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

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 baginda

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

Similar plants:

• Alocasia baginda (Alocasia Dragon Scale)
• Alocasia Black Velvet, Alocasia reginula (Dwarf Alocasia)
• Alocasia clypeolata (Green Shield Alocasia)
• Alocasia cucullata (Lucky Leaf, Heart Shaped Elephant Ear, Buddha's Hand)
• Alocasia macrorrhiza (Giant Taro, Giant Elephant Ear, Upright Elephant Ear, Pai)
• Alocasia odora (Giant Upright Elephant Ear)
• Alocasia reginae (Shell Alocasia)
• Alocasia sanderiana, Alocasia amazonica (Kris plant)
• Alocasia Stingray (Elephant Ear 'Stingray')
• Alocasia triangularis (Triangular Alocasia)