The in vitro establishment of malanga (Xanthosoma and Colocasia) from plant material cultivated in the field has been one of the ways to initiate the in vitro propagation. For this purpose different types of explants and methods have been used. The objective of this work was to present a protocol for the in vitro propagation of C. esculenta cv. 'INIVIT MC-2012'. Procedures are included for in vitro establishment from axillary buds of primary rhizomes of field-grown plants and axillary buds from field propagated plants that were modified to decrease the impact of bacterial contamination. In addition, a procedure for the visual detection of bacterial contaminants and alternatives for the in vitro propagation of this cultivar is presented. Keywords: bacterial contamination, taro, meristems