Alocasia 'Borneo Giant'

This giant elephant ear, Alocasia macrorrhizos 'Borneo Giant', is aptly named. Be prepared for a vertical height of 10 feet at maturity with leaves 4 feet long and 3 feet wide that are thick, sculpted and glossy blue-green held upright on rigid stems. This large specimen is guaranteed to wow! Hardy to zone 7b if the tuber is protected in colder climates but you might not want to risk it. Makes an excellent and dramatic houseplant. Provide as much heat as possible with lots of water and fertilizer.

Capable of reaching 6-8 feet in its first year, a mature specimen can exceed heights of 12 feet with individual leaves 5 feet wide. The leaves are thick and are held firmly upright by the stout stems, making the size more manageable in the landscape. It is capable of growing in full sun if well-irrigated and planted in rich organic soil. In shade or partial shade, very little work is required to grow this beautiful specimen once it becomes established. Quite unique and very beautiful.

Alocasia Borneo Giant is commonly mistaken for Alocasia Robusta. Aloscasia Robusta has a bluish look to the leaves as well as the stems. Robusta is a bit hard to grow because it needs more heat and grows much slower. Alocasia Borneo Giant has been thought to be a strain or form of Macrorrhiza, they can easily be told apart once mature. Alocasia Borneo Giant grows 2 to 6 feet the first year. The following year it may grow anywhere from 8 to 15 feet tall once mature. On the leaves of an Alocasia Borneo Giant you will see a ripple effect. As the leaves mature they will lean slightly rather than point straight upward. This plant get much larger, than most macrorrhiza types, before producing trunks. Over all Borneo Giant is a very fast, strong, and tough plant. I have grown it in full shade and full sun. It is a big eater and can grow at an almost impossible rate if feed well. This is one tropical plant I would recommend for northern growers. It is not difficult to remove the leaves and store, plus the size makes it unbelievable in a northern garden. Foliage: Huge green, rippled leaves Flowers: Green hooded Height: 10 to 15 feet