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Colocasia esculenta
Colocasia esculenta
Colocasia esculenta
Colocasia esculenta

Colocasia esculenta

TAXONOMY

FamilyAraceae
GenusColocasia
Zone8

ABOUT

Colocasia esculenta, commonly known as taro, is a tropical plant in the family Araceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The plant is known for its large, heart-shaped leaves and edible corms. Taro is a staple food in many tropical regions and has been cultivated for thousands of years. It requires a dormancy period of about 3 months.

ALSO KNOWN AS

Alocasia Dussii
Aron Colocasium
Arum Chinense
Arum Colocasioides
Arum Esculentum
Arum Lividum
Arum Nymphaeifolium
Arum Peltatum
Caladium Acre
Caladium Colocasioides
Caladium Esculentum
Caladium Glycyrrhizum
Caladium Nymphaeifolium
Caladium Violaceum
Calla Gaby
Calla Virosa
Echte Blattwurz
Elephant Ears
Elephant's-Ear
Steudnera Virosa
Taro
White Flamingo Flower
Zantedeschia Virosa
Zehrwurzel
Alocasia illustris
Arum colocasia
Caladium colocasia
Colocasia acris
Colocasia aegyptiaca
Colocasia antiquorum f. acuatica
Colocasia antiquorum f. eguimo
Colocasia antiquorum f. oyasetage
Colocasia antiquorum f. purpurea
Colocasia antiquorum f. yamamotoi
Colocasia antiquorum var. acris
Colocasia antiquorum var. aquatilis
Colocasia antiquorum var. esculenta
Colocasia antiquorum var. euchlora
Colocasia antiquorum var. globulifera
Colocasia antiquorum var. illustris
Colocasia antiquorum var. multifolia
Colocasia antiquorum var. nymphaeifolia
Colocasia antiquorum var. patens
Colocasia antiquorum var. rosea
Colocasia antiquorum var. rupicola
Colocasia antiquorum var. stolonifera
Colocasia colocasia
Colocasia esculenta f. ebiimo
Colocasia esculenta f. rotundifolia
Colocasia esculenta var. acris
Colocasia esculenta var. aquatilis
Colocasia esculenta var. euchlora
Colocasia esculenta var. globulifera
Colocasia esculenta var. illustris
Colocasia esculenta var. nymphaeifolia
Colocasia esculenta var. rupicola
Colocasia esculenta var. stolonifera
Colocasia euchlora
Colocasia formosana
Colocasia gracilis
Colocasia himalensis
Colocasia konishii
Colocasia neocaledonica
Colocasia nymphaeifolia
Colocasia peltata
Colocasia tonoimo
Colocasia vera
Colocasia virosa
Colocasia vulgaris
Leucocasia esculenta

OVERVIEW

WaterVery Wet
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity80%
GDD3,150
Dormancy3 Months
pH5.5
Pressure1,013 mbar

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DETAILS

Care Instructions
Taro plants thrive in warm, humid environments with indirect bright light. They prefer consistently wet soil and moderate temperatures. Ensure the plant is kept in a humid environment, and avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Regular watering and maintaining high humidity are crucial for optimal growth.
Harvest
Colocasia esculenta, commonly known as taro, is typically ready for harvest about 7 months after planting. The best time to harvest is when the leaves start to yellow and die back, indicating that the tubers have matured. To harvest, carefully dig around the base of the plant to avoid damaging the tubers. Lift the plant and shake off excess soil. The tubers should be cleaned and cured in a dry, shaded area for a few days before storage. It's important to handle the tubers gently to prevent bruising, which can lead to spoilage.
Soil
Taro prefers loamy soil that is rich in organic matter and retains moisture well. The soil should be well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. A mix of loam and organic compost is ideal for this plant.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to ensure it receives the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
Repotting
Repot taro plants every 1-2 years or when they outgrow their current container. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, shake off excess soil, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil mix.
Propagation
Taro can be propagated through division of the corms. The best time to propagate is during the plant's dormancy period. Carefully separate the corms, ensuring each division has at least one growing point, and plant them in individual pots with moist soil.
Pruning
Prune taro plants to remove any dead or yellowing leaves. This helps to maintain the plant's health and appearance. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed.
Toxicity
Taro plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. The corms must be cooked thoroughly to neutralize the toxins before consumption. Handle the plant with care to avoid skin irritation.
Additional
Taro plants can be grown both indoors and outdoors, making them versatile for different environments. Ensure they receive adequate light and humidity, especially when grown indoors. Regularly check for pests and diseases, and take appropriate measures to keep the plant healthy.
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