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
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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°C. See Alocasia for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed at 23°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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.