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Colocasia esculenta 'Fontanesii' (Taro 'Fontanesii')
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2 hours care
per year
per year
1.5m
Max height
Max height
1.5m
Max spread
Max spread
5-10 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Colocasia esculenta 'Fontanesii'
Other names
Taro 'Fontanesii', Cocoyam 'Fontanesii', Dasheen 'Fontanesii', Colocasia antiquorum 'Fontanesii', Black taro, Black stem elephant ear, Violet-stemmed taro, Colocasia fontanesii, Colocasia violacea
Genus
Colocasia Colocasia
Variety or Cultivar
'Fontanesii' _ 'Fontanesii' is a tender, moisture-loving, tuberous, evergreen perennial with long-stalked, heart-shaped, dark green leaves with red to purple stalks, veins and margins.
Colocasia esculenta 'Fontanesii' is: Evergreen
Habit
Clump-forming
Toxicity
All parts of poisonous by ingestion, and may irritate skin.
Flower
White, Insignificant or absent in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green, Variegated, Flushed red in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Propagation methods
Division
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Where to grow
Colocasia esculenta 'Fontanesii' (Taro 'Fontanesii') will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1.5m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Bog garden, Conservatory, Containers, Indoor, Low Maintenance, Waterside
Cultivation
Grow in loam-less potting compost in bright filtered light and high humidity. Requires at least 21C to stay evergreen. Water and feed when in growth, but keep just moist in winter. If storing dormant tubers keep dry.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Boggy damp conditions, Moisture-retentive, Pond/In water
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Colocasia esculenta 'Fontanesii'
Other names
Taro 'Fontanesii', Cocoyam 'Fontanesii', Dasheen 'Fontanesii', Colocasia antiquorum 'Fontanesii', Black taro, Black stem elephant ear, Violet-stemmed taro, Colocasia fontanesii, Colocasia violacea
Genus
Colocasia Colocasia
Variety or Cultivar
'Fontanesii' _ 'Fontanesii' is a tender, moisture-loving, tuberous, evergreen perennial with long-stalked, heart-shaped, dark green leaves with red to purple stalks, veins and margins.
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump-forming
Toxicity
All parts of poisonous by ingestion, and may irritate skin.
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Colour
Flower
White, Insignificant or absent in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green, Variegated, Flushed red in All seasons
General care
Propagation methods
Division
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Colocasia esculenta 'Fontanesii' (Taro 'Fontanesii') will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1.5m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Bog garden, Conservatory, Containers, Indoor, Low Maintenance, Waterside
Cultivation
Grow in loam-less potting compost in bright filtered light and high humidity. Requires at least 21C to stay evergreen. Water and feed when in growth, but keep just moist in winter. If storing dormant tubers keep dry.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Boggy damp conditions, Moisture-retentive, Pond/In water
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Boggy damp conditions, Moisture-retentive, Pond/In water | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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