Type of Plant: Alocasia is a broad-leafed tropical plant that has dramatic, striking foliage. These do well as houseplants and outdoors in the summer on Cape Cod and in other northern climates.
Why I Love/Hate this plant: Like many other tropical plants, these thrive under the canopy on the forest floor in their native regions. They are therefore well suited to indoor conditions and shady gardens in other areas.
I love the dramatic shape and the light and dark contrast between the green leaf and the white veins on the foliage. When these plants are illuminated by the rising or setting sun, the veins are accentuated. The dark green of the rest of the leaf contrasts well with those veins, in all lighting and placements. So stand back and enjoy the drama!
A Word to the Wise: These plants like high humidity but drier soil. They are perfect for outside with watering only when the soil feels dry, and indoors in places such as the bathroom where the air is more humid.
This Alocasia polly is typical of the genus – long, pointed leaves with white veins. Striking!
I love how Alocasia blends in with other houseplants and flowering annuals to create a striking outdoor display in part to full shade. See my Alocasia behind the front pots and boxes of annuals in the fall.
I believe this is Alocasia Frydek, another dramatic example of this tropical plant.
My elephant ears are dying. I water them as needed;they are in spots that are both sunny and shadey, but they are looking bad. What should I do to keep them as they should be?
I’m sorry, John, but without being there to look at your plants I can’t say what the issue is. I’d say you should take photos and go into your local garden center or send them into your local cooperative extension office. Good luck!