Alocasia macrorrhizos
Tropical and subtropical Asia to western Pacific; verify exact range in POWO for publication text.
Huge glossy green upright leaves on thick petioles; mature plants can become very large.
Large rhizomatous elephant ear with a strong upright trunk-like base in warm conditions.
macrorrhizos means large-rooted.
Accepted Alocasia species listed by POWO. Large landscape/food-associated elephant ear and parent/source for several ornamental selections.
Give bright filtered light, warmth, airflow and an airy but moisture-retentive aroid mix. Keep lightly moist while actively growing, but avoid cold wet media.
Repot when roots/corms fill the pot, ideally in warm active growth. Keep the corm/crown firm and not buried too deeply.
Monthly at quarter to half strength during active growth. Reduce or pause feeding if the plant is resting or semi-dormant.
- Spider mites, thrips, leaf yellowing from overwatering, corm/root rot in cold wet mix, crispy edges from low humidity or missed watering.
- Not a shelf plant unless your shelf is secretly a patio.