Violet-Stemmed Taro
Best statement piece for water garden enthusiasts seeking dramatic vertical interest.
Elevate your pond with the striking Violet-Stemmed Taro, a cultivated Elephant Ear variety. This plant boasts dramatic, oversized blue-green leaves up to 3 feet long, supported by distinctive black/violet stems, creating a captivating visual. It can reach heights of 4 feet, offering a towering presence. Ideal for water gardens, it thrives in partial shade but tolerates sun if kept watered. This fast-growing marginal plant requires high nutrients and is easy to overwinter indoors, making it a resilient choice for zones 8-11.
$8.49
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
408
/ 955
#408 in Aquatic Plants
Price vs Category Average
-54%
Below average
Water Conditions
70806.57.5
/ -° F, pH -
Who it's for
- Aquascapers seeking a striking tropical focal point
- Gardeners wanting quick coverage and immediate visual maturity
- Pond owners needing flexible placement in various moisture levels
Who should skip it
- Owners of small ponds or limited container spaces
- Families with curious pets or small children
- Gardeners living in regions with harsh winter climates
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Towering height and striking violet stems create an immediate focal point.
Growth Velocity
Rapid development ensures a lush, full pond display in one season.
Maintenance Ease
Simple care requirements make this an accessible choice for pond enthusiasts.
Overwintering Flexibility
Easily transitions to indoor houseplant status during colder dormant months.
Environmental Adaptability
Thrives in partial shade but demands consistent moisture in direct sun.
Nutrient Demand
Heavy feeding is necessary to support its impressive, fast-growing foliage.
Key Specs
Water Conditions
70-80° F, pH 6.5-7.5
Max. Height
48 inches
Family
Araceae
Approximate Purchase Size
12" to 18"
Aquarium Placement
Marginal
Growth Rate
Fast
Plant Form
Rhizome Plant
Substrate Requirement
Rooted in Substrate
Features
- Exotic appearance with towering presence
- Dramatic oversized leaves resembling elephant ears
- Unique blue-green leaf coloration
- Distinctive black/violet stems
- Creates an airy appearance
- Can create an optical illusion of floating foliage
- Easy to overwinter as a houseplant
- Fast growth rate
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Violet Stemmed Taro, noting its large size and vibrant, healthy appearance right out of the box. Many reviewers highlight the striking purple coloration, which adds significant visual appeal to their aquariums. Reliability is also a strong point; the plant adapts quickly to various tank conditions, making it an easy addition even for novice aquarists. This robust growth and stunning aesthetic make it a highly valued purchase.
Know before you buy
As a marginal plant, it is best kept in a container filled with aquatic soil or substrate. This allows you to control the nutrient levels and makes it significantly easier to move the plant indoors when temperatures drop.
Since this plant is only hardy in zones 8-11, you should bring the container indoors before the first frost. Treat it like a standard houseplant by placing it in a sunny spot and keeping the soil consistently moist until spring.
This plant thrives in partial shade, which helps prevent the leaves from scorching. While it can tolerate full sun, you must ensure the roots remain constantly hydrated to support its rapid growth.
Yes, as a fast-growing marginal plant, it is an excellent nutrient consumer. It will help absorb excess nitrates from the water, which can contribute to a healthier, more balanced pond ecosystem.
Given its potential height of 4 feet and large, spreading leaves, you should provide ample room for it to grow vertically and horizontally. Ensure it is placed where it won't be crowded by other plants or obstruct your view of the pond.
No, CO2 supplementation is not required for the Violet-Stemmed Taro. It is a robust marginal plant that will thrive in standard pond conditions as long as it has access to nutrients in the substrate and proper light.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$8