Alocasia, also known as Elephant's ear, Taro or Giant Taro, is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly Borneo and India. Here the plant can grow up to 4 metres high. Alocasias belong to the Araceae (Arum) family, which consists of seventy-nine species. Due to their special needs and preferences, Alocasias are not the easiest of interior plants to care for. However, they are among the most decorative plants in existence and are therefore well worth the effort.

Location

Although Alocasias love sunlight and heat and need at least five hours of direct sunlight, the leaves will burn if placed in full sun. It is best to place the plant about two metres from a south-facing window, or directly in front of a west or east-facing window. A north-facing position is too dark. When there is a lack of sunlight, the stems of the leaves will become extremely long in order to reach the sunlight. This creates the danger that the Alocasia can no longer bear the weight of the enormous leaves, causing them to droop or break. The leaves of the Elephant's ear seek out the light, so it is important to turn the plant regularly to prevent it from growing crooked.

Watering

Due to Alocasia's tropical origins, the plant is used to high humidity. Therefore, make sure that the soil is always slightly moist. Preferably give small amounts of water at a time or make sure that the excess water can drain away properly. This will help to prevent root rot. Alocasias are sensitive to leaf discolouration. Brown-yellow leaf edges and leaf tips can be the result of too much water, with too little water the Elephant's ear will droop and can then break off or bruise. Alocasias are also very sensitive to cold water. That is why we recommend always giving lukewarm water. Alocasia regularly drip water from their leaves, which is called guttation. This is a normal phenomenon and is not harmful. In the winter months, Alocasias need less water, but make sure that the plant does not dry out.

Spraying and Temperature

To emulate the natural habitat of the Alocasia as closely as possible, regular watering is necessary. This maintains humidity, promotes the health of the plant and protects it against pests. Preferably spray once a week with rainwater or decalcified water to prevent lime deposits on the leaves. In addition to high humidity, it is important to optimise the ambient temperature. The Elephant's ear feels best at a minimum temperature of 18°C during the day and 12°C at night.

Pruning

Over time, the lower leaves of the Alocasia become less attractive. By cutting them about four inches from the trunk, the plant no longer has to spend energy on the unsightly leaves, which promotes the growth of new leaves. The remaining four centimetres will die off and you can easily pull it off the trunk later. The plant will lose some moisture in the process, but this is not harmful. In the same way, you can also trim the leaves if the Alocasia gets too wide.

Nutrition

The Alocasia is an active plant that constantly produces new leaves. As a result, the plant needs extra nutrients. On the packaging of the plant food you can read what the recommended amount is and the number of feedings. If the Elephant's ear does not produce new leaves in the autumn and winter months, additional feeding is not necessary.

The Alocasia family consists of many varieties. Below you will find more information about the most popular variants sold by Nieuwkoop Europe.

Alocasia calidora

The most striking features of Alocasia calidora are its thick leaf stalks and large rounded leaves with light green veins. This plant has great ornamental value for any interior and is also very popular as an office plant.

Alocasia zebrina

If you look at the large arrow-shaped leaves of the Alocasia zebrina, you will immediately understand where the nickname Elephant's ear comes from. The leafstalks of this plant are also very striking with their black and white stripes reminiscent of a zebra. In short, a very special plant with an African twist.

Alocasia macrorrhiza 'Portadora'

This Alocasia variant is not easily overlooked. The gigantic serrated leaves of Alocasia macrorrhiza 'Portadora' can grow up to 1 metre long! Underground is a thickened tuber from which the leaves grow, each new leaf being larger than the previous one. In addition to a leaf length of 1 metre, the leaves can grow up to 60 centimetres wide and have a petiole length of about 130 centimetres. So Alocasia macrorrhiza 'Portadora' takes up quite a lot of space, but it is also a real showpiece.

Alocasia cucullata

The sturdy Alocasia cucullata has beautiful arrow-shaped green leaves and a compact growth habit. This variant can grow up to two metres high. Unlike the other types of Alocasias, no drops are formed (guttation) at the tips of the leaves. This could potentially be an advantage for your floor.

Alocasia amazonica 'Polly'

The decorative leaves of Alocasia amazonica 'Polly' could almost be called a work of art. Thick white veins run across the deep dark green, almost black leaves, which is why this plant is also known as the skeleton plant. The underside of the leaf is purple/red in colour. Its wonderful appearance makes the Alocasia amazonica 'Polly' a very popular indoor plant. And rightly so!

Striking and rare

Besides the most sold popular Alocasia varieties, Nieuwkoop Europe also regularly features striking or rare varieties of Alocasia in its product range.

For example, the Alocasia 'Black Velvet', with velvety leaves that are coloured dark green to black. As if that were not impressive enough, silver-white stripes on the leaves create a special pattern. Unlike all other Alocasia varieties, the Black Velvet is a small indoor plant that does not grow taller than 30 to 45 centimetres.

Alocasia macrorrhiza variegata is one of the most striking indoor plants in existence. The large, upright leaves of this variegated species are marbled green with white. Because Alocasia macrorrhiza variegata is not easy to propagate, it is a very rare indoor plant.