This catalog is for information only. If you don't see the price - the plant is not for sale.

These plants are mainly valued for their gorgeous leaves, which are very large, heart-shaped. They also produce small, calla-like fragrant flower spathes.

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

These plants (commonly known as African Masks and Elephant's Ears) are mainly valued for their gorgeous leaves, which are very large, heart- or spade-shaped and beautifully colored and variegated in gleaming shades of green, purple, bluish-green, red and bronze. They also produce small, calla-like flower spathes. It needs a large pot with good drainage (to about one third the depth) and should be planted ideally in equal parts of lumpy loam and fibrous peat, with some sand and a few lumps of charcoal. The rhizome should be planted at soil level. Feed the plants weekly while growing and protect from strong sunlight. Rest the rhizome in winter. Propagate by offsets in spring.

Alocasias require continual warmth and humidity. The soil should be rich but well drained, and the plant appreciates frequent watering (daily in hot weather), especially as if grows larger. Note however, that when the plant is young and small, too much water (particularly if the weather is cold) will rot the tuber, so be careful not to overdo it.

Bright light is preferred, but it will do well in anything up to 80 percent shade. Leaves tend to grow larger in shadier positions. Full sun is usually not preferred and may discolor the leaves, although it will usually cope with a bit of full sun provided it can get enough water.

Species and varieties:

Alocasia 'Black Velvet'

Alocasia cucullata

Alocasia cuprea

Alocasia clypeolata

Alocasia Hilo Beauty

Alocasia indica Metallica

Alocasia lauterbachiana

Alocasia longiloba

Alocasia macrorrhiza

Alocasia odora

Alocasia reginae

Alocasia robusta

Alocasia sanderiana

Alocasia Stingray

Alocasia Tigrina ( form of Alocasia zebrina)

Alocasia triangularis

Alocasia_White_Ghost

Alocasia zebrina

Resembling an aquatic stingray with a long pointed tail, this new and unusual alocasia adds a touch of the exotic to your garden or patio. The large, round green leaves have a long, thin green tail at the terminal end of each leaf. Alocasia Baby Ray is a very compact variety of popular Stingray. It stays compact as low as 2-3 ft! Great for container gardens and small spaces.

While some of the better-known species are aquatic plants, most are terrestrial. They take many forms, from prostrate to erect to floating.

The flowers of this plant are very insignificant, bearing small bracts on a single stalk. These are best cut off, to allow the plant to concentrate on it’s foliage. An attractive border plant or groundcover. About 10cm high, 1m spread.

Although Alternanthera can usually only be found during the warmer months in nurseries, it can be grown all year round. Grows best in full sun and in good soil this plant will respond handsomely. Fertilizing should be done with a water soluble variety so as not to burn the foliage. Can be clipped occassionally to form a neat low edging.

Propagation can be done by dividing larger plants during the cooler months of the year.

Species and varieties:

Alternanthera dentata Ruby

Alternanthera ficoidea

Alternanthera hassleriana

Alternanthera reinecki -aquarium plant

Alternanthera sessilis -aquarium plant

Alternanthera Snow Ball

Irregularly shaped tree with a bent and twisting, angular trunk. Simple, alternate ovoid leaves, thick and stiff. Waxy, glossy, and dark green, they contrast markedly with the lighter bark of the branches and twigs. Solitary flowers may be found growing amid the foliage or directly from the sides of the bare sections of the larger limbs and even the trunk. They are large, white, and composed of four thick petals fused into a bent and angular corolla tube that flares distally into a trumpet. The green calyx that covers and protects the developing flower during its early development is also fused into one piece, and it splits irregularly when the blossom finally emerges. Five long, black-anthered stamens and a central pistil are found within the perianth. Flowers are nearly present throughout the entire year. Fruits are large (4"in diameter), ovoid, indehiscent green pods with a smooth, glossy texture and an appearance similar to the fruits of the Jicaro (Crescentia alata ) tree. Inside the thin, woody skin of the pod is a white fleshy pulp that surrounds several black seeds. The white pulp and seeds of the fruit are edible. Jicarillo wood is reportedly hard and rot resistant.

Pollination: "Members of this genus are not bee pollinated - the flowers have peak nectar production at night, and you'll notice that they produce quite a lot of nectar. Bees are generally after the pollen, they would probably drown in all the nectar this species produces. The flowers are also pretty big - these are bat pollinated. The bees will certainly visit, but they are not effective transferrers of the pollen to the stigma". (By Susan Grose)