Arrowleaf elephant's ear (Xanthosoma sagittifolium)

Also known as: American taro, Purplestem tannia, Blue taro, Yellow yautia, Arrowleaf elephant ear, Green Arrow Elephant Ears, New Cocoyam, Barbados Nut Eddoe

Arrowleaf elephant's ear (*Xanthosoma sagittifolium*) is a herbaceous perennial that can grow from 3 to 3.5 m tall. It has large, blue-green, arrow-shaped leaves that resemble an elephant’s ear. The leaves can grow to 91 cm long, much larger than most elephant ear plants. It prefers partial to full shade.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Arrowleaf elephant's ear

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

2 m to 2.5 m

Spread

60 cm to 90 cm

Leaf Color

Green Blue

Flower Size

5 to 10 cm

Flower Color

Green White Yellow

Images of Arrowleaf elephant's ear

Quickly Identify Arrowleaf elephant's ear

Identify by its large, arrowhead-shaped leaves and large, underground corms. The plant has a hairy or spiny stem.

Scientific Classification of Arrowleaf elephant's ear

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Alismatales

Family

Arum

Genus

Elephant's ear

Species

Arrowleaf elephant's ear

Planting and Growing of Arrowleaf elephant's ear

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

68-86℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

5.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Arrowleaf elephant's ear?

Xanthosoma sagittifolium prefers its soil to be consistently moist but not waterlogged. Each watering session should thoroughly soak the soil to about 500 ml per plant, ensuring that water reaches all areas of the root system.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Arrowleaf elephant's ear? ›

What should I do if my Arrowleaf elephant's ear is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Arrowleaf elephant's ear? ›

How to save an overwatered Arrowleaf elephant's ear? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Arrowleaf elephant's ear?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 2 to 6 hours daily

Xanthosoma sagittifolium prefers partial to full shaded areas, replicating its native understory conditions. Ideal light levels ensure robust growth and prevent stress-related problems, allowing it to thrive healthily.

Preferred Light Conditions ›

How to Achieve Ideal Light ›

Benefits of Ideal Lighting ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Arrowleaf elephant's ear?

Ideal Temperature: 68 ~ 86℉

Xanthosoma sagittifolium thrives ideally in temperatures ranging from 68°F to 86°F. This range provides an optimal environment for photosynthesis and general growth processes.

What Soil is Best for Arrowleaf elephant's ear?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 5.5 ~ 7.5

Xanthosoma sagittifolium thrives best in well-drained soil, which prevents waterlogging and ensures proper root aeration. This feature is crucial as it reduces the risk of root rot, promoting healthier plant growth and robust establishment. The plant requires soil rich in organic matter to support its vigorous growth. Ample nutrients from compost or organic amendments enhance leaf and tuber development, boosting yields and overall plant vitality. Maintaining consistent moisture levels in the soil is essential for Xanthosoma sagittifolium. This ensures the plant gets a steady supply of water while helping maintain nutrient uptake, resulting in optimal growth and improved resilience to environmental stress. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Arrowleaf elephant's ear?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Xanthosoma sagittifolium, the fertilization amount should be moderate to avoid nutrient imbalance. Typically, you should use about half a tablespoon of balanced liquid fertilizer diluted in a gallon of water every two weeks for this plant when it's actively growing during spring and summer. Slow-release granules can be applied in amounts recommended by the manufacturer, usually around one to two tablespoons per plant depending on the size once every four months. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Arrowleaf elephant's ear?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Begin by inspecting your Xanthosoma sagittifolium for any dead or yellowing leaves. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to cut these leaves as close to the base as possible. Be careful to avoid cutting healthy, green foliage. It's also important to remove any leaves that are touching the ground to prevent pest infestation and disease. Aim for a neat appearance that allows light and air to reach the inner parts of the plant. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Arrowleaf elephant's ear plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Late spring

Begin by selecting large, healthy tubers from a mature Xanthosoma sagittifolium plant. Ensure there are no signs of rot or disease, and look for tubers with visible buds or 'eyes' which will sprout new growth.

Using your sharp knife, cut the tubers into sections, each containing at least one eye. This eye is critical as it will develop into a new plant. Dust the cut sections with fungicide to prevent rot.

Plant each tuber section into pots filled with well-draining soil that's kept moist but not waterlogged. Position the tubers so the eyes face upwards and cover them lightly with soil before watering.

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How to Repot Arrowleaf elephant's ear plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Watch for signs like roots circling the pot, stagnant growth, or water running straight through the pot. These indicate that it's time to repot your Xanthosoma sagittifolium. Repotting is essential when the plant seems stressed, which helps reinvigorate its growth and development.

Pick a pot that's 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one and ensure it has adequate drainage holes. A slightly bigger pot allows for healthy root expansion while preventing moisture stagnation, which is crucial for avoiding root rot and ensuring vibrant foliage.

Opt for a mix of well-draining soil rich in organic material to provide the necessary nutrients and prevent waterlogging. The ideal soil should retain some moisture but also allows for sufficient air circulation, promoting vigorous root health and lush leaf growth.

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Toxicity of Arrowleaf elephant's ear

Is Arrowleaf elephant's ear toxic to humans?

Every part of the arrowleaf elephant's ear is laden with calcium oxalate crystals, which can severely irritate sensitive tissues upon excessive contact, leading to skin rashes and disrupting the digestive system if ingested. The experience is akin to consuming sandpaper, as it damages the mouth, lips, digestive tract, and occasionally the sinuses, leading to painful swelling that can make swallowing or even breathing challenging. If consumed, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, cramps, colic, and diarrhea will persist until the plant is fully expelled and the body can recuperate. It is crucial to keep this plant away from children and at-risk adults to avoid accidents.

Is Arrowleaf elephant's ear toxic to cat?

Arrowleaf elephant's ear poses a significant risk to feline companions. Should a cat inadvertently ingest any portion of this plant, it may face the danger of poisoning. The toxicity permeates the entire plant, and consuming it can result in a range of illness symptoms in cats. If a cat shows any signs of distress, it is vital to obtain veterinary assistance without delay. Receiving treatment at a veterinary clinic is imperative for the recovery and health of a cat exposed to toxins, and swift action can greatly influence the effectiveness of the care provided.

Is Arrowleaf elephant's ear toxic to dog?

The Arrowleaf elephant's ear plant is known to be toxic to canines. Should a dog consume any portion of the plant, as all parts are harmful, it may result in toxicity. Dogs might inadvertently nibble on arrowleaf elephant's ear out of curiosity or if they are able to reach the area where the plant is situated. Poisoning symptoms in dogs can manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, irritation in the mouth, and challenges in swallowing. It is vital for dog owners to remain alert and take precautions to prevent their pets from accessing arrowleaf elephant's ear. If a dog does consume any part of this plant, it is crucial to obtain immediate veterinary assistance to ensure effective treatment and symptom management.

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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