You can grow water taro, a non-native plant that can handle water up to one foot deep. This species is native to Asia, but it has been brought to many other countries as an ornamental plant and as a food crop.
The leaves are arrowhead-shaped, very big (up to 3 feet long), and dark green. They grow from long stalks. It is often called “elephant ear” due to its resemblance and size. Stems are up to 4 feet long and grow from large rhizomes.
Taro is an important root vegetable and is cooked much like potatoes in many countries. It is often boiled, baked, mashed, or sliced thin and made into a snack chip.
Water taro is an attractive garden and ornamental pond species. It has a tropical appearance that many landowners desire. People like to eat the tubers when they are cooked right, which usually means bringing them to a quick boil and then letting them slowly simmer in water in a pot with a lid.
This species isn’t very good for wildlife; in fact, it tends to mess up natural ecosystems and push out native species. Water taro can be invasive to riparian habitats and shallow waters. It should be eradicated upon first detection.
Option 1: 2,4-D (3. 8-pound formulation). For each gallon of water, mix 1. 28 ounces 2,4-D and 1. 3 ounces non-ionic surfactant. Spray to wet all plants. Do not exceed annual herbicide rate limits as stated on the product label.
Option 2: Triclopyr (3. 0-pound formulation). For each gallon of water, mix 1. 28 ounces triclopyr and 1. 3 ounces non-ionic surfactant. Spray to wet all plants. Do not exceed annual herbicide rate limits as stated on the product label.
Option 3: Glyphosate (5. 4-pound formulation). For each gallon of water, mix 1. 28 ounces glyphosate and 1. 3 ounces non-ionic surfactant. Spray to wet all plants. Do not exceed annual herbicide rate limits as stated on the product label.
Probably more than one application will be needed to get rid of it completely. Combining any two of the herbicide treatments listed may help control the problem better.
Read and follow all chemical label instructions, especially the section on the use of personal protection equipment.
The information given here is for educational purposes only. When commercial products, trade names, or suppliers are mentioned, it is understood that they are not being endorsed and that no offense is meant to be taken against other products or suppliers.
Wes Neal, PhD, is an Extension/Research Professor in Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture. Dennis Riecke is the Fisheries Coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. And Gray Turnage, PhD, is an Assistant Research/Extension Professor at the GeoSystems Research Institute.
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Taro, also known as kalo, is a staple crop in many tropical regions around the world This nutritious root vegetable has been cultivated for thousands of years as an important food source Taro can be grown in flooded fields, much like rice, but it also readily adapts to growing in water-filled containers. With just a few simple supplies, you can easily grow taro in water right at home.
Taro goes by many names around the world. It is called kalo in Hawaii, gabi in the Philippines, and colocasia in many English-speaking areas. There are over 150 varieties of taro plants. Regardless of the specific type, the edible part is the starchy corm that develops underground. Leaves and stems of certain taro varieties are also edible when cooked.
Taro originally came from Southern India or Southeast Asia. It then spread across the Pacific Islands, where it became a staple crop in places like Hawaii. Taro remains an essential part of Pacific Islander cuisine and culture. Today, taro is grown worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. It is a versatile crop that can grow in flooded fields or upland gardens.
Why Grow Taro in Water?
Growing taro in flooded conditions provides several advantages The water inhibits weed growth and controls pests Taro grown in water often yields larger tubers. The water also provides constant moisture to support vigorous plant growth.
Taro is well-suited to aquatic cultivation It has specialized aerial roots that extend above the water line to take in oxygen. Underwater roots absorb nutrients from the moist soil beneath This gives the taro plant everything it needs to thrive.
Choosing a Container
Taro can be grown in a range of water-filled containers. Small-scale home production is often done in five gallon buckets. But larger containers like washtubs and old bathtubs also work well. For best results, choose a container at least 18 inches deep and 20 inches wide. This gives roots ample room to expand.
Make sure to poke drainage holes in the bottom and sides of your container. Adding aquatic plants can help oxygenate the water. Putting aquatic snails in your container will eat decaying plant material and algae. Adding a few small fish is also an option. They will help control mosquito larvae.
Selecting a Taro Variety
There are many types of taro to choose from. Look for varieties suited to growing in water. Dasheen is a large, fast growing taro variety that thrives when flooded. Bun Long and Chinese taro are other recommended water-growing types. Or try Hawaiian varieties like Lehua Maoli or Nihopuu.
You can obtain taro starts from nurseries, online sellers, or local growers. If you live in a tropical area, taro grows readily from huli (tops) planted in soil. Just cut the tops off and replant them to propagate more plants.
Planting Taro in Containers
Fill your container about two-thirds full with potting soil or planting medium. Place taro starts in the container, surrounding each plant with more soil. Leave the top few inches of the plant and 2-3 leaves exposed above the container’s rim.
Add water until it just covers the soil surface. As plants grow, you can add more soil and water. Maintain 3-6 inches of water in the container as plants mature. Monitor water levels and top off as needed.
Caring for Taro
Place your taro container in full sun. Taro thrives in tropical temperatures between 70-90°F. Move pots to a greenhouse or indoors if your climate gets cooler.
Fertilize taro regularly by pouring diluted liquid fertilizer into the water. Use an aquatic plant fertilizer or all-purpose vegetable formula. Remove dead leaves and trim back stems as needed.
monitor plants for pests like aphids and spider mites. Controlling weeds in and around the container is also important. Keep an eye out for rotting tubers if water becomes stagnant. Change water and remove decayed plant material as necessary.
Harvesting Taro
Taro takes 6-12 months to reach harvest size, depending on the variety. The corms are ready when they measure 3-5 inches across. Carefully dig them up and brush off excess soil. Store harvested corms in a cool place for 1-2 weeks to allow skins to thicken.
Trim off leaves and roots after curing. Cook and eat taro corms right away, or store for later use. Boiling, roasting, and frying are common cooking methods. Enjoy taro as a nutritious side dish or as the foundation for tasty dishes like poi.
Satisfying and Sustainable
Growing taro in water is a unique way to put this aquatic crop’s natural tendencies to work. You can produce an abundance of nutritious tubers in a relatively small space. Explore different taro varieties to find your favorites. This ancient crop offers versatility and adaptability for modern home growers. Embrace taro cultivation and discover the joys and flavors of this water-loving root!
Growing Taro From Cutting || How To Propagate Taro in Water
FAQ
Can you plant taro in water?
Can you grow taro as a houseplant?
How long does it take to grow taro?
How to grow taro plant?
Source: madrones Eddo plant is grown by vegetative propagation, usually through the corms or tubers. Like potatoes, you can plant small tubers or portions of a large one. You can also buy taro starts from a nursery. Choose a location with rich, moist soil that gets partial sunlight.
Do taro plants need a lot of water?
Taro thrives in moist environments, and having plenty of water will help ensure the formation of large, healthy tubers. If you don’t have a spot where water will collect, you can plant the taro anywhere. Just keep in mind that you will need to water your taro more frequently. Test your soil pH to ensure it’s between 5.5-6.5pH.
Do taro plants need a pond?
Taro is a water plant, but you don’t need a pond or wetlands in your backyard to grow it. You can successfully grow taro in containers if you do it right. You can grow this pretty tropical plant as an ornamental or harvest the roots and leaves to use in the kitchen. Either way they make great container plants.
How do you grow a taro plant in a bucket?
A five-gallon bucket is a good choice for holding a taro plant, as there are no drainage holes. Use soil that is rich, adding fertilizer if necessary; taro is a heavy feeder. Fill the bucket with soil nearly to the top. A layer of pebbles or gravel for the last 2 inches (5 cm.) helps to keep mosquitoes at bay.