Alocasia

🌿 Alocasia (Elephant’s Ear)

Luxurious foliage for bold interiors and exotic collections.

🪴 Overview

Alocasia, often called “elephant’s ear,” is a genus of tropical plants known for their dramatic, heart- or arrow-shaped leaves. Native to Asia and Eastern Australia, they’re beloved for their unique foliage featuring stunning colors, textures, and veining patterns.

🌱 Key Characteristics

  • Foliage: Large, ornamental leaves ranging from deep green to nearly black, often with contrasting white or silver veins.

  • Growth Habit: Herbaceous perennials that grow from rhizomes or tubers. Many stay compact indoors, though they can be huge in nature.

  • Dormancy: May drop leaves and rest during winter or poor conditions — new growth will return in spring.

  • Flowers: Typical aroid blooms (spadix + spathe), though rarely seen in indoor plants.

  • Toxicity: Contains calcium oxalate crystals — toxic if ingested by pets or people.

🌤️ Care Requirements

  • Light: Bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh direct sun.

  • Water: Keep soil evenly moist — never soggy. Reduce watering during dormancy.

  • Humidity: High humidity preferred (bathrooms or humidifiers work great).

  • Temperature: 60°F–85°F. Avoid cold drafts.

  • Soil: Rich, well-draining mix (chunky aroid blend ideal).

🌸 Popular Varieties

  • Alocasia amazonica (‘African Mask’): Glossy, dark leaves with bright white veins.

  • Alocasia reginula (‘Black Velvet’): Compact, velvety foliage with sharp white veining.

  • Alocasia zebrina: Bold zebra-striped stems and arrow-shaped leaves.

  • Alocasia baginda (‘Dragon Scale’): Metallic, textured leaves resembling dragon skin.

💧 Pro Tip

Alocasias love consistency — stable warmth, bright light, and humidity will keep them thriving year-round.