Giant Taro, Upright Elephant Ear
alocasia macrorrhizos
Also known as: ["Giant Taro","Upright Elephant Ear","Cape of Good Hope","Elephant Ear"]
Overview
A large, tropical perennial with enormous, heart-shaped leaves and a striking upright growth habit. Native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Araceae |
| Genus: | Alocasia |
| Botanical Name: | Alocasia macrorrhizos |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or indoor pot with bright, indirect light
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, rich in organic matter, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 1–2 months during growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only damaged or yellowing leaves unless reshaping is required.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade but may reduce growth.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light to avoid leaf burn; protect from direct afternoon sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to filtered light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; avoid direct sun exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days, or when top inch of soil is dry
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, and avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Soil
moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Use a mix that retains moisture but drains well; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); thrives in warm, humid conditions; sensitive to cold drafts.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain stable warmth; protect from drafts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring–summer)
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting/divide rhizome, apply rooting hormone (if used), plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (75–85°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand or coco coir.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth in 2–4 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut leaves at the base of the stem with clean, sharp tools; avoid cutting into healthy tissue.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain health and aesthetics; encourage new growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, or scissors.
Checklist
Inspect for damaged leaves, use clean tools, cut cleanly, dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring or early summer before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly, and avoid direct sun for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches, and allow excess water to drain completely to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with chunky materials.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, leaf drop, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, cause leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage or death.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid cold drafts, and maintain humidity.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or dehydration despite adequate watering.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, mist leaves, and ensure consistent watering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, rinse pot periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the calcium oxalate crystals in Alocasia macrorrhizos, which can cause severe oral and gastrointestinal irritation upon ingestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Alocasia macrorrhizos can lead to oral irritation, excessive drooling, and gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicAlocasia macrorrhizos contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause severe irritation and swelling of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract upon ingestion. The plant's sap may also cause skin irritation upon contact.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Alocasia macrorrhizos toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to both dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Alocasia macrorrhizos?
A: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot.
Q: Can Alocasia macrorrhizos be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Araceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to filtered ligh |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, or when top |
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