Species

Colocasia esculentaTaro

27 other cultivars

perennial

Red-Eyed Gecko

Colocasia esculenta 'Red-Eyed Gecko'

The Story

Plant Bio

Colocasia esculenta 'Red-Eyed Gecko' is a tropical perennial known for its large, heart-shaped leaves with striking red veins and petioles, forming a lush, ornamental foliage display. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers and thrives in moist, shaded environments.

This cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant red eye-like markings on the leaf veins, adding a unique visual appeal that enhances its ornamental value in water gardens and shaded landscape settings.

Uses & Benefits:

Vivid tropical foliage provides striking visual interest, especially in shaded gardens.

Edible tubers offer nutritional value, while large leaves provide natural shade.

Supports pollinators and provides habitat for beneficial insects.

SpeciesColocasia esculentaTaro

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Consistently moist

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeast Asia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested in large quantities

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck tubers into well-draining soil in spring
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged
Mist foliage during dry periods for humidity
Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Divide tubers every 2-3 years in early spring

Pro Tip

Keep soil consistently moist and provide partial shade for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently to keep soil moist 💧
Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature
Fertilize monthly during active growth

Don't

Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
Don’t expose to full direct sun in hot climates ❌
Prevent standing water around roots

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

Tropical garden borderShaded pond edgesVivid foliage accent

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Caladiums Begonias

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red-Eyed Gecko questions

What zones can Red-Eyed Gecko grow in?

Red-Eyed Gecko 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 Red-Eyed Gecko deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Red-Eyed Gecko, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Red-Eyed Gecko bloom?

Red-Eyed Gecko typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Red-Eyed Gecko need full sun?

Red-Eyed Gecko does best in part shade.