Alocasia plants or ‘elephants ear plants’
Alocasia or ‘elephant ear plants’ are fantastic foliage plants with huge leaves up to 1m long. Alocasia macrorrhizos is known as the giant taro, giant elephant ear or upright elephant ear and is a popular species. Alocasia x Amazonica ‘Poly’ is pictured right.
They do differ from the close relative Colocasia, mainly in the direction the leaf faces, which is upwards, Colocasia leaves generally face downwards.
Plant Care and Growing Hints
Preferring some protection from direct sunlight this is a plant that grows well in a part shaded but light position.
A warm climate and a well drained potting mix is best. All species are really a tropical plant that require warmth throughout the year. All varieties do well as potted plants indoors.
Species and varieties
- A. macrorrhiza var. brisbanensis is native to the coastal rain forests of QLD and NSW . Valued in landscaping for its large glossy green heart shaped foliage. This is an understory plant and grows well in moist dappled shade, reaching around 1m – 1.5m with small white scented flowers.
- A. wentii is regarded as a cold hardy species and more suited to southern states, large green leaves shaped like an elongated heart or arrow head are green on the top and a bronze / purple underneath. It will go dormant when the temperatures drop, and does require a moist but free draining soil.
- Alocasia x Amazonica is the ‘African Mask plant’ and has deeply veined foliage, dark with pale green, this one does require warmer climates and is usually ‘indoors only’ in cooler areas.
- A. Moroco – Deep green foliage with silvery markings, the reverse is a deep maroon, stems are an attractive deep red.
- Alocasia cucullata with its dark green to grey foliage and large broad lance shaped leaves that point upwards grows well in part shade in warmer climates and also indoors.
A range of Alocoasia are available for sale from the following nurseries
GARNER PLANT DELIVERY
Indoor Plant specialists for Melbourne. - Ph : 0435 677 428
"Indoor potted house plants & plant gifts delivered throughout Melbourne.
Delivering quality indoor plants with convenience every time. Easy online plant purchasing, gift wrapping and delivery Melbourne."
www.garnerstore.com.au
Indoor Plant specialists for Melbourne. - Ph : 0435 677 428
"Indoor potted house plants & plant gifts delivered throughout Melbourne.
Delivering quality indoor plants with convenience every time. Easy online plant purchasing, gift wrapping and delivery Melbourne."
www.garnerstore.com.au
THE PALM PLACE NURSERY
685 Mickleham Rd, GreenVale,Vic 3059
Grass trees, palms, ferns, bromeliads, cycads, cordylines, yucca, bannanas, birds of paradise, succulents, dracaenas, ponytails, for all gardens sizes from small to large landscaped gardens. Advanced Date Palms available.
www.palmnursery.com.au/index.htm
685 Mickleham Rd, GreenVale,Vic 3059
Grass trees, palms, ferns, bromeliads, cycads, cordylines, yucca, bannanas, birds of paradise, succulents, dracaenas, ponytails, for all gardens sizes from small to large landscaped gardens. Advanced Date Palms available.
www.palmnursery.com.au/index.htm
BAMBOO LAND
Australia's finest bamboo display gardens. Non-invasive clumping varieties at competitive prices for screens, windbreaks, garden ornamentals, timber and shoots. Small suburban garden right up to the commercial growers. Can ship to anywhere in Australia. Hervey Bay, QLD. OPEN 7 DAYS
www.bambooland.com.au
Australia's finest bamboo display gardens. Non-invasive clumping varieties at competitive prices for screens, windbreaks, garden ornamentals, timber and shoots. Small suburban garden right up to the commercial growers. Can ship to anywhere in Australia. Hervey Bay, QLD. OPEN 7 DAYS
www.bambooland.com.au