Colocasia esculenta 'Fontanesii' is a colorful tropical marginal plant used in the water gardening trade. Violet Stemmed Taro is in the elephant's ear group of plants and displays large leaves that resemble an elephant's ear. These leaves are very decorative starting in the center with a yellow-green color radiate out to the edges. Colocasia esculenta var. Fontanesii is easy to grow and is commonly used at the edge of the water garden in shallow water or wet soil.

Common Name:      Violet Stem Taro

Use: Tropical Marginal

Flower Color:

Leaf Color: Blue-Green

Height: 3' to 4'

Width: 3'' to 8''

Container Size: 1 gallon or larger

Fertilizer: 2 tablets monthly

Hardiness Zone: 9 to11

Light Conditions: Full sun to partial shade

Native To: Asia

Planting and Care Instructions For Water Garden Plants

MARGINAL OR BOG PLANTS Marginal plants should be planted in individual containers of approximately 1 to 3 gallon capacity. Some marginal plants are grown in 2" net pots and it is recommended that you plant without removing these net pots as not to damage the roots. Plant as you would the lilies, but when adding fertilizer tablets, use 1 tablet for 1 gallon size pots and 2 tablets for 2 or 3 gallon size pots. Marginal plants should be lowered to a depth of only 1 to 3 inches. They grow out of the water and are usually found at the water's edge.