Giant Taro
Colocasia gigantea 'Survivor'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Bulb Corm Tuber
Height
96 inches
Width
72 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9
Water
High
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial in suitable zones
Native To
Southeast Asia
Toxicity
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Large tropical leaves, resilient in wet conditions. Known for its exceptional ability to thrive in swampy areas and withstand flooding.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a shaded location with moist, well-draining soil.
- Tuck corms 2-3 inches deep in early spring after the last frost.
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
- Mist foliage during dry spells to increase humidity around the plant.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season.
- Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Plant in rich, organic soil and keep soil consistently moist for lush growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide ample water during dry spells 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
- Use balanced fertilizer monthly
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don't expose to direct, harsh sunlight
- Refrain from over-fertilizing
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Giant Taro questions
What zones can Giant Taro grow in?
Giant Taro is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Giant Taro deer resistant?
Yes — Giant Taro is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Giant Taro bloom?
Giant Taro typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Giant Taro need full sun?
Giant Taro does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Colocasia to compare
Black Runner Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Runner'
Black Beauty Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Beauty'
Taro
Colocasia esculenta
Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Chicago Harlequin'
Black Magic Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic'
Pink China Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Pink China'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Giant Taro with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
