Elephant's ear (Alocasia micholitziana 'Frydek') Genus:  Alocasia

Satiny deep green to black leaves and glowing white veins on 18-inch-long leaves make this elephant's ear great in containers, in a shady border, at the edge of a pond, or as a houseplant. It also has pale stalks with purplish banding. 'Frydek' is very tolerant of a range of soil pH, heat, humidity, and heavy soil. It can even take about a half day of sunlight.

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

Emerald green, 18-inch, arrow-shaped leaves with prominent white veining that almost resembles a rib cage. 'Frydek' works well as a houseplant because it doesn't need a lot of light. Contact with sap may irritate skin.

Care: 

In the garden, this plant needs moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Indoors, grow in filtered light. Needs high humidity, and ample water and fertilizer during the growing season indoors.

Propagation: 

Sow seed at 73°F when ripe. Divide the rhizomes, or separate the offsets, in spring or summer. Root stem cuttings from spring to early summer.

Problems: 

Mealybugs and scale insects outdoors. Fungal and bacterial leaf diseases are common on indoor plants. During propagation, bacterial soft rot can occur.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Part Shade Only Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Showy Foliage Foliage Color Variegated Foliage Uses Beds and Borders, Container Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Perennials