Alocasia odora (Night scented lily, elephant ear)

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Plant description

Alocasia odora, or night scented lily, is a tuberous perennial plant with large decorative foliage. The plant has a tropical feel, but it can be grown from temperate to tropical climates, as it will tolerate light frosts. It is good as a garden specimen, singly or in mass plantings, or in containers. It is also a good indoor plant. Dry air can make it more prone to pests like red spider mite, so regular misting can help to keep it healthy. The stems are edible, and are used in Asian cuisine, but they should be cooked, as the uncooked plant contains calcium oxalate. The flowers are fragrant, and are produced in summer.

It grows in sun or partial shade, and can do well in low situations. It needs consistently moist soil and humidity. 

Propagation is by division of the rhizome.

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: cream
Flowering season: summer

Scent

The flowers are fragrant

Plant size

Maximum height: 2.4 metres
Minimum height: 1.8 metres

Maximum width: 2.4 metres
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

This plant will tolerate full or 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.

Sand: moist.

Soil pH: 5.6-7.8

Pests

Red spider mite

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Any.

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

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