FloridaLandscapeIQ
Yellow Stem Giant Taro (Alocasia macrorrhiza 'Lutea') growing in South Florida
FLEPPC monitorGrade Florida #1

Yellow Stem Giant Taro — South Florida Plant Guide

Alocasia macrorrhiza 'Lutea'

Family: Araceae · Shrub

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Landscape Uses

resort tropical landscapecommercial atrium specimendramatic scale garden anchorhotel entrance statementtropical backdrop mass

Style Tags

tropicaldramatic scaleyellow stemsresortarchitectural

South Florida Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Partial ShadePartial SunFull Sun

Water Requirements

High7/10

Yellow Stem Giant Taro has high water demand. Maintain a regular irrigation schedule year-round in South Florida's climate.

Moderate to high water for maximum leaf size. 3x per week dry season. Reduce in rainy season. Good drainage essential despite high water need — root saturation causes crown rot. Consistent moisture drives impressive leaf size.

Soil and Fertilization

loamrich organicwell drained moisture retentive

Fertilizer: Balanced 20-20-20 or tropical foliage slow-release during growing season. Magnesium supplement (Epsom salt drench) if yellowing between veins.

Schedule: Monthly balanced tropical fertilizer during growing season March-October. Well-drained rich organic soil supports dramatic leaf size.

Salt Tolerance

Low (2/10) — plant away from salt air exposure
Mature Height
612 ft
Mature Width
610 ft
Growth Rate
fast
Water Demand
7/10
Florida Grade
Florida #1
Installed Cost
$$$
USDA Zones
10a, 10b, 11
FLEPPC Status
monitor
Iguana Rating
4/10

Where to Buy in South Florida

Find Yellow Stem Giant Taro at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Yellow Stem Giant Taro grow in South Florida?

Yellow Stem Giant Taro has a fast growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Yellow Stem Giant Taro safe for pets?

Yellow Stem Giant Taro is not safe for pets. TOXIC to cats and dogs — calcium oxalate crystals in all plant parts cause oral pain, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Mandatory client disclosure.

How much water does Yellow Stem Giant Taro need in South Florida?

High water needs (7/10). Yellow Stem Giant Taro has high water demand. Maintain a regular irrigation schedule year-round in South Florida's climate.

Can Yellow Stem Giant Taro tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Yellow Stem Giant Taro has low salt tolerance (2/10) and is not recommended near areas with significant salt air exposure.

Is Yellow Stem Giant Taro available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Yellow Stem Giant Taro is classified as: allowed. Allowed.

County Availability in South Florida

Miami-Dade County

Allowed

Allowed. DO NOT PLANT NEAR NATURAL AREAS — A.

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

View County Guide →

Broward County

Allowed

Allowed. Same naturalization advisory — do not plant near Broward natural areas or waterways.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

View County Guide →

Palm Beach County

Allowed

Allowed. Cold sensitive — protect from freezes below 40°F which occur in northern Palm Beach County in winter.

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

View County Guide →

Collier County

Allowed

Allowed. Naturalization advisory applies near Collier's extensive natural areas and preserves.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

View County Guide →

Monroe County

Allowed

Allowed but USE WITH CAUTION near Monroe County's sensitive natural ecosystems. Container or fully contained bed installations only in proximity to any natural lands.

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

View County Guide →

Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.

Need a Spec Sheet?

Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.

Generate Spec Sheet →

Ask about Yellow Stem Giant Taro

Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.