Alocasia calidora (Elephant’s Ears, Elephant Ears)


Botanical Information

FamilyAraceae
GenusAlocasia
Speciescalidora
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginSouth and southeast Asia.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
Sap can cause skin irritation. If any part of the plant is eaten, it can cause mild indigestion.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone7b - 10b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH2 - H5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-15 - 5
Temperature (°F)5 - 41
HeightUp to 4.5 m

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionLarge plant grown for its distinct leaves.
PropagationPlant as soon as the seed ripens. Divide the rhizomes, separate offsets, or root stem cuttings in spring or summer.
CultivationGrow in filtered light and partial shade, with moist but well drained soil of moderate fertility. Prefers high humidity, ample water, and fertilize every 2 - 3 weeks during the growing season. Cut back on water in the winter.
PestsFungal and bacterial leaf diseases, mealybugs, and scale insects.
Notable SpecimensCentennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Bark/Stem DescriptionRhizomatous or tuberous roots.
Leaf DescriptionLarge, veined, can be either arrow-shaped or heart-shaped.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are small.
Colour DescriptionLeaves are green and can be marked with black, dark purple, or bronze.

Photographs