Giant taro

Houseplant · Perennial

Alocasia macrorrhizos

Giant taro

Giant upright elephant ears on stout stems, a tender aroid for summer patios and tropical gardens.

  • Partial shade
  • 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
  • 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
  • H1a · Zone 12
  • Evergreen

Overview

Giant taro, also called giant elephant ear or cunjevoi, carries glossy, arrow-shaped leaves held upright on thick stalks. Pale green spathes are produced on mature plants, sometimes followed by red berries.

It is fully tender and needs a minimum of about 15°C (59°F). It is hardy outdoors only in USDA zones 9–11, where it can reach 3.5–4.5 m (12–15 ft) and naturalises in wet tropical places. In cooler climates grow it in a large pot, 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft), and bring it in for winter.

Give bright, filtered light; full sun scorches the leaves. Water and feed generously in warm weather.

At a Glance

Sun Partial shade
Height 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
Spread 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
Hardiness H1a · Zone 12
Soil Loam, Sand
Moisture Moist well drained
Habit Clumping, Upright
Water High
Maintenance Moderate

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature 15°C (59°F)
pH Range 5.5–7.5
Fertility Fertile
Drainage Moderate

Aspect Suitability

  • East-facing
  • South-facing
  • West-facing

Soil Tolerance

  • Sandy
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH
  • Alkaline

Foliage

Persistence Evergreen
Colour Green
Leaf shape / texture ovate_large
  • Architectural foliage

Foliage interest: 12 months of the year

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Foliage
Propagate
  • Foliage 12 months of the year
  • Propagate Apr May

How to propagate

One way to grow more Giant taro:

Division Apr Easy

You'll need: Spade or sharp knife

  1. Unpot the plant
  2. Separate offsets or cut the rhizome so each piece has a growing point
  3. Pot in free-draining compost in warmth
How long
1 hour
It's worked when
high
Then
Water in well and keep moist while new roots form.

Divide rhizomes or pot offsets in spring warmth; fresh seed germinates at about 23°C (73°F).

Maintenance Calendar

  • May Feed every two to three weeks from spring to autumn
  • Jun Move outside to a sheltered shady spot once nights stay above 15°C (59°F)
  • Jul Water freely and mist in dry weather
  • Aug Check leaf undersides for spider mite
  • Sep Bring indoors before nights fall below 15°C (59°F)

Garden Design

Works well in: Tropical / Exotic

One of the largest-leaved plants for a summer patio. Keep in a big pot so it can come inside before nights turn cold.

Companion planting: Bananas, Colocasias, Cannas, Gingers

Wildlife Value

  • Shelter

Safety

  • Toxic to humans
  • Toxic to dogs
  • Toxic to cats
  • Toxic to horses
  • Skin irritant

Toxic if eaten raw; all parts contain calcium oxalate. The sap irritates skin and eyes, so wear gloves. Keep away from pets and children.