Alocasia aka Taro
Taxonomy
Alocasia, a genus of rhizomatous or tuberous, broad-leaved, perennial, flowering plants from the family Araceae, consists of about 90 accepted species native to tropical and subtropical Asia and eastern Australia. They are commonly known as Elephant Ears, and many growers cultivate a range of hybrids and cultivars as ornamentals. The 'Calidora' upright elephant ear is a cultivar that can grow 5-9 feet tall in a vase shape with arrow-shaped ribbed leaves that can reach up to 6 feet long and 3 feet wide. While Alocasias are some of the most common houseplants, their leaves can reach enormous sizes when grown outdoors! They typically only support a few leaves at a time, so don't worry if you see an old leaf begin to retire after a new one emerges. They grow out of underground corms, which are similar to bulbs, and can produce baby Alocasias. However, they contain calcium oxalate crystals, so keep them out of reach if you have children or pets!
Common names
Taro, Alocasia Golden Bone, Alocasia 'Chantrieri', Kuching Mask Elephant Ear, Alocasia Kuching MaskHow to care for Taro
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Taro due to its easy-going nature.
Water
Taro should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Taro loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Taro thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Taro.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for Taro to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Humidity
The Taro does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.
Fertilizer
The Taro should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Taro’s native range is tropical and subtropical Asia and Eastern Australia.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Alocasia Genus
Alocasia boa Upright Elephant Ear
Alocasia nebula Alocasia Nebula
Alocasia cucullata Buddha's Hand
Alocasia reginula Alocasia Black Velvet
Alocasia sanderiana Sander's Alocasia
Alocasia azlanii Red Mambo
Alocasia clypeolata Green Sheild
Alocasia baginda Alocasia Dragon Scale
Alocasia brisbanensis Cunjevoi
