Alocasia zebrina
A tough, rhizomatous perennial houseplant with dark green, glossy arrow-shaped foliage and a black and white striped stem. This plant will often drop leaves which is perfectly normal as it makes way for fresh new ones.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Black White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Black White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Black White | Green | ||
| Winter | Black White | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical 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
- Plant range
- Philippines
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow indoors in a potting mixture of equal parts of composted bark, loam and sand, in filtered light. Water freely in the growing season and provide high humidity by placing the container on a tray or moist gravel or pebbles. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks. Water moderately in winter. Requires a minimum temperature of 15-18°C (59-64°F) Keep out of direct sunlight to avoid leaf scorch. Plant is prone to dropping leaves to make way for new ones
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
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.