Alocasia odora (Upright Elepahnt Ear)

Description

Common Name: Giant Elephant Ear

Alocasia odora is one of the easier varieties of Elephant ears to grow. The huge tropical leaves will make any backyard, patio feels like the tropics. These plants do very well in containers. They love to be kept moist and regularly fertilized. Leaves are lustrous, brilliant green, paddle-shaped leaves are borne on strong stems. Large, they can reach 2 ft. The overall height of the plant can be 4ft. 

 Elephant ears make a great focal point to any garden, patio, or container planting. They do an awesome job at creating that WOW factor from across the garden. Consistent moisture and regular fertilizing is key to achieving a specimen plant. 

 Winter Care- We find it best to plant these bulbs into large containers that can be rough inside for the winter months. You do not have to keep them actively growing. Stop watering prior to frost ad trim the leaves down. Allowing the stems to dry out in the sun and wind while ensuring they are not watered by you or by rainfall. In a week or so the plant will be moderately dry and you can then store it in a cool dark spot for the winter months. Begin watering sparingly in mid-spring. Once signs of growth are visible you can increase the water. They love heat, do not expect to see growth unless you can provide 20c+ temps. Once placed outside after the risk of frost these will take off and grown to be very large plants. 

Size: Large 11+cm bulb

Height: 3.0′-5.0′

Spread: 2.0′-4.0′

Flower/Foliage Description:  

Light requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade. 

Soil Type:  It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils.

Hardiness Zones: 9,10,11,12 (technically an annual in colder zones but bulb can be stored overwinter indoors, or kept as a house plant)

Attributes: Deer resistant, Upright Growth, Showy Foliage

Care: Occasional care, Before first frost bulbs should be removed from the ground, cleaned off, and stored indoors in a dry area, or you can dig the plant and pot to bring indoors.