Xanthosoma sagittifolium
Also Known As
- Xanthosoma nigrum
- Xanthosoma violaceum
- Blue Taro
- Red Cocoyan
- Red Dasheen
- Red Yautia
Plant type
perennial, aroid
size
- H: 4'-6'
- W: 6'-8'
planting zones
- 9a-12
Xanthosoma sagittifolium plant details
Xanthosoma sagittifolium is a broadleaf deciduous perennial aroid with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.
CHARACTERISTICS OF Xanthosoma sagittifolium
- Plant type: perennial aroid
- Plant family: araceae
- Foliage: deciduous green
- Mature size: 6 FT - 8 FT - wide, 4 FT - 6 FT - tall
- Flowers: white blooms in summer
- Uses: big leaves, tropical-looking
GROWING CONDITIONS for Xanthosoma sagittifolium
- USDA Zones: 9a - 12
- Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
- Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
- Resistant to: verticillium wilt
- Soil needs: rich and well-drained
Nursery contributed plant descriptions
Xanthosoma violaceum is an aroid grown all over the tropics as a food plant. It is very variable but typically a plant with tuberous rhizomes and elegant leaves on a long petiole. The petiole is dark purple in color and this color is extended to the veins on the underside of the leaves. It is widely grown in Nepal and through the Himalayan range up to northeast India. Found growing in forest areas close to cultivated land where the tuber is cultivated for food. Reaches 4-5 feet.
Purple-Stemmed Elephant Ear, or Blue Taro, has tall purple stems and creates a colorful focal point in a garden or large container. The large, blue-green, arrow-headed shaped leaves usually reach about 2-3' long and have purple veins on the undersides of the leaves. The large leaves are held out parallel to the ground so they provide shade to plants growing below. Purple-Stemmed Elephant Ear grows very large when given a steady supply of water and fertilizer throughout the warm days of the summer season. In many places of the world, it's considered a food plant and people eat the underground tubers.
Gardening facts about Xanthosoma sagittifolium plant
How to Grow Xanthosoma sagittifolium
Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly shade
Water Needs
- even moisture - regular
Soil Needs
- well-drained
- rich
Special Situation
- verticillium wilt resistant
Features
Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- white
Flower Season
- summer
Foliage Season
- deciduous
Landscape groups by tags
See other plant types of Xanthosoma for your garden
aka Alocasia 'Mickey Mouse'
Plant Type
Perennial, Aroid
Zones
8b-12
Size
Height: 3'-7'
Width: 2'-5'
- mostly sun - dappled shade
- regular
View Plant
aka Xanthosoma mafaffa 'Lime Zinger', Lime Zinger Golden Elephant Ears
Plant Type
Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber, Aroid
Zones
9b-12
Size
Height: 4'
Width: 4'
- bright shade - shade
- high - regular
View Plant
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