Xanthosoma

Xanthosoma sagittifolium

Arrowleaf Elephant's Ear

Xanthosoma sagittifolium is a tuberous subshrub from the warm, humid tropics of Central and South America, growing large arrowhead leaves from a water-storing underground tuber. It wants warmth, steady humidity, and bright indirect light rather than direct sun. Let the top inch or two of mix dry before watering, since the tuber stores water and rots if kept soggy.

Xanthosoma violaceum

Purplestem Taro

Xanthosoma violaceum is a large-leaved aroid from the Araceae family, growing as a robust subshrub with thick, water-storing stems and broad foliage suited to warm, humid conditions and bright but filtered light. Let the top inch or two of mix dry before watering, and avoid leaving the roots sitting wet, as the fleshy tissues are prone to rot. Provide a free-draining mix and steady warmth.

Xanthosoma robustum

Capote

Xanthosoma robustum is a large-leaved aroid from the warm, humid forests of Central America and tropical Mexico, where it grows as a coarse understory shrub. Give it warmth, steady humidity, and bright indirect light rather than direct sun, and water when the top inch or two of mix has dried — its fleshy roots and stems rot if left sitting wet. Let it approach dry between waterings rather than keeping it constantly saturated.