Xanthosoma violaceum

Xanthosoma violaceum

Growing Information

  • Temp: 50°-90°F
  • Light: 2000-3000 ft-c but will tolerate lower light levels
  • Soil: Well drained, light professional mix containing 75% peat
  • Mature Height: 4-6'
  • Pot Size: 6-14"
  • Hardiness: Zone 7b
  • Major Pests: Snails
  • Diseases: Pythium Rot and Rhizoctonia Rot
  • Origin: Caribbean Islands

Xanthosoma violaceum is an aroid grown all over the tropics as a food plant. It is very variable but typically a plant with tuberous rhizomes and elegant leaves on a long petiole. The petiole is dark purple in color and this color is extended to the veins on the underside of the leaves. It is widely grown in Nepal and through the Himalayan range up to northeast India. Found growing in forest areas close to cultivated land where it is cultivated for food and fodder for cattle and pigs. Native to Caribbean Islands.