I’ve always been one who favors the easy-care houseplants – low-maintenance succulents and pothos and such. It takes something special to ease me out of my comfort zone.
Alocasia is just such a plant. Its oversized “elephant ear” leaves and tropical vibe are so appealing, I willingly put in the extra work this slightly picky foliage requires.
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What’s a little extra watering and creating a humid oasis here in the dry air of my home when such beauty and drama are the results?
Described with various common names including African mask, giant taro, kris plant, and elephant ear, Alocasia species boast big, beautiful leaves that would be at home in the tropics, which is where they originated.
And that’s what makes them a little tougher to grow and care for than the average pot of philodendron or spiderwort. They need conditions that mimic the areas where they’re native.
A few of their growing requirements include humidity of at least 50 percent, home temperatures of 60°F or higher, and plenty of bright, indirect light.
If creating that environment indoors sounds like something you’d be willing to do, won’t you let me introduce you to some of the dramatic varieties in this genus?
Once you’re more familiar with what these plants have to offer, I’ll also share tips on accommodating their specific growing needs.
Here’s what I’ll cover:
What Is Alocasia?Plants of the Alocasia genus are native to Southeast Asia, southern China, and eastern parts of Australia.
They display their tropical origins with showy leaves in a variety of patterns and textures, and a fondness for bright,
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