This document is part of a series originally written by Edward F. Gilman.
Introduction
Alocasia is a genus that contains over 91 species of plants that are native to the Asia-Pacific region. Alocasia are showy, large-leaved, herbaceous perennial tropical plants (Figure 1). Leaves are sagittate, or arrow-shaped, and come in a wide array of sizes, colors, patterns, and variegation, depending on species and cultivar selection (Figure 2, Table 1). This plant has an upright growth habit and has a height and spread that ranges from 2 to 10 feet, depending upon the species selected. Elephant's ear gives a bold tropical effect to the landscape with its unusually large, shield-like, fleshy green leaves. They perform well as accent plants; however, the full size of the species should be considered before planting. The smaller-leaved species may be planted en masse as a groundcover for a rich, tropical effect, or they can be used to edge or border a walkway or patio. Most elephant ear plants are well adapted for container gardening, and some species are well-suited as houseplants.
Credit: Edward F. Gilman, UF/IFAS
Credit: fabrizio via Adobe Stock
General Information
Scientific name: Alocasia spp.
Pronunciation: al-lo-KAY-zee-uh species
Common name(s): elephant's ear, Alocasia, taro
Family: Araceae
Plant type: perennial; herbaceous
USDA hardiness zones: 8A through 11 (Figures 3 and 4)
Credit: This map is based on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Visit https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ for specific zone information.
Credit: This map is based on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Visit https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ for specific zone information.
Planting month for zone 8: year-round
Planting month for zone 9: year-round
Planting month for zones 10 and 11: year-round
Origin: not native to North America
Invasive potential: aggressive, spreading plant, not known to be invasive in Florida
Uses: border; edging; container or above-ground planter; groundcover; naturalizing; accent; houseplant
Availability: generally available in many areas within its hardiness range
Description
Growth rate: fast
Height: 2 to 10 feet; dependent upon species
Spread: 1 to 10 feet; dependent upon species
Plant habit: upright
Plant density: open
Texture: coarse
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: most emerge from the soil, usually without a stem
Leaf type: simple
Leaf margin: lobed; undulate
Leaf shape: sagittate; arrow-like
Leaf venation: brochidodromous; pinnate
Leaf type and persistence: evergreen
Leaf blade length: 8 to 12 inches; 12 to 18 inches; 18 to 36 inches; dependent upon species
Leaf color: green; silver; copper; red; variegated; dependent upon species
Fall color: no fall color change
Fall characteristic: not showy
Flower
Flower color: green spathe; cream to white colored spadix
Flower characteristic: summer-flowering; spring-flowering; inconspicuous
Fruit
Fruit shape: round
Fruit length: less than 1 inch
Fruit cover: fleshy
Fruit color: red, pink
Fruit characteristic: showy; berries produced on a spike; rare
Trunk and Branches
Trunk/bark/branches: usually with one stem/trunk
Current year stem/twig color: not applicable
Current year stem/twig thickness: not applicable
Culture
Light requirement: plant grows in partial shade
Soil tolerances: extended flooding; acidic; clay; sand; loam
Soil salt tolerance: poor
Plant spacing: 36 to 60 inches
Other
Roots: sprouts from roots or lower trunk
Winter interest: evergreen foliage and showy leaves add winter interest
Pest resistance: long-term health usually not affected by pests
Toxicity: all parts of plant are toxic; medium severity; calcium oxalate crystals cause issues if ingested and contact dermatitis
Use and Management
Alocasia thrives in rich, moisture-retentive soil in partial shade. Many selections grow well in soggy soil, and some species may form dense thickets. The tender leaves are subject to wind damage but do not have any major pest problems. Freezing temperatures kill the foliage, but in USDA hardiness zone 8A and south, the plant grows from the base when warm weather resumes. This plant requires minimal attention once established. It is well suited as an accent, may be used in a container or as a houseplant, as a border or edging, or as a groundcover or planted en masse. If Alocasia is used as a houseplant, it should be in a location with bright indirect light.
Consider the full size of the species selected when planning the landscape. There are many species available to achieve the desired aesthetic in the landscape. Many species and cultivar selections are available in the horticultural industry with varying sizes and foliage coloration and variegation patterns (Table 1). Care should be taken with this plant around children and pets, as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. Alocasia is often confused with Colocasia, which can be invasive in the landscape.
Table 1. A selection of species and cultivars of Alocasia, and their notable traits.
Design Considerations
With its large, lush, and irregularly shaped leaves, the elephant's ear plant lends a cool, tropical feel to any landscape. The pointed tips, rippled edges, and interplay of light and shadow across the foliage create a bold, coarse texture. For a pleasing contrast, pair it with softer, mounding plants that have small leaves, or with fine-bladed grasses. Companion plants with yellow-green, variegated, or burgundy leaves will accentuate the deep green of the elephant's ear, while flowers in white or warm shades like pink, soft yellow, and coral provide a beautiful pop of color.
Pests and Diseases
No pests or diseases of major concern. Spider mites and mealy bugs may be a nuisance to some species. Root rot may occur from overwatering.