Alocasia Species, Taro Root, Elephant's Ear
Alocasiaheterophylla

Family: Araceae (a-RAY-see-ee)
Genus: Alocasia (a-loh-KAY-see-uh)
Species: heterophylla (het-er-oh-FIL-uh)

Synonym:Alocasia manilensis

Synonym:Alocasia warburgii

Synonym:Caladium heterophyllum

Synonym:Colocasia heterophylla

Category
Bulbs
Groundcovers
Ponds and Aquatics
Tropicals and Tender Perennials

Water Requirements
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Very high moisture needs; suitable for bogs and water gardens

Sun Exposure
Light Shade
Partial to Full Shade

Foliage
Grown for foliage
Herbaceous
This plant is resistant to deer
Smooth
Velvet/Fuzzy

Foliage Color
Bronze
Blue-Green
Dark/Black

Height
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)

Spacing
3-6 in. (7-15 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual

Danger
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction

Bloom Color

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall

Other details

Soil pH requirements

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)

Seed Collecting