About
Alocasia macrorrhizos is a tropical perennial characterized by its large, shiny, dark green foliage. The leaves, featuring light green veins, can grow up to 1.2 meters in length and are supported by upright petioles that also reach approximately 1.2 meters high. During the summer, it may develop pale green flowers. Commonly referred to as giant taro, this plant is extensively grown and established in tropical regions for its edible tubers, which necessitate thorough cooking before consumption. In cooler climates, it can serve as a unique addition to conservatories.
About the genus
Alocasia consists of sturdy, evergreen perennials that develop rhizomes or tubers. They feature large, typically peltate leaves marked by prominent veins. While their flowers are somewhat inconspicuous, they can give rise to orange-red fruits.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1A
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
- Native to
- C Malesia to NE Australia
- Toxicity
- TOXIC if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow indoors in a peat-free houseplant compost with added perlite, in bright, indirect light. Water freely and apply a general liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks from spring to autumn. Provide high humidity by placing the container on a tray of moist gravel or pebbles. Reduce watering to a minimum in winter, and keep above 15°C. See Alocasia for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by sowing seed at 23°C as soon as it's ripe, or by division of rhizomes in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free