Alocasia alba (Elephant ear, Alocasia)

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Plant description

Alocasias, or elephant ears, are perennial plants that are noted for their eye catching foliage, which arises from a rhizome. Alocasia alba is fast growing, but small for an alocasia, growing to around 1.5 metres. The leaves are heavily crinkled with veins on the leaf reverse. Another name for this plant is Alocasia crassifolia.

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. Plain green leaved varieties cope better in cooler, drier areas than the more colourful forms.

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: 1.5 metres
Minimum height: not specified

Maximum width: not specified
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, tropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: moist, well-drained.

Clay: not specified.

Sand: moist.

Pests

Red spider mite, mealy bugs

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Any.

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

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