Alocasia macrorrhizos
giant taro
A tropical rhizomatous perennial grown for its huge, glossy mid-green leaves. The leaf blades have pale green veins and can reach 1.2m long; they are carried on erect leaf stalks to 1.2m tall. It may produce a pale green flower in summer. Giant taro is widely naturalised and cultivated in tropical areas as a food crop, although it requires a long cooking time before it is safe to eat. In cool climates it makes an interesting conservatory plant
Synonyms
Alocasia indica (Lour.) Spach misapplied
Size
Ultimate height
1.5鈥�2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2鈥�5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5鈥�2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well鈥揹rainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East鈥揻acing or South鈥揻acing or 奥别蝉迟鈥揻补肠颈苍驳
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Alocasia are robust evergreen rhizomatous or tuberous perennials with large, usually peltate, leaves with conspicuous veins; insignificant flowering spathes may be followed by orange-red fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C Malesia to NE Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow indoors in a peat-free houseplant compost with added perlite, in bright, indirect light. Water freely and apply a general liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks from spring to autumn. Provide high humidity by placing the container on a tray of moist gravel or pebbles. Reduce watering to a minimum in winter, and keep above 15掳C. See Alocasia for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed at 23掳C as soon as it's ripe, or by division of rhizomes in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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