Grow this exotic-looking tropical plant with eye-catching foliage indoors as a houseplant or outdoors during warmer weather.
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Alocasia is an ornamental plant grown for the large heart- or arrow-shaped foliage that resembles elephant ears, hence the common name. Also known as African mask plant, alocasia is most commonly grown indoors as a houseplant, though it can also be grown outside during warmer months in beds, borders and containers. Alocasia varieties occur in many different leaf colors, sizes and shapes.
Native to tropical regions of the South Pacific, Asia and eastern Australia, these captivating tropical plants can reach 10 feet tall, though will remain smaller as an indoor houseplant. Alocasia grows from tubers or rhizomes and goes dormant in winter. Though alocasia can be somewhat finicky, it will thrive indoors when given the right growing conditions.
With their huge, tropical leaves and stunning shapes and colors, alocasia plants can create serious wow-factor in outdoor spaces. But with so many varieties that range from petite to massive, how do you choose the right size alocasia for your landscape?
In this article, we’ll explore tips for selecting the perfect alocasia plant based on your yard size, design goals, growing conditions, and more.
An Intro to Alocasia Sizes
Alocasias come in a wide range of sizes, from dainty dwarf varieties under 1 foot tall to towering giants over 10 feet! Here’s a quick overview of size categories:
- Small alocasias – Under 2 feet tall. Great for containers.
- Medium alocasias – 2 to 4 feet tall. Nice accents or borders.
- Large alocasias – 4 to 6 feet tall. Make bold statements.
- Giant alocasias – Over 6 feet tall. Stunning focal points.
Popular small varieties include Alocasia ‘Polly’ and Alocasia ‘Tiny Dancer.’ For medium sizes, look for Alocasia ‘Stingray’ or Alocasia ‘Calidora.’ Alocasia ‘Borneo Giant’ and Alocasia macrorrhiza are two giant varieties.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Size
Selecting the right alocasia size involves assessing several factors:
- Your yard size – Small yards suit compact varieties. Bigger yards can handle giants.
- Purpose – Accent plants or small groupings work well smaller. Larger alocasias make dramatic focal points.
- Other plantings – Coordinate alocasia size with surroundings. Don’t dwarf or hide other plants.
- Future growth – Account for alocasias potentially doubling or tripling in size over time.
- Sunlight – Some dwarf alocasias need less light than larger ones. Check light needs.
- Maintenance – Larger varieties need more frequent watering, feeding, and pruning.
Evaluate all these elements before deciding!
Benefits of Going Big…Or Staying Small
Larger alocasia varieties make jaw-dropping specimens, while petite ones suit tighter spaces. Here are pros of different sizes:
Perks of bigger alocasia varieties:
- Create focal points and drama
- Make bold architectural statements
- Provide lush, full foliage
- Add height and tropical flair to gardens
- Thrive in full sun with ample moisture
Advantages of smaller alocasia varieties:
- Perfect for patios, balconies, and containers
- Easier to move and transport
- Require less frequent watering and fertilizing
- Ideal for shadier, lower humidity locations
- Add delicate texture without dominating
- Work nicely in mixed containers
Assess your needs to pick the best size range. Just ensure the variety you choose fits your yard’s growing conditions.
Matching Alocasias to Your Yard’s Growing Conditions
While all alocasias love warmth, humidity, and rich soil, some varieties have preferences for factors like:
- Sun exposure
- Moisture
- Soil pH
- Wind tolerance
For example, giant varieties like Alocasia ‘Borneo Giant’ need full sun and frequent watering, while compact Alocasia ‘Tiny Dancer’ tolerates partial shade and occasional droughts better.
Be sure to select an alocasia size suited to your yard’s:
- Light conditions
- Soil moisture
- Exposure to wind
- Microclimates
This ensures your alocasia thrives in your specific environment.
Caring for Your Alocasia Based on Size
Once you’ve chosen the right alocasia for your yard, tailor care based on its size
- Smaller alocasias need less frequent watering, fertilizing, and pruning.
- Stake tall varieties to support heavy leaves and prevent wind damage.
- Shelter giant varieties from harsh sun and wind.
- Monitor soil moisture closely for larger plants.
- Divide and transplant overgrown giants to control size.
- Use larger containers with drainage for bigger potted varieties.
Adjusting maintenance by size prevents common issues like flopping, root rot, and sunburn.
The Perfect Size is Out There!
With so many alocasia varieties, you can find the ideal size plant to suit your yard and design needs. Just ensure you account for factors like space, purpose, growing conditions, and care requirements. With a little planning, you’ll easily uncover the perfect alocasia to create your landscape focal point or accent!
How poisonous is Alocasia?
Alocasia contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are mildly to severely toxic for animals and humans if any part of the plant is ingested. Keep plants out of reach of pets and small children, and wear gloves when directly handling plants to prevent possible skin irritation.
Is Alocasia good for an indoor plant?
Alocasia makes a good houseplant when given the right growing conditions. This attractive plant lends an exotic tropical touch to indoor home or office decor.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT LANDSCAPE SIZE: Tips for Success
How tall do alocasias grow?
Alocasias are a fast-growing tropical plant from the Araceae family, and are native to Asia and Australia. They grow from underground rhizomes. Depending on the species, they can get as tall as 1-10’, while the leaves can range from 6” up to 3’ long.
Can Alocasia be propagated by division?
Most alocasias can be propagated by division. Simply remove the plant from its pot and then, with secateur, separate a clump of roots from the main rootball. Replant the original plant and pop the new division in a fresh pot of compost, taking care to ensure it sits at the same depth as the original plant.
Is Alocasia a houseplant?
Alocasia is an ornamental plant grown for the large heart- or arrow-shaped foliage that resembles elephant ears, hence the common name. Also known as African mask plant, alocasia is most commonly grown indoors as a houseplant, though it can also be grown outside during warmer months in beds, borders and containers.
Can Alocasia grow indoors?
Add a grow light if you need to supplement them indoors. Alocasia prefers not to dry out completely, but really dislikes wet feet. Too much water can cause root rot, so it’s better to give them more frequent smaller drinks than to overwater. When the soil is dry in the top 3-4 inches, water until it begins to seep from the drainage holes.