Vietnamese taro Plant Care

Vietnamese taro (Trungboa poilanei) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Trungboa genus. Vietnamese taro is native to Vietnam. Vietnamese taro is also known as Trung Boa taro.

Vietnamese taro displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Vietnamese taro produces small, tubular flowers in shades of purple and white.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Vietnamese taro every 4–7 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.

Vietnamese taro thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Vietnamese taro in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Trungboa poilanei tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Vietnamese taro prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Vietnamese taro to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Vietnamese taro every 6 months 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 partial to full shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Vietnamese taro is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Vietnamese taro can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 Vietnamese 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.

Vietnamese taro is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Vietnamese taro can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball.

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

Vietnamese taro is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Vietnamese taro grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Vietnamese taro is native to Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Vietnamese taro as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.