I received 2 small illustris taros in a trade. I planted one in the ground - it looks pitiful. One I left in a small pot and placed in my waterfall with about 1 inch of the bottom of the pot in water. It doesnt look pitiful but it isnt doing anything good either. What is it with these plants? I am really missing something :(
charlotte
well...I strike again
They are sometimes slow to start. They like to be very warm and don't like to get too dry once they start growing. Once they get rooted good, give them some fertilize.
Hi Charlotte,
I had the same experience as you. But Calalily is right; this particular taro is slow to start and sometimes just about disappears. It may be a little cool for them up in your zone as yet. Here is the info from Plant Files: http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/53145/
Barb
Are there any that arent slow :) Maybe I am starting with ones that are difficult. I wanted one to go in the pond.
They all like to be warm. Violet Stem is another good one for a pond.
Illustris isn't difficult per se, it's just slow to start, but when it gets hot this summer, it will be really pretty. We've been warm for a while, but the nights were cool so mine is just now taking off. They seem to have grown 6 inches in the last two weeks.
ditto wht cala and barb said. they really like it hot. I have some that haven't even come up yet (i'm not worried) it's just that I know it is not warm enough. Also, I just bought a sarian and a hilo beauty and they are so tender, i think I'm going to keep them potted this season and transplant inground next year. I don't think these tiny things would make it without a little help.
Charlotte, My Illustris hasn't came up yet.
I also have to add, that a lot of the time, the leaves that are on them when you get them, will just curl up and die. Most of the time, I just cut off whatever comes on them and let them start over. By the time they are packaged, bounced around in a box, box opened, them removed and potted, they seem to come out with a few tears or holes or just a bit whimpy. I would not worry too much about what the leaves on delivery do. If you have a decent root on them, they are gonna pop up and look just fine!