Alocasia cucullata (Elephant ear, Buddha's hand, Hooded elephant ear, Alocasia)

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Plant description

Alocasia cucullata is different to other Alocasias, as it grows into a small but thick clump, and is hardy, and can take lower temperatures, even to minor frosts. The small leaves are heart shaped with curly tips and upturned leaf margins. In Thailand, people place the plant by the front door, and when the wind blows the leaves resemble Buddha's hand waving good luck and fortune into the home.

Alocasias give a tropical feel to a garden, patio or indoors. They are best in tropical and sub-tropical climates, but can also grow in temperate areas in a warm spot.They are suited to garden plantings, as a single specimen or massed planting, as well as being great for containers. They can make good indoor plants, but need bright light and misting to do well for longer periods indoors.

Alocasias need warmth and humidity to grow well. If the surrounding air is too dry the plant is liable to be subject to diseases such as mites. Plain green leaved varieties cope better in cooler, drier areas than the more colourful forms. They should be kept consistently moist.

The plant contains irritants which can cause numbing and swelling if ingested, or with skin contact.

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: not specified
Flowering season: not specified

Plant size

Maximum height: 1 metres
Minimum height: not specified

Maximum width: 1 metres
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

Will tolerate partial sunlight.
Medium frost tolerance.
Plant is not salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Not specified.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: temperate, subtropical, tropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: moist, well-drained.

Clay: moist, well-drained.

Sand: moist.

Diseases

Root rots in over wet conditions

Pests

Red spider mite, mealy bugs

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Any.

Types of fertiliser: Half strength liquid fertiliser applied through the warmer months.

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