What's eating my giant taro?

Giant Taro grown as a tropical houseplant or patio specimen is primarily troubled by spider mites and mealybugs indoors. When grown outdoors in warm climates, taro leaf-feeding beetles (Papuana spp.) and aphids can damage the huge leaves. In any setting, its massive leaf surface makes infestations expand quickly — weekly inspection is essential.

Pale stippling across large leaf surfaces; bronze or yellowish cast; webbing along leaf veins in dry conditions Hose down leaves outdoors or shower indoors; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to all leaf surfaces (both sides) weekly

White cottony masses at petiole bases and in the plant's crown; sticky honeydew, sooty mold, and reduced vigour Alcohol swabs for spot treatment; neem oil drench and foliar spray on a 7-day cycle for 3–4 weeks

Clusters of soft-bodied insects on new growth and undersides of leaves; distorted, cupped leaves; honeydew deposits Knock off with a strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators (ladybirds/ladybugs) outdoors