All About Alocasia

Alocasia plants are rhizome or tuberous spreading plants that are native to Australia and Asia. There are 79 species and many of them are grown as popular house plants. Alocasia plants are sometimes referred to as Elephant Ears, and you can see why considering the shape and size of some of the varieties. Alocasia macrorrhiza or Giant Taro can reach 6 feet in length and 4 feet it width!

Care tips:

~In nature these plants grow under the tree canopy and thrive in bright, indirect light. If exposed to direct sunlight the leaves will burn.

~Let the plant dry out slightly before watering and mist or consider having a pebble tray or humidifier as they thrive with high humidity. Also ensure that your pots have drainage so the plant does not become water logged.

Pests:

~Spider mites!

Spider mites are a type of arachnid and are extremely small, approximately the size of the period at the end of this sentence or 0.3-0.5mm. They are usually found on the underside of the plants leaves. Webbing can be seen if the population numbers are high. The insects pierce the leaves and feed on the plant sap. You will start to see small brown dots on the leaves and eventually they will turn yellow and fall off.

Alocasia plants are very prone to spider mites. We can tell you that personally as we are dealing with them right now! To eradicate spider mites you should- rinse off the leaves with water in the shower, or wipe clean with a water and soap mixture, wipe leaves with neem oil, or use an insecticide or insecticidal soap We love the Botanics Plant Spray which comes in an aerosol can and it derived from the Chysanthemum flower. Remember to spray the underside of the leaves! There is also a predatory mite that can be released for use against spider mites. Make sure to isolate the infected plant until the mites are gone.

Spider mites thirive in dry conditions so regular misting can help with spider mite populations.

Spider Mite damage on an Alocasia Leaf

Fun Fact:

~Alocasias can enter dormancy in the winter. They store energy in their tubers. If your alocasia loses its leaves it is highly likely that they will grow back. Take a look at the video below. Here we brought in our alocasia in the fall that was being used in a summer planter. We cut it back and after a few months it started to grow new leaves! This was filmed from November to February.

Toxicity:

~Alocasias are considered toxic to pets and humans. The plant contains calcium oxalates which can be irritating to the mouth, throat, and skin.

~The Colocasia plant, sometimes confused for Alocasia, is grown for its edible tubers called Taro. Remember Alocasia macrorrhiza as mentioned above? Or otherwise known as Giant Taro? This plant is not the same plant as the Taro plant but it does have large tubers that can be eaten and resembles a potato flavour. *Important to note though that if handled or cooked improperly it can cause illness.

Do I have an Alocasia or Colocasia plant?

~Both plants are commonly referred to as Elephant Ears, but they are not the same plant. The easiest way to tell the difference is that Alocasia leaves point upwards and Colocasia leaves point down.

Propogating:

~Alocasias can be propagated by dividing or separating any plantlets that happen to grow.

~Although Alocasia can be tricky at times to grow, we feel that they are worth the effort. These amazing plants are show stoppers!