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Name: alocasia, elephant ear, alocasia spp.
Height: up to 1.5-2m, with smaller varieties generally to 60cm.
Plant type: herbaceous perennial.
Climate: prefers a warm, frost-free climate outdoors, but will grow in all indoor conditions.
Soil: rich, well-drained soil is preferred when growing outdoors. Indoors, use premium quality potting mix blended with perlite and coco peat.
Position: part shade or filtered light outdoors. Position in a bright spot indoors, out of direct sunlight.
Flowering and fruiting: cream flowers consisting of a spadix and spathe, like a peace lily.
Feeding: feed with a controlled release fertiliser in spring and autumn. Alternatively, liquid feed regularly during the warmer months.
Watering: allow the top of the potting mix to nearly dry out between each watering.
Alocasia is a tropical herbaceous perennial with bold, lush arrow-head or heart-shaped foliage that can be solid in colour, variegated or coated with a metallic sheen. The stems are fleshy and may also be patterned. Small-to-medium varieties grow between 30cm and 60cm tall, but larger forms can grow to 1-2m and can reach 3-4m in the tropics. It’s native to tropical regions of Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands, where it grows in moist, shady environments.
Most species go dormant in winter with all above-ground plant parts completely dying down to the ground. The underground rhizome is very much alive, preparing to emerge with new shoots once the weather warms. However, if conditions at home are warm, it may not enter dormancy. The alocasia may not put on new growth during this period and may even look a little poorly, but this is normal.
All parts of the alocasia are mildly toxic – they contain calcium oxalate – so keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Alocasia is a true statement plant. Large-leaved forms like the giant elephant ear (Alocasia macrorrhiza) can be used as a single feature plant or grouped for impact. It can be acclimatised to full sun, too. If you have room indoors, it’s perfect for adding height and drama to a space. Otherwise, the smaller varieties make excellent houseplants, with great colour and textural contrast.
Alocasia thrives outdoors in warm, frost-free climates. Give it a spot in part-shade or filtered light and ensure the soil is well-drained.
Indoors, alocasia prefers a brightly lit spot out of direct sunlight. Avoid cold draughts and sudden temperature changes. Water regularly to keep the potting mix moist.
Alocasia is generally adaptable to the humidity inside the home, but leaves may yellow and brown if the humidity is low. Misting regularly can help, but for a more permanent solution, it’s better to increase the humidity around plants. You can do this by grouping them or investing in a humidifier.
Leaves may drop when you bring the plant home, but there’s no need to be alarmed. It’s just adjusting to its new environment and new leaves will soon emerge.
Water alocasia when the top 2.5-5cm of potting mix feels dry. To check, insert your finger into the top of the mix. If it’s moist, there’s no need to water; if it’s dry, water well. Alternatively, check with a moisture meter.
If the alocasia goes dormant in winter, continue to water but reduce the frequency. The rhizome is alive and preparing for new growth in spring, but will dry out if not watered.
Alocasia leaves yellow and die throughout the year more than most house plants. Simply remove them to keep the plant tidy.
When the plant is going dormant, allow it to completely die back before removing dead stems and leaves. All the nutrients from the leaves are being redirected to the roots, so pruning them prematurely can limit the nutrients for future growth.
Mites are common pests of alocasia. They cause the foliage to become silvery; in severe infestations, webbing is often seen between the leaves and stems. Treat with a suitable insecticide, spraying thoroughly in a well-ventilated area.
Alocasia is propagated via root division. This can be done when the plant is dormant or when repotting. Remove the plant from the potting mix and locate the rhizomes (fleshy, potato-like tubers). Separate the rhizomes and pot up into a fresh mix, consisting of premium potting mix, perlite and coco peat.
Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.): this easy-care, clumping perennial has handsome patterned leaves.
Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum): a flowering indoor plant with striking red flowers and glossy green leaves.
African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha): small flowering plant with blooms available in a range of pastel colours. Flowers regularly throughout the year.
Check out our wide range of plants to expand your collection.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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