About

Alocasia odora is a tropical perennial that develops rhizomes and is primarily valued for its large, glossy leaves that are a rich mid-green. Each leaf blade features light green veins and can grow up to 1.2 meters in length, supported by upright leaf stalks that also reach around 1.2 meters in height. In the summer, this plant may produce pale green flowers. In cooler regions, it serves as an intriguing 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

Full sun

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

Clump forming

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Sub-tropical

Native to

Trop. Asia

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

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free