Giant taro
Alocasia macrorrhizos · Araceae
📷 Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Feuilles, tiges et rhizome contiennent cristaux d'oxalate de calcium; ingestion cause irritation buccale, œdème, troubles digestifs chez chiens, chats et enfants.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant giant taro: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Alocasia macrorrhizos
- Family
- Araceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Adult height
- Up to 200 cm
- Growth
- Fast
- Origin
- Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Philippines)
- Hardiness
- Very sensitive to cold (minimum 13°C)
- Toxicity
- Toxic to domestic animals
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Water generously but avoid stagnant water: soil should stay moist, not wet. Apply thick mulch (5cm) in summer to regulate moisture and protect roots from heat stress.
The common mistake
Excess winter watering promotes rot during its dormancy phase.
The pro's trick
For indoor potted plants, increase humidity by placing the pot on a bed of damp pebbles: the large leaves will thank you immediately.
Care
Light
Alocasia macrorrhizos appreciates bright, indirect light without direct sun contact, which could scorch its large leaves. A spot near an east or north-facing window is ideal indoors. It tolerates partial shade but growth will be slowed.
Watering
Water regularly to keep the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season (spring-summer). Reduce watering in winter. Alocasia appreciates humid air: mist the foliage or place the pot on a bed of moist clay balls. Use non-calcareous water if possible.
Soil and Substrate
Use light, well-draining potting soil rich in organic matter, enriched with peat or coconut fiber. A mix of universal potting soil + fine bark ensures good aeration of the fleshy roots. Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced, diluted fertilizer every 15 days during the growing season (April to September). Reduce to monthly applications in winter. You can also use foliar fertilizer to enhance the spectacular foliage.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regularly remove yellow or damaged leaves at the base of the petiole. Alocasia doesn't require structural pruning but can be thinned to promote a balanced shape. Gently clean leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
Diseases and Pests
Watch for spider mites and mites in dry air. Excess moisture at the collar can promote rot. If infestation occurs, isolate the plant and treat with diluted black soap solution. Ventilate regularly to prevent fungal problems.
Did you know?
Alocasia macrorrhizos, called 'elephant's ear' in English, produces giant underground tubers in tropical environments that can weigh several kilograms. These starchy tubers have long been a food crop in Southeast Asia, although the entire plant is toxic in its raw state. In Europe, it has become one of the most coveted houseplants for its extraordinary sagittate leaves which can exceed 80 cm in length.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Calla lilyZantedeschia aethiopica
- TaroColocasia esculenta
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- ZZ plantZamioculcas zamiifolia
- Anthurium albumAnthurium album
- Anthurium roseumAnthurium roseum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.