The Plont plant library
African Violet vs Arbi (Taro)
Compare Saintpaulia ionantha with Colocasia esculenta. Both appear in the indoor category of Plont’s catalog. Use their recorded differences to prepare questions for your nursery.
Growing conditions side by side
Swipe across the table to compare both plants.
| Catalog field | African Violet | Arbi (Taro) |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Saintpaulia ionantha | Colocasia esculenta |
| Hindi name (draft) | अफ्रीकन वायलेट | अरबी |
| Other catalog names | saintpaulia, african violet | taro, colocasia, eddoe, arvi |
| Light starting point | Bright indirect light | Partial sun (3–5 hours) |
| Approximate growing range | 16–28°C | 15–36°C |
| Catalog care estimate | Demanding | Easy |
What differs for your space?
African Violet is listed for bright indirect light, while Arbi (Taro) is listed for partial sun (3–5 hours). Record how many hours of direct sun your intended spot receives and confirm the match locally.
African Violet has a recorded range of 16–28°C; Arbi (Taro) is listed at 15–36°C. The recorded ranges overlap from 16 to 28°C. That overlap compares the draft entries; it is not proof that either plant will suit the spot.
African Violet is marked demanding, compared with easy for Arbi (Taro). Treat that as a planning estimate, then ask which care tasks each plant needs in your conditions.
Make the next care decision at the pot.
A comparison cannot set a watering date. Check moisture first: pot size, growing mix and current weather change how quickly a container dries. Record what you notice and decide when to check again.
Read the RHS guide to watering containers for general container advice, or use Plont’s plant observation checklist. The RHS source supports this general advice; it does not verify the species-specific draft values above.
Keep exploring
A place for the plant you choose.
Save a plant and keep track of your care checks in Plont. Free includes two active plants with reminders. Sign in is required; identification has usage limits.