Alocasia Odora

Alocasia odora

Looking like a pint-sized elephant ear plant, exotic alocasia odora can be tucked into almost any sized landscape for an instant jungle accent.

If you love the look of elephant ears but don't have the room, this plant's for you.

It only grows to 3 or 4 feet tall, unlike the colossal and classic Elephant Ears (colocasia).

Alocasia is easy care in the right location. It takes sun or shade but seems to do best in part shade where it might get early morning or late day sun, mixed with dappled light through the afternoon.

These plants do spread but not in a way that will get out of hand.

They look very beautiful when left to naturalize in a deep bed.

Alocasias are often referred to as elephant ears because many varieties look very similar.

But other alocasias include some with dark purplish leaves and others with showy veining.

Pictured to the right is one of the latter types, Alocasia amazonica - sometimes called African Mask plant - with striking deep green pointy leaves and white veining.

Pictured left is another striking variety - "Black Stem Alocasia" - which grows very large, with deep gray stems and veining.

The odora variety is the best one for most landscapes because of its reliable growth and "just right" size.

Plant specs

This moderate grower can be planted anywhere in South Florida, though it may die back when cold weather hits. For leaves year round, grow in Zone 10.

Plant in a protected area so winter takes less of a toll and wind doesn't damage the leaves.

These plants tend to prefer a part sun to part shade location, and grow to about 3 or 4 feet.

Plant care

Add top soil (or organic peat moss) and composted cow manure to the hole when you plant.

The only trimming needed is to remove a dead or dying leaf and stem now and then.

Water on a regular basis...and do it more often for plants in full sun.

Fertilize 3 times a year - in spring, summer, and autumn - with a good quality granular fertilizer. You can supplement feedings, if you like, with liquid fertilizer.