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Illustration pending
At a Glance
Light Bright indirect
Water Every 5 days
Humidity 50–80%
Temp. 18–29 °C
Habit Upright
Growth Moderate
Care Easy
Height 80–180 cm
Add to your collection
species Araceae ◉ Verified
Alocasia wentii
Hardy Elephant Ear · New Guinea Shield · Alocasia wentii
(al-oh-KAY-see-ah WEN-tee-eye)
At a Glance
Light Bright indirect
Water Every 5 days
Humidity 50–80%
Temp. 18–29 °C
Habit Upright
Growth Moderate
Care Easy
Height 80–180 cm
Add to your collection
Origin & Habitat
New Guinea.
Description
Large green shield-shaped leaves with purple to bronze undersides on sturdy petioles.
Upright rhizomatous elephant ear suitable as a statement houseplant in bright warm rooms.
Botanical Notes
Accepted Alocasia species listed by POWO. Popular for large green leaves with purple undersides and relatively forgiving growth.
Care Guide
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.
Repotting
Repot when roots/corms fill the pot, ideally in warm active growth. Keep the corm/crown firm and not buried too deeply.
Feeding
Monthly at quarter to half strength during active growth. Reduce or pause feeding if the plant is resting or semi-dormant.
Common Problems
- Spider mites, thrips, leaf yellowing from overwatering, corm/root rot in cold wet mix, crispy edges from low humidity or missed watering.
Notes & Curiosities
- A collector-ish Alocasia that is refreshingly less determined to perish.
⚠ Toxicity: toxic to pets, toxic to humans. Araceae plant with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing can irritate the mouth, throat and digestive tract.