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Genus Alocasia (Elephant's ear)

Alocasia Alocasia micholitziana 'Frydek' Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner
al-oh-KAY-shah Common Name: Elephant's ear
Elephant's ears are large, evergreen perennials from damp sites in south and southeast Asia. They are grown for their big, veined, arrow- or heart-shaped leaves, which may be marked with black, dark purple, or bronze. The flowers are fairly insignificant. These rhizomatous or tuberous-rooted plants have a striking presence in the shady garden or large containers, or in a warm greenhouse or as a houseplant. Some species can reach over 15 feet tall. The tubers can be lifted and stored over winter.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Large, heavily veined, arrow-shaped leaves. Sap may irritate skin and all plant parts may cause mild stomach upset if ingested.
 Care: Likes moist but well-drained soil of moderate fertility in partial shade. Indoors, grow in filtered light. Provide high humidity, ample water, and fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season. Cut back on water in the winter.
 Propagation: As soon as the seed is ripe, sow at 73°F. Divide the rhizomes, separate offsets, or root stem cuttings in spring or summer.
 Problems: Mealybugs and scale insects can affect garden plants, while fungal and bacterial leaf diseases are common under glass.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Alocasia

Alocasia micholitziana 'Frydek' Alocasia micholitziana 'Frydek'
(Elephant's ear) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Satiny deep green to black leaves and glowing white veins on 18-inch-long leaves make this elephant's ear great in containers, in a shady border, at the edge of a pond, or as a houseplant. It also has pale stalks with purplish banding. 'Frydek' is very tolerant of a range of soil pH, heat, humidity, and heavy soil. It can even take about a half day of sunlight.