While quite striking, these plants can be quite sensitive. The patio zone is 4b-11 which means the potted plant will flourish over the summer months in colder zones but must be brought inside before frost. Alocasia Pink Dragon is a popular Alocasia plant, and it is not hard to see why. Some varieties will die back during colder weather and re-sprout from the rhizome. Growing Colocasia inside requires high humidity. This will help keep the soil evenly moist. The leaves can grow up to 16 inches long. I live in Greensboro NC. The leaf shapes can vary from slim arrowheads to wide heart-shaped leaves. Most Alocasia plants can be propagated by clump or rhizome division. Alocasia commonly known as elephant ears come in all shapes and sizes and their uses range from indoor houseplants to hardy landscape specimens and mixed container centerpieces. Alocasias will suffer below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. So if you live in zones 4-8, where the plants are not hardy, you can simply grow them indoors as houseplants during the winter months. Jon VanZile is a Master Gardener and the author of "Houseplants for a Healthy Home.". Continue to care for it, and the rapid growth will return the following growing season. ‘Chicago Harlequin’grows 2-5 feet (.6-1.5 m.) tall with light/dark green foliage. Noteworthy Characteristics Speckled and flecked foliage Care Gardeners in cool hardiness zones may overwinter plant’s tubers indoors covered by peat moss during winter, after the leaves have been desiccated by frost. Ask the grower or seller if the plant is sun-trained. Even with a short growing season in northern climates, these plants can grow rapidly. Alocasia grows well in containers; they can thrive outdoors in the summertime and then be brought indoors to overwinter. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Once the plant is a year old, transplant to an appropriate area of the garden and enjoy. The large heart-shaped chartreuse green foliage is flecked with contrasting deep purple almost black. They have colorful veins and a variety of textures from thick, waxy, slick, and glossy. With its unique leaf patterns the Colocasia Mojito is a must have of any Elephant Ear collector! Colocasia Mojito has wintered over for the past two years in my garden. The bigger varieties can be trained to handle the full tropical sun. Pots with tubers may be stored in the basement or garage with temps between 45-55 F. (7-13 C.) until the spring growing season and once temperatures have warmed. Allow the top few inches of soil to become nearly dry before watering. Elephant ear plants, or Colocasia, are tropical plants grown from tubers or from rooted plants. These impressive ornamental specimens grow outside in sheltered location in USDA zones 8-11. Repot Alocasia varieties annually into larger pots with fresh, free-draining potting soil. View picture of Colocasia, Elephant Ear, Taro 'Mojito' (Colocasia esculenta) at Dave's Garden. These Colocasia NORMALLY suffer some leaf loss but they will bounce back if given the proper moisture/sunlight/warmth. In the northern end of their grow zone Portidora Cold Hardy Giant plants should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months. In the right conditions, they can grow very fast, but they are also sensitive plants. The leaves of Colocasia point dramatically toward the ground. If an infestation occurs, use an ultra-fine insecticide oil or Neem Oil. Colocasia can tolerate direct sun, but it will tend to sunburn although it may acclimate after a time; it will really do much better in indirect sun. Strong and fast growing this Elephant Ear is a hassle free plant that makes an unforgettable focal point and brings distinct tropical flare to the landscape, water garden, or even a large container. This will increase the level of humidity surrounding the indoor elephant ear plant while preventing the roots from coming into contact with the water, which may cause root rot. Each new leaf might be twice the size of the previous week. When growing Colocasia inside, be sure to choose a fairly large container to pot the plant in. A. amazonica will normally grow up to 45cm / 18in in both height and spreads when grown indoors. Colocasia 'Mojito' puts on a lot of growth in one season and makes a high-impact display in the first year, be it grown in large pots or in the border. The Mojito Elephant Ear is sure to bring a tropical feel to your garden or patio during the Summer months. Temperatures for your elephant ear houseplants should be between 65-75 F. (18-24 C.). They can also be grown in containers or indoors. Signs of diseases are typically black or dark brown spots on the leaves and a yellowish rim around the spots. Once the plant is in its dormant period (in the late fall and winter), it will begin resting. Alocasias can be heavy feeders, especially large specimens. Keep Alocasia plants moist all year; they are water-loving plants. Choose a site to situate the indoor elephant ear plant that is in indirect sunlight. Alocasia & Colocasia plants are both members of the Elephant Ear family. To raise the humidity around your plant, place it on a tray filled with pebbles and then add water until it rises to just below the bottom of the pot. Keep the plant away from children and pets and call poison control, your doctor, or veterinarian if a person or animal ingests a plant leaf. The plant itself reaches heights of between 3 and 5 feet (.9-1.5 m.) tall and for this reason is usually grown as an outdoor specimen; however, it is possible to grow elephant ears indoors. Don’t forget to bring the bulbs or plants indoors in any region where freezing temperatures are expected, as Alocasia plants are not at all winter hardy. Feed with liquid fertilizer during the growing season or frequent, small applications of granule fertilizer. Needs vary from shade to full sunlight, depending on the variety. Amazon Elephant's Ear Plant Profile (African Mask). Most varieties are tropical and need warmth and humidity, excellent drainage and for the most part shade. The rapid leaf growth will be quite diminshed and the plant will likely remain as-is throughout the season. Use a humidifier in the room where you plan on growing Colocasia inside. Tropical flare for your landscape! The Alocasia is a very poisonous plant; the leaves contain insoluble oxalate crystals. Pete has a big Alocasia ‘Odora’ in his office and said this is the fourth time he’s brought it in for the winter. Elephant ear is the name given to plants with large foliage shaped like a pachyderm’s ear. Like all aroids, Alocasias flower with a typical spathe and spadix, but the flower is usually unremarkable. Both its roots and leaves are edible. I had two that wintered over in containers. Also, cut back on watering during this time and allow the soil to dry out slightly. Plant it in the ground when the soil is warm in springtime (should be 45F). Unlike the leaves of Alocasia which point skyward, the leaves of Colocasia droop and point toward the ground. Thus, verify with your local municipality before planting this species outdoors. Le Colocasia esculenta Mojito est une plante bulbeuse au feuillage décoratif, en effet planté au jardin vous ne pourrez pas le manquer. GROWING MOJITO ELEPHANT EAR - This plant prefers moist soil and loves growing in full shade of sun. The following varieties of elephant ear make good choices for growing indoors: ‘Black Magic’ a 3 … See more ideas about colocasia, plants, elephant ear plant. Soil choice for growing Colocasia inside is a well-draining, peat-rich medium. Colocasia Mojito Bulb | Variegated Elephant Ear. Flowers. A human or pet chewing or biting into a leaf releases the crystals which can cause swelling and irritation of the mouth and GI tract. Continue to care for it, and the rapid growth will return the following growing season. In the chillier northern areas, elephant ear is treated as an annual wherein the bulbs or tubers of the plant are dug up and stored through the winter and then replanted in the spring. Once the plant is in its dormant period (in the late fall and winter), it will begin resting. From giant plants reaching almost 10 feet (3 m.) tall to diminutive 2-foot (0.5 m.) tall species, elephant ear plant types are all excellent in partial shade to full sun in rich, moist soil. Colocasia can attain a good size, so you will want to be prepared. Most of these herbaceous species in the arum or aroid family (Araceae) that are offered as ornamentals belong to the genera Colocasia, Alocasia, and Xanthosoma, although there are others that have similar appearance and growth habits. Keep all species warm, moist, and humid. Positive: On Jul 24, 2012, lseddins from Atlanta, GA (Zone 8a) wrote: Soggy soil makes the plant susceptible to fungal infections. The Colocasias have graceful arching stems with the tips of the leaves pointing towards the ground. Be sure to mulch the planting area very well by early November. Characteristics Of Alocasia Amazonica Although it rarely flowers, especially indoors, it would be hard not to notice Alocasia Amazonica’s leathery, arrow-shaped leaves in deep green with wavy edges and with thick white or silvery leaf veins. Mix it with purple foliage plants for a … ‘Cranberry Taro’ has dark stems and grows 3-4 feet (.9-1.2 M.) high. It goes up to 2-3 feet tall and loves partial shade. Common pests of the Alocasia plants are mealy bugs, scale, aphids, and spider mites. For this reason, elephant ears make great landscape plants in, around, or near water features in the garden. Learn how to grow it indoors. ‘Nancy’s Revenge’ is of medium height at 2-5 feet (.6-1.5 m.) tall with dark green leaves with creamy centers. Elephant ears have very large heart-shaped leaves borne on 2-3 foot (.6-.9 m.) petiole or leaf stalks. A. zebrina and A. macrorrhiza both have a taller and more slender stature, although they don't often grow taller than 75cm / 30in. Fill the pot about three-quarters of the way with potting soil and then nestle the tuber in the center with the root side down. Offspring shoots can be … These products will kill the pests and their eggs. In the warm summer months, alocasia can produce a new leaf every week. Propagation Plant tubers when soil is consistently around 70°F. Keep it warm and moist until new growth begins. You want to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. A fertilization regime every two weeks with a 50 percent diluted 20-10-10 food is an integral part of houseplant care of Colocasia. Depending on your location filtered sun is best. ‘Black Magic’ a 3-5 foot (.9-1.5 m.) specimen with dark burgundy-black leaves. Whether you choose to plant it straight outside in late spring or give it a head start by starting it off in your home, you will be amazed and impressed to have this unusual, exotic treasure looking so fantastic, indoors or out! Sign up for our newsletter. Dragon Scale Alocasia is one of the larger Alocasia varieties and will grow upwards of 6-feet in height under optimum growing conditions. You may discontinue the fertilization during the winter months to allow the Colocasia to rest. Also, it's best to divide the rhizome annually to keep the plant a manageable size and increase your collection. Trim away faded leaves. At that time, propagation via tuber root division may occur. Some include: Additionally, the plant has been extensively hybridized. Flowering of the indoor elephant plant is rare, although when grown outdoors, the plant may bear a small green sheathed yellow-green cone of flowers. bulbs or tubers of the plant are dug up and stored, Elephant Ear Control – Ridding The Garden Of Unwanted Elephant Ear Plants, Elephant Ear Plant Types: Learn About Common Elephant Ear Plants, Elephant Ear Problems: What To Do With Elephant Ears Taking Over Garden, Cacti For Beginners: Easy Cactus Varieties, Cat Claw Cactus Care – Learn About Growing Cat Claw Cacti, What Is An Orange Snowball Cactus – Tips For Growing Orange Snowballs, Treating Problems In Apricots: Learn About Diseases Of Apricot Trees, Clarkia Flower Care: How To Grow Clarkia Flowers, Botryosphaeria Canker Treatment – The Control Of Botryosphaeria Canker On Plants, Care Of Alternanthera Joseph’s Coat: How To Grow Alternanthera Plants, Mild Winter Weather: Winter Gardening In Zone 10, The Struggle To Make My Indoor Cactus Grow. Colocasia spp., commonly called taro or elephant ears, never fails to attract attention. Colocasia Mojito A frost tender perennial with large, heart shaped, chartreuse green leaves that are flecked with deep purple to black. Leaf color tends to be better among plants that grow best with more light. Every few weeks, spray the plant with warm soapy water to prevent these pests and keep the plant dust-free. Keep them away from cold drafts from windows, doors, and air conditioning. Plants will occasionally, albeit rarely when grown indoors, bear insignificant purple spathes. Amazon elephant's ear (Alocasia amazonica), with its large two-tone leaves, is an ornamental plant that's hard to miss. Some species are considered invasive, especially along the gulf coast of the United States. Plant in loose, well-drained potting mix or a crumbly loamy soil. Primarily grown for its spectacular foliage, Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito' (Taro) is a tuberous, frost-tender perennial with large, heart-shaped, chartreuse green leaves flecked with deep purple to black. Flowering of the indoor elephant plant is rare, although when grown outdoors, the plant may bear a small green sheathed yellow-green cone of flowers. These are not the most carefree plants out there, so let me discuss the most common problems that you can have with your Alocasia Frydek and what causes them. All pictures are contributed by our community. If you are in zones 4-7, we suggest planting them in a pot and bringing them indoors during Winter months. ‘Illustris’ has green foliage marked with black and lime green and is a shorter varietal at 1-3 feet (.3-.9 m.). Learn how to grow it indoors. Colors of the foliage may be anywhere from purplish black, green or green/white variegated. Most Alocasia species will survive in shade, but they often appreciate slightly brighter filtered sunlight. ALOCASIA PROBLEMS. Tropical plants in the Alocasia genus feature stunning foliage that can become the centerpiece of a garden or room. Il mesure environ 100 cm et développe de longs pétioles au bout … Although flowers appear once in a while on a well looked after Alocasia, they are quite insignificant. Amazon elephant's ear (Alocasia amazonica), with its large two-tone leaves, is an ornamental plant that's hard to miss. Keep the foliage dry and provide proper air circulation around and near the plant. There are about 70 species of Alocasia, as well as dozens of hybrids. Primarily grown for its spectacular foliage, Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito' is a frost tender perennial with large, heart shaped, chartreuse green leaves that are flecked with deep purple to black. The following varieties of elephant ear make good choices for growing indoors: Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Mojito Elephants Ear - Colocasia - 4" Pot - Indoors/Out Description At 5-6 feet high and wide it's perfect in pots, spreading its graceful foliage over the border; or standing in … Check out the selection on Amazon if you are looking to purchase your own Alocasia Frydek. Colocasia Coffee cups grow with sparkling blue-grey leaves, pointed towards the sky and round from the base. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! The rapid leaf growth will stop and the plant will likely remain as-is throughout the winter season. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, Tropical plant grown as a houseplant in non-tropical climates, Size ranges based on variety from 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide to 15 feet tall and 8 feet wide, Bright indirect light indoors; part shade outdoors. ‘Lime Zinger’ has lovely chartreuse leaves and is quite tall at 5-6 feet (.6-1.8 m.). Very rarely, extreme swelling of the upper airway can occur making it difficult to breathe. They are meant to be planted in partial sunlight and either in rich soil/earth directly or in a large container. You can prevent disease with proper watering practices; do not overwater these plants. Mar 23, 2020 - Explore Margaret Chiew's board "Colocasia" on Pinterest. A variety of diseases including crown, stem, and root rot, leaf spot, and Xanthamonas are particularly common with alocasia plants. Generally, they are larger plants than the Colocasias, reaching heights of 8-12 feet. Also, elephant ear houseplants should be elevated slightly with a layer of rocks or pebbles between the pot and the saucer. Alocasias indoors can be occasionally plagued with spider mites. Colocasia ‘Mojito’ (Zone 7b-10), like all its cousins that we call elephant ears or taro, is a heat-loving plant that’s also hungry and thirsty. If you have children or pets, you might want to avoid these plants because the leaves are toxic to humans and animals. Colocasia is a swamp plant that develops a hardy root system under the water. Give your plant a huge space since the leaves are wide spreading and a plenty space will provide proper growth for this one. SPIDER MITES. Debra LaGattuta is a certified master gardener with decades of experience with perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. Colocasia Varieties. These plants generally reach a height of 6-10 feet. Leaves range in size from 4 to 6-inches. 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