About Ornamental Taro
Ornamental cultivars of the common taro (gabi) bred for dramatic, large heart-shaped leaves in shades of black-purple, chartreuse, or multicolored patterns. These bold elephant ears create an instant tropical look and thrive in the wet, warm Philippine climate. Unlike edible gabi, ornamental types are grown purely for their spectacular foliage. Ornamental Taro belongs to the Araceae family and originates from Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent; ornamental cultivars developed worldwide. Taro has been cultivated in the Philippines for thousands of years..
Filipinos have grown gabi (taro) for centuries as a food staple, but ornamental cultivars have become trendy landscape plants. The dark-leaved 'Black Magic' is popular in modern Filipino gardens and resort landscapes. Available at larger nurseries along Marcos Highway, La Trinidad in Benguet, and specialty sellers at weekend plant expos. Ornamental colocasias do exceptionally well planted along ponds, water features, and rain gardens common in Philippine residential developments. Very easy to grow given the country's wet, warm climate.
Also known as: Ornamental Gabi, Elephant Ear.
Popular Varieties
- Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic' (deep purple-black leaves)
- Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito' (green leaves splashed with dark purple)
- Colocasia esculenta 'Hawaiian Punch' (reddish-purple foliage, compact)
- Colocasia esculenta 'Blue Hawaii' (blue-green leaves with dark veining)
How to Plant Ornamental Taro in the Philippines
Ornamental Taro can be propagated through division of corms, offsets, runners. The recommended method is separation of offset corms during early rainy season.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Dig up the parent plant carefully, exposing the main corm and smaller offsets.
- Step 2: Separate offset corms that have at least one growing point (eye).
- Step 3: Let cut surfaces dry for a few hours to prevent rot.
- Step 4: Plant corms 5-8 cm deep in rich, moisture-retaining soil or potting mix.
- Step 5: Water generously and keep in partial shade — new shoots emerge in 1-3 weeks.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade. Dark-leaved varieties develop deeper color with some direct sun. Chartreuse types tolerate more shade.. Position your ornamental taro where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist to wet. Colocasia loves water — can even be grown in shallow water or boggy spots. Water daily during dry season in Metro Manila. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 25-35°C (thrives in Philippine heat and warmth). Growth slows below 20°C. In cooler highland areas, plant in full sun.. High humidity preferred (60%+). Perfectly adapted to Metro Manila's naturally humid conditions. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing ornamental taro outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Heavy feeder. Apply balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) monthly or use slow-release granules. Top-dress with compost during rainy season for fastest growth.
Pruning
Remove older, drooping leaves at the base to keep the plant tidy. Cut spent flower spathes. In dry season, some leaves may yellow — simply remove them.
Toxicity & Safety
All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals. Raw corms and leaves cause severe mouth irritation. Keep away from children and pets. Always wear gloves when handling.
Common Problems & Solutions
Leaves turning green instead of dark purple/black
Cause: Insufficient light for dark-leaved cultivars
Solution: Move to a sunnier location. Dark cultivars like 'Black Magic' need at least 4-5 hours of direct sun for best color.
Aphids clustering on new unfurling leaves
Cause: Tender new growth attracts aphids, especially in dry season
Solution: Spray with a strong jet of water to dislodge. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Ladybugs are natural predators.
Taro leaf blight (brown water-soaked spots)
Cause: Phytophthora colocasiae — common fungal disease in wet conditions
Solution: Remove and destroy affected leaves immediately. Improve air circulation. Apply copper-based fungicide preventively during peak rainy season.
Corms rotting in pots
Cause: Standing water in saucers or poor drainage in containers
Solution: Ensure pots drain freely. While colocasia likes moisture, stagnant water around the corm base causes rot. Use large pots with multiple drainage holes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Ornamental Taro in the Philippines?
Ornamental Taro needs full sun to partial shade. dark-leaved varieties develop deeper color with some direct sun. chartreuse types tolerate more shade.. Water keep soil consistently moist to wet. colocasia loves water — can even be grown in shallow water or boggy spots. water daily during dry season in metro manila.. Feed with heavy feeder. apply balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) monthly or use slow-release granules. top-dress with compost during rainy season for fastest growth.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 25-35°C (thrives in Philippine heat and warmth). Growth slows below 20°C. In cooler highland areas, plant in full sun. works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Ornamental Taro?
The recommended method is separation of offset corms during early rainy season. Dig up the parent plant carefully, exposing the main corm and smaller offsets. Separate offset corms that have at least one growing point (eye).
Is Ornamental Taro toxic to pets or children?
All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals. Raw corms and leaves cause severe mouth irritation. Keep away from children and pets. Always wear gloves when handling.
Can Ornamental Taro grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Ornamental Taro grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Ornamental Taro?
Common issues include: Leaves turning green instead of dark purple/black (caused by insufficient light for dark-leaved cultivars — move to a sunnier location. dark cultivars like 'black magic' need at least 4-5 hours of direct sun for best color); Aphids clustering on new unfurling leaves (caused by tender new growth attracts aphids, especially in dry season — spray with a strong jet of water to dislodge. apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. ladybugs are natural predators); Taro leaf blight (brown water-soaked spots) (caused by phytophthora colocasiae — common fungal disease in wet conditions — remove and destroy affected leaves immediately. improve air circulation. apply copper-based fungicide preventively during peak rainy season).
Growing ornamental taro in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!