Alocasia

( ah - loh - KAH - see - ah )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus, commonly called Elephant Ear, African Mask Plant, or Taro, includes species of herbaceous plants which grow from rhizome or tuberous roots. They produce very large leaves in a variety of colors and patters, and are native to tropical and subtropical Asia and eastern Australia. Flowers are inconspicuous, produced at the end of a short stalk that is often situated behind leaf petioles. Take care when planting these outdoors or keeping them as houseplants, as all plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Sap can irritate skin and cause contact dermatitis.

Alocasia Species and Varietals

The genus Alocasia is a member of the plant family Araceae and includes around 90 distinct species. The best outdoor growing zones for these plants are USDA zones 9-11, but they are commonly grown as houseplants in all zones. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Alocasia brancifolia (Narrow-Leaf Elephant Ear, Serpent's Tail)
This species of Alocasia is native to the Moluccas and New Guinea, and have heavily dissected leaves. These plants are sometimes kept as houseplants or greenhouse specimens. Leaf stalks are striped and foliage is green. Cultivar 'Pink Passion' has pink markings on petioles instead of brown ones; 'Nishiri' has speckled stems.

Aloasia brisbanensis (Cunjevoi, Spoon Lily, Native Lily)
These plants are native to rainforested areas in eastern Australia. They produce very large, spade-shaped leaves and can reach up to 4 feet tall when mature. Flowers bloom in summer and are fragrant, borne on a spike. They are followed by bright red berries.

Alocasia cucullata (Chinese Taro, Chinese Ape, Buddha's Hand, Hooded Dwarf Elephant Ear)
These perennial herbaceous plants produce thick, erect stems topped with large green leaves that have dark green ribbing. Individual plants reach up to 2-3 feet tall at maturity. Flowers are held on a spadix, and are white and very tiny.

Alocasia spp. Hybrids (Hybrid Alocasia)
This group of Alocasia plants are derived from crossing species of Alocasias. They range in size and foliage characteristics.

Alocasia x amazonica
Dark green leaves with bold white veins.

'Bambino'
A dwarf variety of A. x amazonica.

'Maharani'
Thick leaved, hardy hybrid with dark green-grey foliage.

'Pink Dragon'
A cultivar with green foliage and salmon-pink stems.

'Red Secret'
Foliage has a metallic copper-bronze sheen.

'Regal Shield'
Large-leaved variety with dark green leaves.

'Silver Dragon'
Silver-green foliage with dark green midribs and veins.

'Zebrina'
Green foliage and white and green or maroon striped stems.

Alocasia lauterbachiana (Purple Sword, Silver Sword, Baroque Sword)
This species is native to northern New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago. Leaves are narrow and point upwards. They are green and stems, midribs, and undersides of leaves are dark maroon. Individual plants reach up to 5 feet tall. This species is commonly collected as a striking houseplant.

Alocasia longiloba (Long-Leafed Elephant Ear, Tiger Taro, African Mask Plant)
This species forms a robust herbaceous plant to between 16 and 60 inches tall at maturity. Leaves are deep green to purplish with prominent midribs and veining. Spadix is white and spathe is green to light green.

Alocasia macrorrhizos (Giant Taro, Giant Elephant Ear, Upright Elephant Ear, Giant Alocasia, 'Ape, Biga, Pia, Cunjevoi)
This species was originally domesticated in the Philippines, and is native to rainforests in Southeast Asia, New Guinea and Queensland. These plants have a clumping habit and can reach up to between 12 and 15 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. Foliage is thick and green, prominently veined, and held on rigid stalks. Individual leaves can reach up to 3-6 feet in length and 2-4 feet wide. Considered invasive in Cuba, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.

Alocasia micholitziana (Green Velvet Taro, Green Velvet Alocasia)
This species is endemic to the island of Luzon in the Philippines, and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant worldwide. Individual plants reach up to 1.6 feet tall and have between 4 and 7 leaves. Foliage is deep green with a velvety texture on upper surfaces and white midribs and veining. This species is considered vulnerable in its native landscapes due to overcollection.

'Emerald Tide'

'Frydeck'

'Gigantea'

'Maxkowskii' (Green Velvet)

'Variegated Frydek'

'Velvet Elvis'

Alocasia nycteris (Bat Alocasia, Batwing Alocasia)
NAtive to the island of Panay in the Philippines, this species is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in greenhouses and indoor spaces. Individual plants reach up to 5 feet tall and produce between 2 and 4 leaves. Leaves are green and have lighter green undersides. Leaf margins are lobed.

Alocasia odora (Night-Scented Lily, Asian Taro, Giant Upright Elephant Ear)
This species is native to eastern and southeastern Asia (Japan, China, Indochina, Assam, Bangladesh, Borneo, and Taiwan). They reach just over 5 feet tall and produce green leaves that are very large. Flowers produce a strong, sweet fragrance that is especially odorous at night.

Alocasia princeps
This species of Alocasia is native to Borneo's rainforests and produces dark green V-shaped foliage. It is commonly grown as a houseplant. Cultivars include 'Purple Cloak' (pictured) and 'Candy Sticks'.

Alocasia reginae (Silver Velvet, Queen Alocasia, Reginae Elephant Ear)
Native to Borneo, this species is commonly kept as a houseplant or greenhouse specimen. Cultivars include 'Miri' (with dark red-purple leaf undersides) and 'Elaine' (pictured; a slower-growing compact variety with blue-grey leaves with red undersides).

Alocasia reginula (Black Velvet)
This species is native to Malaysia, and is considered to be a 'Jewel Alocasia'. Often sold simply as Alocasia 'Black Velvet', these plants are popular among tropical plant collectors. Individual plants reach up to just 1.5 feet tall and have a spread of between 3 and 4 feet. Foliage is dark green and velvety above, and lighter underneath, with prominent white midribs and veins.

Alocasia sanderiana (Kris Plant, Sander's Alocasia, Kris Dagger)
This species is endemic to the Philippines and is commonly grown as an ornamental indoor plant or greenhouse plant around the globe. It is considered critically endangered due to overharvesting. These tropical perennials reach up to 2 feet tall and produce glossy dark green foliage with large white to yellowish veins and margins. Leaf undersides can be green to reddish-purple.

Alocasia sarawakensis
This species of Alocasia is native to Borneo, where it typically grows in freshwater swamp forests. Needs very nutrient-rich soil and a good amount of light to thrive. Individual plants can reach up to 8 feet tall at maturity. Cultivar 'Yucatan Princess' is a popular commercially grown variety with darker green foliage that has purple stems and leaf undersides.

Alocasia scalprum (Samar Lace)
Native to Samar Island in the Philippines, this species is well-known among plant collectors. It produces large, glossy dark green foliage with deep veins and a blue sheen when mature. Cultivar 'Dragon Wings' (pictured) produces beautiful maroon-green foliage

Alocasia sinuata (Alocasia Quilted Dreams, Alocasia 'Bullata')
This species of Alocasia is endemic to Samar, Leyete, and Mindanao in the Philippines. It is considered to be critically endangered in its natural habitat due to overharvesting. It is commonly grown as a houseplant, and produces green foliage that is deeply veined. Cultivars include 'Quilted Dreams' and 'Mirror Face'.

Alocasia wentii (Hardy Elephant's Ear)
This species is a hybrid, and is a popularly cultivated houseplant. Many cultivars are sterile. Varieties include 'Uhinki' and Alocasia wentii aurea variegated (a rare collectable variety featuring striking golden and green marbled variegation on foliage).

Caring for Alocasia

Alocasias are hardy in USDA growing zones 7-12 (varies by species) for outdoor perennial growth, but they can also be grown as summer annuals, potted perennials brought indoors over wintertime, or as houseplants. Choose a space in the landscape that receives partial sun and is somewhat sheltered; these tropicals do not like cool, drafty areas or being exposed to direct sun, especially during the warmest hours of the day. Alocasias need loose, well-draining soil to mimic their native rainforest floor environment. A good mix for Alocasias includes a standard soil base amended with orchid bark, perlite, coco coir, vermiculite or peat moss to improve drainage and aeration and retain moisture. The best soil pH for Alocasia plants is between 5.5 and 6.5 (acidic). Water new plantings regularly as they establish themselves. At maturity, these tropicals appreciate consistently moist soil. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. To prune, remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. In springtime, shape the plant and remove excess growth. Every few years, especially if Alocasia is grown in pots or a cramped space, they will need to be divided. For instructions on how to successfully divide Alocasia plants, see the Propagation section below.

Growing Alocasia Indoors
In temperate zones, these plants are typically grown as houseplants, and have become very popular in indoor plant collections. Choose a pot that has adequate drainage holes and a bottom tray (to catch water and increase humidity). Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with plenty of orchid bark, perlite, coco coir or vermiculite. Place the plant in a spot in the home that receives bright, indirect light, high humidity, and a warm, stable temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Water plants thoroughly, but allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings. To prune, remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. In springtime, shape the plant and remove excess growth. Every few years, they will need to be divided. For instructions on how to successfully divide Alocasia plants, see the Propagation section below.

Propagation

The easiest way to propagate Alocasia is through division of existing plants. Alocasia grows from a rhizome root, which can be separated into smaller sections and replanted. To divide your Alocasia, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Alocasia by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance, especially if you are growing your Alocasia in a container. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground or container, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots. Once they are untangled, separate the rhizome roots into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one growing point.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.