Can I grow taro in a regular pot?

Yes, but it needs a large container and constant moisture.

Why are my leaf tips turning brown?

This is usually a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering.

Plant guide

Taro.

Colocasia esculenta

Pronounced koh-loh-KAY-zee-uh es-kyoo-LEN-tuh

Also known as Arum-Lily Potatoes, Coco yam, Donkey's Ear, Katchu, Native Cabbage, Taro, Taro, Cocoyam, Dasheen, Wild taro, Eddo, Elephant's ear

Taro is a stunning tropical plant known for its massive, heart shaped leaves that bring a lush feel to any space. It thrives in warm, humid environments and loves having consistently moist soil. You will love how quickly it grows when it gets the light and water it craves.

Another photo of Taro — Photo by Adriana Nelly Correa Sandoval (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Tropical perennial
Light: Bright indirect light
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 2 to 4 days
Mature size: 3 to 6 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 8 to 11
Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently damp, as this plant is essentially a water lover. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the soil has dried out too much. Ensure the plant stays in a warm spot away from cold drafts to keep it happy.

Watering: Keep the soil constantly moist but not waterlogged.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim away any yellowing or damaged leaves at the base of the stem.
Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes root bound or outgrows its current container.
Soil: Rich, loamy, moisture retentive soil
Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.0
Temperature: 10 to 35°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
The plant stops growing despite good care.
The soil dries out much faster than usual.

Safety

People: All parts of the plant are toxic if eaten raw due to calcium oxalate crystals.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals.
Children: Keep this plant away from children because the leaves and stems are highly irritating if chewed or handled.
Contact allergens: Handling the raw plant sap can cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There is no significant evidence of airborne respiratory allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe irritation and must be thoroughly cooked before consumption.

How to identify it

Large heart shaped leaves
Velvety leaf texture
Prominent leaf veins
Thick succulent stems

Height: 0.9 to 1.8m
Spread: 0.9 to 1.8m
Leaves: green, purple, black, deciduous
Flowers: yellow, cream, 15 to 30cm
Fruit: green, brown, Late autumn

Problems to watch for

Brown Leaf EdgesCommon
Root RotCommon
Spider MitesCommon
AphidsUncommon
Fungus GnatsUncommon
Leaf SpotUncommon
MealybugsUncommon
Tuber RotUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, cuttings
When to plant: spring
Overwintering: In cold climates, lift the tubers in autumn after the first frost. Store them in a cool, dry place packed in peat moss until spring.
In containers: It grows very well in pots, provided you use a large container and keep the soil consistently wet.

Division

1. Dig up the plant in spring.
2. Separate the offsets or cormels from the main tuber.
3. Replant the divisions in moist, rich soil.

Group moisture loving plants together to create a humid microclimate that helps them thrive.

Grows well with

Canna Lily · They share similar moisture and light requirements.
Coleus · They provide a nice contrast in leaf texture and color.

Similar species

Alocasia · They have similar foliage shapes but usually prefer slightly drier soil.
Xanthosoma · Often confused with taro, these also feature large, arrow shaped leaves.

Science

Family: Araceae
Genus: Colocasia
Order: Alismatales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Tropical Southeast Asia and Southern India.
Conservation: This species is widely cultivated and not of conservation concern.

It grows naturally in tropical wetlands and along stream banks where it can access constant water.

Value to wildlife: shelter for small insects
Pollinators: bees, beetles
Uses: ornamental foliage, culinary starch, container plant

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 9/9
Nutrients: 8/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Can I grow taro in a regular pot?: Yes, but it needs a large container and constant moisture.
Why are my leaf tips turning brown?: This is usually a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering.

Where the name comes from

The name Colocasia comes from the ancient Greek word for the root, while esculenta means edible.

Good to know

Taro is one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world.
The leaves are often called elephant ears because of their massive size.
It thrives in swampy conditions where other plants would drown.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Keep your taro growing

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.