Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Taro / Elephant Ear

Bold, architectural, and unapologetically dramatic, Alocasia macrorrhizos is a true statement houseplant. Often called Giant Taro or Elephant Ear, this tropical beauty is loved for its enormous, glossy green leaves with strong veining and an upright, sculptural growth habit. It brings instant jungle energy to bright interiors and looks especially striking as a floor plant or focal point in spacious rooms. Fast-growing in the right conditions, this is a rewarding plant for confident beginners and collectors who love big-leaf impact.

Plant Care 

Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. It can tolerate a little gentle morning sun but avoid harsh direct light, which can scorch the leaves.

Watering: This plant likes to have consistently moist soil, think moist, and not soaking wet.  

Temperature: 18-25°C is ideal. These plants do not like sudden chills and prefer it warm and humid. 

Potting: A well-draining and moisture-retaining mix fit this plant well. Try our Airy Aroid mix with a bit of added vermiculite to help retain moisture. I think Alocasias grow well in Leca and take some of the fuss out of growing this sometimes tricky plant. 

Hot tips: These plants can be zombies (i.e. they return from the dead). In winter, they sometimes go dormant but don't throw that pot out yet! Your alocasia will likely grow anew come spring and warmer weather. 

Pet Friendly: Mildly toxic to pets and humans