Photo of Alocasia macrorrhizos foliage by Leafari

Photo by Leafari

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Alocasia macrorrhizos

Also Known As

  • Alocasia macrorrhiza
  • Alocasia plumbea 'Metallica'
  • Giant Upright Elephant Ear
  • Metallica Elephant's Ear
  • Metallica Taro

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber, aroid

size

  • H: 6'-12'
  • W: 5'-10'

planting zones

  • 7b-12

More Options

Alocasia macrorrhizos plant details

Alocasia macrorrhizos is a fast-growing broadleaf evergreen perennial aroid bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Alocasia macrorrhizos

Plant type: perennial aroid bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: araceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 5 FT - 10 FT - wide, 6 FT - 12 FT - tall
Uses: big leaves, container plant, exotic, heart-shaped leaves, showy, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Alocasia macrorrhizos

USDA Zones: 7b - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This giant elephant ear, Alocasia macrorrhizos, is quite different from the typical Colocasia esculenta. The leaves are thick, sculpted and glossy green and are held upright on dramatically rigid stems. A large specimen is guaranteed to stop visitors to y
The most popular alocasia grown in the U.S., this dramatic elephant ear plant grows 6 to 10 feet tall with huge leaves that point skywards. Rigid stems, thick glossy leaves up to 3 feet across and a clumping form combine to produce a huge plant that makes an undeniable statement!

By: Leafari

Alocasia Plumbea (Metallica) is a dark plant with leaves that are dark green and maroon on the underside. Stems are black and plants can grow to 6 feet tall or more. Mature plants have more horizontal look to the leaves.

Gardening facts about Alocasia macrorrhizos plant

How to Grow Alocasia macrorrhizos

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy
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