How to plant Taro rhizomes (Colocasia esculenta)

In this article we will learn how to plant Taro rhizomes (Colocasia esculenta).

Taro, or Colocasia esculenta, is a tropical plant cultivated as food for its edible rhizome but also for its leaves.

In gardening, for decorative effects, it is a plant cultivated for its spectacular leafy foliage that brings exoticism to the garden.

Colocasia esculenta can be grown outdoors in the summer, but it must be protected during the winter. They are plants that like humidity and some shade in the summer.

How to plant Taro rhizome (Colocasia esculenta)

I received by mail a rhizome division of Taro ‘Black Petiole’ and also of Xanthosoma aurea ‘Lime Zinger’.
The Taro ‘Black Petiole’ (Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Petiole’) is appreciated by its black stems and green leaves.

But there are countless taro varieties, perhaps the most famous are those with black foliage like the Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Magic’.

Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 US, via Wikimedia Commons

These plants are easily propagated by dividing their rhizomes. If we take good care of them in early days, they will grow easily.

The plant arrived well packed and protected against dehydration.

I take it out of the box and unwrap the roots.

Rhizomes of Xanthosoma aurea ‘Lime Zinger’ and Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Petiole’ received by mail

It is a small plant, but complete with all the elements, from the roots to the leaves.

Taro division ready to be planted

A clean cut has been made in the rhizome and you can clearly see healthy roots, which will be enough for the Taro to develop.

Taro Roots (Colocasia esculenta)

I plant it in a pot with generic potting compost.

Plant the Taro division in a small pot

I put a stake to hold the leaves and keep the plant in place.

A small stake holds the colocasia esculenta plant

I water it very well and keep it in a sheltered place, with humidity and a mild temperature for the roots to develop.

See the progress on the next page…