Chinese Taro Plant Care

Chinese Taro (Alocasia cucullata) belongs to the Araceae family within the Alocasia genus. Chinese Taro is native to China, India, Southeast Asia. Chinese Taro is also known as Hooded Dwarf Elephant Ear, Buddha's Hand, Chinese Alocasia.

Chinese Taro displays a clumping, compact growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Chinese Taro produces rarely flowers indoors, inconspicuous blooms.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chinese Taro every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chinese Taro thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Chinese Taro in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Alocasia cucullata tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Chinese Taro prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Chinese Taro to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chinese Taro every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chinese Taro is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chinese Taro can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Chinese Taro while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Chinese Taro is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chinese Taro can be propagated through division or rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to hardy elephant ear plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Chinese Taro is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chinese Taro grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Chinese Taro is native to China, India, Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow Chinese Taro as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.