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Overview
Alocasia cuprea or Elephant's Ears is a rhizomatous perennial that is much valued for its distinctive and attractive foliage.
The foliage is shaped like an arrowhead and is a mix of copper and deep green with a silvery sheen veined pattern to them. They often start out in shades of green with the foliage turning to a more burnished copper as it matures.
It grows in a clump and looks great indoors or outside in warm, shaded gardens.
Excellent for creating tropical effect and a perfect plant for terrariums.
Soil: A moist, fertile soil that is well drained. They like it humid and can tolerate low light, though bright indirect is best.
Maintenance: Keep well watered, though ensure they remain well drained e.g. do not let them sit in a saucer of water.
Remove spent leaves and feed annually with liquid fertiliser if growing indoors.
Re-pot every two years, loosening the rootball each time.
Diseases: Mealybugs can be a problem if the plant is not at full vigour.
Toxicity: While Alocasia is mildly toxic to humans, it can be very poisonous for dogs, cats, horses and other animals.
Every part of this plant from leaf to stems and roots are toxic since it contains insoluble oxalate crystals, similar to other plants in the Araceae family.
If the sap gets into eyes it may cause redness, pain, burning and swelling.
If any part of the plant is consumed the crystals released can irritate the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort to the throat, and burning pain to the stomach.
Treat with milk or icy poles - symptoms usually diminish over time naturally.
Other Species: 70 species in the genus of Alocasia. They are all rhizomatous or tuberous perennials that originate from tropical South East Asia.
Author: Bob Saunders.