Alocasia macrorrhizos
Alocasia macrorrhizos
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Pl. 3F82 — Alocasia macrorrhizos
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IOverview
Overview
Alocasia macrorrhizos, commonly known as elephant ear, is a perennial herb native to the Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Maluku, New Guinea, Philippines, Queensland, Solomon Islands, and Sulawesi. This plant thrives in moist environments with partial sun to full shade and can grow up to 3 meters tall. It prefers light, medium, or heavy soil types and is hardy in zones 10-12. Known for its ornamental value, Alocasia macrorrhizos also has edible parts including the leaves, root, and stem. Its large, glossy leaves are a distinctive feature, earning it the nickname elephant ear due to their size and shape.
Quick answers
What is Alocasia macrorrhizos?
Alocasia macrorrhizos, commonly known as elephant ear, is a perennial herb native to the Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Maluku, New Guinea, Philippines, Queensland, Solomon Islands, and Sulawesi. This plant thrives in moist environments with partial sun to full shade and can grow up to 3 meters tall.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Alocasia macrorrhizos thrives in partial sun to full shade and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a minimum temperature range of 10-12°C. The plant prefers well-draining conditions but should not dry out completely. Propagation can occur through division or from rhizomes. Harvest edible parts such as leaves, roots, and stems for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Alocasia macrorrhizos for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance approach to growing Alocasia macrorrhizos.
- 1
What you'll need
A pot or garden bed, well-draining soil, and a healthy Alocasia macrorrhizos plant.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy soil with good drainage. Ensure containers have holes for proper water flow.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the plant from its nursery pot to a larger one or directly into the garden bed.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and place the plant in partial shade. Water daily until it shows signs of growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially during hot weather. Provide partial sun or full shade depending on your climate.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain a neat appearance and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, placing in direct sunlight, using heavy soil without drainage, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough shade.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRootStem
Edible uses: The Alocasia macrorrhizos, or elephant ear, is edible and its leaves, stems, and roots can be consumed. Typically, the root is cooked before eating to remove toxic compounds. The leaves and stems are often prepared by boiling or steaming. Skip the raw consumption as they contain harmful substances that cooking neutralizes.
Other uses:FiberAnimal feedPollutionSoil reclamation
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 22 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 22 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 8 native· 22 introduced
Asia4 regions
native (1)Philippines
introduced (3)BangladeshCambodiaChina
Americas6 regions
introduced (6)Costa RicaDominican RepublicHaitiHondurasJamaicaUnited States
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)ComorosGuinea
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)Fiji
Broader regions
native:Bismarck Archipelago, New Guinea, Queensland, Maluku, Borneo, Sulawesi, Solomon Is.
introduced:Chagos Archipelago, Gulf of Guinea Is., Caroline Is., Gilbert Is., East Himalaya, Galápagos, Hainan, Cook Is., Jawa, Brazil Northeast
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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