Alocasia watsonia (Alocasia, Elephant ear, African mask)

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Plant description

Alocasia watsonia is an attractive tropical perennial plant with strikingly coloured large leaves. The leaves can reach a metre long, and are dark green with beautiful white veining. Leaf reverses are a rich purple. It can grow in full sun, but does best in part to full shade. It is not frost tolerant.

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 red spider mites.  They prefer a rich, well drained soil and regular watering, especially when larger. Over watering can lead to root rots.

The plant contains irritants which can cause numbing and swelling if ingested.

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: not specified
Flowering season: not specified

Plant size

Maximum height: 1 metres
Minimum height: 0.5 metres

Maximum width: 1 metres
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

Will tolerate partial sunlight.
Light 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: well-drained.

Sand: moist.

Diseases

Root rot in overly wet conditions

Pests

Red spider mites

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Any.

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

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