Consulta Plantas

Care of the indoor plant Xanthosoma sagittifolium or American Taro

The genus Xanthosoma belongs to the Araceae family and is made up of about 50 species of herbaceous plants native to tropical America. Some species are: Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Xanthosoma robustum, Xanthosoma wendlandii, Xanthosoma mexicanum.

Common names: American Taro, Arrowleaf Elephant's Ear, Tannia, Yautia, Malanga. Scientific synonyms: Xanthosoma violaceum, Xanthosoma nigrum. This species is native to Central America.

They are tropical plants that have an edible underground stem (corm) that reaches 1 meter in height and 2.5 meters in diameter. The large fleshy leaves of a lanceolate shape have a long, grooved, purplish-black petiole. The inflorescence is club-shaped surrounded by a bract that is usually white or yellowish.

American Taro is used in greenhouses and as an indoor plant in well-lit bathrooms as it requires high ambient humidity. In tropical climates it's used in clear undergrowth.

Xanthosoma sagittifolium needs a bright exposure but without direct sun and temperatures above 18-20 ºC (64-68 ºF).

The soil can be a commercial substrate for houseplants or a mixture of peat moss, mulch soil, and half-decomposed garden leaves. Transplant in spring.

Water abundantly but without flooding so that the substrate never dries out completely. It is important that the environmental humidity is high.

Fertilize in spring every 15 days with mineral fertilizer for indoor plants.

Xanthosoma sagittifolium is not usually attacked by pests and diseases but if the tips of the leaves turn brown it is a sign of calcareous soil or lack of water.

Arrowleaf Elephant's Ear propagates in spring by separating the lateral shoots that have taken root.

Images of the indoor plant Xanthosoma sagittifolium or American Taro