How to Grow Colocasia 'Fontanesii'
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Colocasia 'Fontanesii'
Colocasia esculenta 'Fontanesii'
vegetableA stunning tropical foliage plant prized for its large, heart-shaped leaves with distinctive dark purple-black coloring and prominent pale or white veining. While it produces edible corms and leaves (taro), it's primarily grown as an ornamental for its dramatic foliage in gardens and containers. The plant grows 3-5 feet tall and creates a bold, exotic presence in warm climates.
When should you plant Colocasia 'Fontanesii' in your zone?
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Example Colocasia 'Fontanesii' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Colocasia 'Fontanesii'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Colocasia 'Fontanesii'
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Colocasia 'Fontanesii' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; can be grown as an annual in zone 9 or containerized indoors in cooler zones
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Get my Colocasia 'Fontanesii' timeline →Growth Stages
Sprouting
2-3 weeksSmall shoots emerge from corms; 1-2 small leaves unfurl
Keep soil warm (70-80°F) and consistently moist; ensure drainage; no fertilizer yet
Early Vegetative
3-4 weeksMultiple leaves emerge; plant reaches 12-18 inches tall with 3-5 leaves
Begin light fertilizing with balanced fertilizer; increase watering as growth accelerates; maintain humidity; mulch soil surface
Vigorous Growth
6-8 weeksLarge leaves rapidly unfurl; deep purple-black coloring intensifies; plant reaches 24-36 inches tall
Feed every 2-3 weeks with balanced or slightly higher nitrogen fertilizer; water frequently; monitor for pests; pinch any flower spadices to direct energy to foliage
Mature Foliage
Ongoing through growing seasonPlant reaches full size with massive dark purple-veined leaves; dramatic ornamental impact achieved
Continue regular watering and monthly fertilizing; remove any damaged or yellowing outer leaves; corms develop underground but remain secondary focus
Dormancy/Decline
Variable, typically fall/winterLeaves begin to yellow and decline as temperatures drop or season changes; growth slows significantly
Reduce watering gradually; stop fertilizing; In zones 10-11, mulch heavily to protect corms; in cooler zones, dig and store corms indoors over winter
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if infested
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove affected leaves; apply fungicide if severe
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Maintain healthy plants; control aphids (which transmit virus); no cure; remove infected plants
Uses
Edible Starchy Staple
CulinaryThe corms (underground tubers) are a dietary staple in tropical and subtropical regions, boiled or roasted as a carbohydrate source. Young leaves can also be cooked as a spinach-like green vegetable. [source]
Traditional Medicine Applications
MedicinalIn South Asian and Pacific traditional medicine, Colocasia corms and leaves are used to treat inflammation, digestive issues, and various ailments, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Ornamental Tropical Accent
HouseholdIts striking dark purple-black foliage with pale veining makes it an exceptional container or landscape plant for creating tropical, exotic garden themes and dramatic visual interest. [source]
Starch Production
CraftThe corms are processed to extract starch used in food production and traditional craft applications in Pacific and Asian cultures. [source]
Wetland Habitat Plant
WildlifeIn its native tropical wetland environments, Colocasia provides food and shelter for aquatic insects, birds, and other wildlife; commonly planted in water gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For ornamental purposes, simply remove dead or damaged leaves as needed. For edible corms, harvest after 120+ days when leaves begin to decline in fall; dig carefully to avoid damaging corms. Leaves can be harvested individually year-round (remove outer mature leaves, leaving growing center intact). Wear gloves—all parts contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause skin irritation. Corms must be cooked to remove toxins before consuming.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Colocasia 'Fontanesii' means 'Fontanesii's taro' and was named after a 19th-century European botanist; it's one of the most visually striking ornamental selections of taro.
- 🌱 Taro has been cultivated for over 10,000 years and is one of the oldest cultivated plants, predating even rice in some regions of Southeast Asia.
- 🌱 The distinctive purple-black coloring and white veining in this cultivar is due to anthocyanin pigments, which are also potent antioxidants found in blueberries and red grapes.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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