Alocasia macrorrhiza Stingray

Alocasia macrorrhiza Stingray (Elephant Ear) is an evergreen, ornamental indoor house plant. It has an upright clumping form with a fast growth rate and typically grows 1 to 2 m tall. The leaves are evergreen, stingray-shaped with wing-like lobes and a pointed tail, somewhat ruffled, simple with wavy or scalloped edges, shiny, leathery, and dark green in color with paler backsides. The stems are speckled. The blossoms are borne on a spadix in a green spathe at the leaf base. It can bloom most anytime during the year. Fruits are fleshy red berries on a cylindrical spadix. Alocasia macrorrhiza Stingray plants are harmful if eaten and are a skin and eye irritant. Keep it away from children and pet animals.

Scientific Name: Alocasia macrorrhiza Stingray
Common Name: Elephant Ear

How to care and grow Alocasia macrorrhiza Stingray (Elephant Ear)?

Light:

It thrives best in Bright, indirect light but will survive in shade. Avoid direct sunlight.

Soil:

It grows well in a well-drained but moist, rich organic mix. It prefers the soil pH range of 5.6 to 7.0. Try to avoid wet, mucky or dry, sandy soils.

Water:

Water your plant regularly during the growing season and always keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Alocasia plants require less water during the winter when it’s dormant. You can allow the topsoil to become slightly dry between each watering.

Humidity:

It requires a moist environment with above average humidity. Stand on a pebble tray to improve humidity and mist frequently. Pop it in the shower for a while to give it an occasional boost.

Temperature:

Alocasia macrorrhiza Stingray prefers an average to warm temperatures between 65 degrees Fahrenheit – 75 degrees Fahrenheit / 18 degrees Celsius – 24 degrees Celsius. Do not let temperature remain under 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertilizer:

Fertilize your Elephant Ear plant with a diluted balanced fertilizer from spring every two weeks and stop at the end of August then start again at the beginning of spring.

Pruning:

Remove any yellow leaves or those that develop brown or black spots from an Alocasia plant as that may be a sign of a fungal disease.

Propagation:

Alocasia macrorrhiza Stingray can be easily propagated by seed, dividing the rhizomes, separate offsets, or root stem cuttings in spring or summer.

Pests and Diseases:

There is no serious pest or disease problems. Watch for mealy bugs, scale, aphids, and spider mite.