unique foliage to the garden or aqua-scape.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division

Hardiness Zone:

8 - 10

Flowers:

Yellowish-white Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part sun/part shade

Soil:

Acidic, Bog, Humus rich

Fruits:

green,yellow,purple,pink,white Fruits Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Taro (Colocasia esculenta) should be watered regularly, ideally every 3-4 days, to a depth of approximately 6 inches. The soil should be kept consistently moist and the upper inch of soil should feel moist to the touch, but not overly damp or soggy. During the hot months of summer, the taro may require slightly more frequent waterings. It's important to ensure that water can penetrate the soil deeply, so make sure that the soil is not overly compacted. Lastly, be sure to check the plant's foliage regularly for signs of dehydration, such as curling, wilting, or yellowing leaves.

sunlight

Taro requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to thrive. Ideally, it should receive 8 to 12 hours of sunlight a day for optimal growth. It's important to ensure the taro receives the necessary sunlight during the peak hours within the day, which typically tend to be in the morning and early afternoon. Additionally, it may require some shade during the hottest part of the day. For best results, it is recommended that you ensure that your taro is in an area that receives plenty of sunlight and has some access to shade.

pruning

Pruning of taro (Colocasia esculenta) should be done annually in late summer or early fall. Pruning should be done before the foliage yellows and dies off. An effective pruning regime involves removing old, dying or damaged leaves, stems, and roots, as well as any excess or vigorous growth that can reduce air movement and light penetration. Aim to remove up to 1-third of the older or damaged foliage and thin any overcrowded crowns. Also consider promoting new leaf and stem growth by removing the oldest part of the clump; divide and replant every 3 to 4 years.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of taro typically begins in July and continues through October.

Starts Flowering

Taro typically starts flowering in July.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of taro typically begins in July and continues through October.

Hardiness Map