Alocasia macrorrhiza
giant taro / elephants ears
Alocasia macrorrhiza, also known as giant elephant’s ear, is a bold, tropical-looking foliage plant with enormous, glossy green leaves held...
1 × bulb
£24.99
available to order from winter
2 + 1 FREE bulbs
£49.98
£16.66 each
available to order from winter
1
Plant description
Alocasia macrorrhiza, also known as giant elephant’s ear, is a bold, tropical-looking foliage plant with enormous, glossy green leaves held on tall, upright stems. It can reach impressive heights in the right conditions, making it ideal for adding architectural interest to patios, courtyards, or exotic-style gardens during the warmer months.
In the UK, it’s best grown in a large container so it can be easily moved indoors for winter. Use it as a striking focal point on a sunny, sheltered terrace or among other lush foliage plants in summer displays, where its dramatic shape adds strong visual impact.
In the UK, it’s best grown in a large container so it can be easily moved indoors for winter. Use it as a striking focal point on a sunny, sheltered terrace or among other lush foliage plants in summer displays, where its dramatic shape adds strong visual impact.
Eventual height & spread
Plant features
Position
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth
Fast-growing
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness
Frost tender
How to care for Alocasia macrorrhiza:
'Giant Taro' can be planted outside after frost, or started off in pots under glass in late winter to early spring. Plant the bulbs so that their growing tip is just above the soil surface (if there are no noticeable shoots or roots, the end with the concentric rings goes uppermost, while the end with the holes will produce the roots). Water sparingly initially and keep the compost warm. Provide adequate moisture during the growing season and lift the bulbs in autumn before the frosts (or if grown in pots, move them under warm glass) and keep the tubers dry and frost free throughout winter.
Dormancy is a natural process, triggered by a reduction in light, cooler temperatures, and drier air and soil mimicking the seasonal changes in the plant's natural environment. If the plant is beginning to enter a dormant period by shedding leaves or discolouring and dying back then reduce watering, light and maintain cooler conditions. The corm or bulb should only be watered lightly when the top inch of soil has become dry. The plant will regrow when warm, bright, moist conditions return.
Dormancy is a natural process, triggered by a reduction in light, cooler temperatures, and drier air and soil mimicking the seasonal changes in the plant's natural environment. If the plant is beginning to enter a dormant period by shedding leaves or discolouring and dying back then reduce watering, light and maintain cooler conditions. The corm or bulb should only be watered lightly when the top inch of soil has become dry. The plant will regrow when warm, bright, moist conditions return.
Please note:
This bulb dies back after flowering each year and enters a period of rest ahead of regrowth the following season.
Warning
Humans/Pets: TOXIC if eaten; skin/eye irritant
GOES WELL WITH
Simple but stylish protection
If rabbits, deer, squirrels or cats devour or scratch up your plants these wire mesh protectors will give them time to get established. The pyramid-shaped 'Rabbit Proof Cloche' and dome-shaped 'Squirrel Proof Cloche'
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