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Conservatory GreenhouseHouseplants

Alocasia × amazonica
  • RHS AGM

African mask

A robust evergreen rhizomatous perennial to 1.5m tall, with narrowly arrow-shaped, wavy-edged leaves to 60cm long, dark green with silver veins above, purple beneath

Other common names
Amazonian elephant's ear
Synonyms
Alocasia amazonica
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver Purple
Summer Green Grey Silver Purple
Autumn Green Grey Silver Purple
Winter Green Grey Silver Purple
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A
Botanical details
Family
Araceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
TOXIC if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Alocasia are robust evergreen rhizomatous or tuberous perennials with large, usually peltate, leaves with conspicuous veins; insignificant flowering spathes may be followed by orange-red fruits

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow indoors in a peat-free houseplant compost with added perlite, in bright, indirect light. Water freely and apply a general liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks from spring to autumn. Provide high humidity by placing the container on a tray of moist gravel or pebbles. Reduce watering to a minimum in winter, and keep above 15°C. See Alocasia for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 23°C (73°F) as soon as ripe. Propagate by division in spring or summer. Propagate by stem cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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