Family
Araceae
Botanical Name
ALOCASIA princeps
Plant Common Name
Malaysian Elephant Ear
General Description
Beautiful leaves are the shining glory of Alocasia princeps. This taro is a tropical elephant ear native to the forested regions of Malaysia. This tall, evergreen perennial is grown for its large, beautiful dark green leaves with purple undersides. Each arrow-shaped, or sagittate, leaf has two basal lobes that extend beyond the point where the stem attaches at the leaf's edge. Throughout the year, it produces anthurium-like flowers with a finger-like floral column (spadix) surrounded by a pale green petal-like leaf (spathe). The plant spreads by rhizomes (underground lateral stems) and sucker to form dense clumps.
Alocasia impart a lush tropical feeling wherever planted. They grow best in locations with partial to full shade and fertile, organic-rich, well-drained soil. Most Alocasia tolerate moist conditions but not standing water. Like most forest-dwelling tropical species, elephant ear is sensitive to frost and wind. Where not hardy, it can be planted in a large container that can be taken outdoors in summer. Those growing in homes require bright, filtered light and organic potting medium. Outdoor specimens grown in zone 10 or warmer, tend to spread and can form dense clumps that may need regular division, especially if grown in a smaller garden space.
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
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 8
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade
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Height
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
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Width
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Southeastern Asia, Polynesia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Arching/Fountain-shaped
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Green
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Fruit Color
Red, Orange
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Purple, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Purple, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Purple, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Houseplant, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Self-Sowing
Yes
