Elise

Alocasia macrorrhizos

Giant taro, giant elephant ear plant, upright elephant ear plant

• 
  Easy care
• 
  Bright light

• Elise likes...
  • 
    Regular watering

    Check her once a week and water if the top two inches of soil feels dry. It’s better to under-water her than overwater, especially in winter.

  • 
    Bright light

    Her giant leaves love a lot of light. Give her the brightest spot you have, just keep an eye out for sunburn.

  • 
    Humidity

    She comes from the tropics so will thrive in a humid home. Pop her in the bathroom, add a humidifier nearby or mist her leaves every few days.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Alocasia macrorrhizos

  Nickname

  Giant taro, giant elephant ear plant, upright elephant ear plant

  Plant type

  Indoor evergreen

  Plant height (including pot)

  60-70cm

  Pet/baby safe

  Toxic if eaten

  Nursery pot size

  19cm

• About alocasia macrorrhizos

  Macro by name, macro by nature. Known for their enormous leaves, an alocasia macrorrhizos can grow up to 3 metres tall in the wild. Luckily, as a houseplant it’s a bit more compact. This fabulous plant comes from the tropical regions of South-East Asia and Hawaii, so recreate the rainforest to keep it happy.

  It’s better to under-water your alocasia macrorrhizos than overwater it. Where you can, use rainwater or tap water that’s been left to stand for 24 hours. If you spot yellow leaves, a rotted base or mouldy soil you’re probably going a bit too hard on the watering. For an extra growth spurt, feed your alocasia macrorrhizos once a month in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertiliser.

  Give your alocasia plenty of bright, indirect sunlight and turn your plant every so often to encourage even growth. Those huge leaves love humidity, so a bright steamy bathroom is a great home for this alocasia. Check the leaves regularly, as pests like spider mites can make a home in the grooves. Just give each leaf a good wipe down once a week or so.

  Did you know?

  In unusual circumstances, an alocasia macrorrhizos will produce a flower that looks a lot like a peace lily. Be quick - these blooms usually only last for a few days.