Giant Taro
Also known as
Giant Elephant Ear, Upright Elephant Ear, Giant Alocasia, Ape, Borneo Giant
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
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Alocasia macrorrhizos, commonly called Giant Taro, is a monumental aroid prized for its architectural foliage and fast growth in warm, humid climates. It forms a stout, trunk-like corm and tall, upright petioles bearing glossy, shield-shaped leaves that can reach 1-2 m long, creating a dramatic, umbrella-like canopy. In the ground it may attain 3-5 m tall, while large containers keep it more compact. Native to tropical Asia’s forest margins and clearings, it thrives in fertile, consistently moist soils with high humidity and excellent drainage. New leaves unfurl sequentially from the center as older leaves are shed. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals and are irritating or toxic if eaten raw; some cultures process parts extensively to render them edible. As an ornamental, it excels in shaded gardens, courtyards, and conservatories where bright, filtered light and warmth are reliable. Not frost tolerant, it stalls below about 15 C but rebounds rapidly when temperatures and light improve.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Giant Taro
Water
Water thoroughly until excess drains, then allow the top 2-5 cm of mix to dry before repeating. In warm, bright conditions this may be 1-3 times weekly; reduce markedly in cooler, low-light months. Never leave the pot standing in water. Favor deep, infrequent soakings over frequent sips to encourage robust roots. Flush monthly to remove accumulated salts, and adjust frequency to pot size, substrate aeration, airflow, and ambient humidity.
Light
Provide bright, filtered light: morning sun with afternoon shade, or bright south/west exposure behind sheer curtains. Outdoors, dappled shade or 50-70% shade cloth prevents scorch while maintaining vigor. Too little light elongates petioles and reduces leaf size; harsh midday sun burns edges. Acclimate any light increase gradually over 1-2 weeks, rotate periodically for even growth, and keep leaves clean for efficient photosynthesis.
Nutrients
Giant Taro is a vigorous feeder. During spring and summer, apply a balanced, slightly nitrogen-forward fertilizer (e.g., 3-1-2 ratio) at half strength every 2-4 weeks, or use a slow-release granular aroid formula per label directions. Include micronutrients (Ca, Mg, Fe) to prevent chlorosis. Flush the substrate monthly to limit salt buildup. Pause feeding in winter or any time growth slows, and resume only when new leaves actively emerge.
Temperature
Aim for 18-30 C with stable warmth day and night. Growth slows below 18 C and foliage may yellow or collapse near 12-15 C. Shield from cold drafts and abrupt temperature swings; avoid direct blasts from AC or heaters. Outdoors it suits frost-free zones (USDA 10-12; with protection 9b). If nights trend cool, move containers indoors or provide greenhouse/heat-mat support to maintain momentum.
