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Alocasia lauterbachiana

Image of Alocasia lauterbachiana

Carol Cloud Bailey

Family

Araceae

Botanical Name

Alocasia lauterbachiana

Plant Common Name

Giant Elephant Ear

General Description

Unusual upright leaves mark this tender evergreen perennial from Indonesia and New Guinea. Its slowly creeping underground rhizomes send forth short fleshy trunk-like stems. Each "trunk" bears several narrow, lance-shaped, long-stalked leaves with distinctively scalloped margins. The stiff, waxy, dark green leaves have burgundy-purple undersides and purple-mottled stems. Inconspicuous greenish blossoms with a central finger-like spadix and a clasping petal-like bract (spathe) are sometimes borne at the leaf bases.

Lush, beautiful plants, Alocasia impart a tropical feeling wherever planted. Choose locations with part to full shade and organic, well drained soil. This elephant-ear tolerates moist conditions but not standing water. It forms dense clumps which should be thinned regularly. A cold- and wind-sensitive tropical, Alocasia lauterbachiana tolerates occasional light frosts. Where not hardy it is a stunning house plant, thriving in bright to moderate light and organic potting mix. Some Alocasia species are considered invasive in various areas.

There are potential health concerns regarding this plant. To learn more go to http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Alocasp.htm

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 8

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    9 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade

  • Height

    3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m

  • Width

    3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m

  • Bloom Time

    Indeterminate

  • Native To

    Polynesia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Green

  • Fruit Color

    Red, Orange

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Purple, Dark Green, Burgundy

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Purple, Dark Green, Burgundy

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Purple, Dark Green, Burgundy

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Purple, Dark Green, Burgundy

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Bold

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Houseplant, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes