Giant taro (Alocasia macrorrhizos)

Also known as: Pai, Giant ape

Giant taro originates from the rainforests of Southeast Asia, with its initial cultivation taking place in the Philippines. The plant features large leaves similar to elephant ears, which become edible after thorough cooking. However, caution is needed as the plant's sap can irritate the skin and it is toxic to pets like dogs, cats, and horses.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Giant taro

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

1 m to 5 m

Spread

1.8 m to 2.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

10 cm to 30 cm

Flower Color

White Yellow Green

Images of Giant taro

Quickly Identify Giant taro

Identify Alocasia macrorrhizos by its large, glossy, and dark green leaves that are heart or arrow-shaped. The plant often has a thick, erect stem and can grow up to several meters high. Additionally, its unique leaf venation pattern helps in identification.

Scientific Classification of Giant taro

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Alismatales

Family

Arum

Genus

Elephant's-ears

Species

Giant taro

Planting and Growing of Giant taro

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

75-85℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6-7.3

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Giant taro?

For Alocasia macrorrhizos, watering should ensure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. A general guide is to apply approximately 500 ml of water, enough to moisten the soil thoroughly without letting water sit at the bottom of the pot.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Giant taro?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Alocasia macrorrhizos thrives in partial sun to full shade. Ideal lighting aids in maintaining lush, vibrant foliage, optimizing photosynthesis, and improving its ornamental appeal, which is key for robust plant health.

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Giant taro?

Ideal Temperature: 75 ~ 85℉

The ideal temperature range for Alocasia macrorrhizos is between 75°F to 85°F. This range ensures optimal growth and development by allowing proper metabolic and enzymatic activities. Within this range, the plant can perform photosynthesis efficiently, which supports healthy foliage and overall health.

What Soil is Best for Giant taro?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6 ~ 7.3

Alocasia macrorrhizos thrives in soil with excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Well-draining soil allows water to pass through quickly, minimizing waterlogging and ensuring the roots have access to oxygen. This plant flourishes in soil rich in organic matter, which provides essential nutrients. Organic content like decomposed leaves improves soil fertility, enhancing the plant's growth and foliage quality. While drainage is crucial, the soil should also retain some moisture to support the hydration needs of Alocasia macrorrhizos. A balance of drainage and moisture retention helps maintain consistent plant hydration. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Giant taro?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Alocasia macrorrhizos, it's essential to remember that while they are hungry plants, they can also be sensitive to over-fertilization. For liquid fertilizers, use a balanced 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 diluted to half the recommended strength. Apply about 250 ml for a medium-sized plant. For slow-release fertilizers, a moderate amount spread evenly over the soil will suffice. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Giant taro?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin by inspecting the plant for leaves that are yellowing, browning, or damaged. These are the ones that should be prioritized for removal to improve the overall appearance and health of your Alocasia. When removing unwanted leaves, make sure to cut as close to the stem base as possible without harming the main stem. This encourages new growth and helps maintain the plant's natural shape. If the Alocasia macrorrhizos becomes too large or unwieldy, you can trim it back slightly to better fit its space. Remember to maintain a balance so the plant continues to look aesthetically pleasing. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Giant taro plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring,Late spring

Ensure the parent plant is healthy and well-watered before starting the propagation process. This increases the chance that the divisions will successfully establish themselves.

Carefully remove the plant from its pot and divide the rhizomes using a sharp knife. Each division should have at least one or two leaves and a good number of roots attached.

Plant each division into its own pot with well-draining soil. Firmly pack the soil around the roots and water the plants lightly to settle the soil without oversaturating it.

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How to Repot Giant taro plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Alocasia macrorrhizos signals its need for repotting when roots start poking out of the drainage holes or when growth seems stunted. This usually happens in spring or summer, aligning with its natural growth cycle. During these seasons, the plant is actively growing and can recover more effectively from the stress of repotting, making it the ideal time.

Select a pot that's one size larger than the current one, with adequate drainage holes. This ensures proper root development and prevents waterlogging. A slightly larger pot provides space for root expansion, which is crucial for the health and growth of Alocasia macrorrhizos.

Opt for a well-draining soil mix that retains some moisture but doesn't get waterlogged. A mix with peat, perlite, and pine bark works well. This kind of soil ensures that the plant roots receive adequate air circulation and reduces the risk of root rot, promoting healthier plant development.

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Toxicity of Giant taro

Is Giant taro toxic to humans?

Giant taro plants exhibit a mild to moderate toxicity level in humans. Each part of the plant harbors calcium oxalate crystals, which can act as irritants both on the skin and within the gastrointestinal tract. Direct exposure to its sap can lead to skin reactions such as redness, itchiness, or blisters. If giant taro is consumed without being properly boiled, it may irritate the mouth, cause throat swelling, trigger swallowing difficulties, and lead to abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. This species is not only cherished as an ornamental plant but is also considered a popular food source in certain islands of the South Pacific. Gardeners should exercise caution when handling giant taro, particularly if the plant is damaged and its sap is leaking or exposed. Individuals who wish to eat giant taro must ensure it has been adequately prepared beforehand.

Is Giant taro toxic to cat?

Giant taro is recognized for its toxicity to felines. Cats can become poisoned by unknowingly ingesting any portion of the plant, since every part harbors toxic compounds. Following consumption, a cat may undergo considerable physical distress, which could present itself through various signs of discomfort, though specific symptoms are not outlined here. If ingestion occurs and poisoning is suspected, it is crucial to urgently seek veterinary care to alleviate the effects and safeguard the well-being of the cat.

Is Giant taro toxic to dog?

The giant taro is recognized as a toxic species for dogs. If dogs consume any part of this plant, either out of curiosity or by accident, it can lead to poisoning. All parts of the plant, which include leaves, stems, and roots, harbor toxic compounds that are detrimental to pets if ingested. Signs of toxicity in dogs may manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, irritation in the mouth, and difficulty in swallowing. It is crucial for pet owners to remain alert and restrict their dogs' access to giant taro. Should a dog ingest any portion of giant taro, it is imperative to seek prompt veterinary assistance to ensure the best possible outcome for the dog's health.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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