Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear

Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear

$160.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 30cm

30cm 40cm

Current Stock Height Guides

30cm: Contact for current height guide.
40cm: Contact for current height guide.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 2m to 4m

Mature Width: 2m to 3m

Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear is expected to grow 60cm to 1.5m per year (fast).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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About Your New Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear

Alocasia macrorrhizos, commonly known as the Giant Elephant Ear, is a bold tropical foliage plant grown for its enormous upright leaves and dramatic architectural presence. Its glossy, ribbed green foliage can reach a metre or more in length, held on thick fleshy stems, creating an instant lush tropical effect wherever it is planted.

It performs best in part shade to filtered light with rich, well-drained soil and consistent moisture. As an understorey rainforest plant, Alocasia macrorrhizos is shade-loving rather than sun-loving and should be protected from harsh afternoon sun, frost and strong wind, all of which can scorch or tear its large leaves. Growth is fast in warm humid conditions, slowing significantly in cool weather.

As a feature plant in tropical and subtropical gardens, in sheltered courtyards, beneath canopy trees, beside ponds and water features, or grouped in mass-planted understorey beds, Alocasia macrorrhizos brings vertical structure and bold leaf texture. It suits resort-style, tropical and contemporary architectural landscapes where warm-climate foliage drama is the goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Alocasia macrorrhizos Giant Elephant Ear

How tall does Alocasia macrorrhizos grow?

Alocasia macrorrhizos generally reaches 2 to 4 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide in warm climates, with individual leaves often a metre or more in length. Growth slows considerably in cooler conditions.

Where should I plant Alocasia macrorrhizos?

Alocasia macrorrhizos grows best in part shade to filtered light, in a warm, sheltered position protected from harsh afternoon sun and strong wind. It suits tropical garden beds, courtyards, spots beneath canopy trees and shaded understorey plantings.

How much watering does Alocasia macrorrhizos need?

Alocasia macrorrhizos has low drought tolerance and prefers consistent moisture. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially through hot, dry weather, while ensuring drainage stays good to avoid waterlogging the crown.

Is Alocasia macrorrhizos frost tolerant?

No. Alocasia macrorrhizos is frost-sensitive and may suffer damage from cold conditions. It is best suited to frost-free tropical and subtropical gardens, or to sheltered positions in warmer microclimates with protection through cool periods.

Does Alocasia macrorrhizos flower?

Yes, but the blooms are not its main feature. Alocasia macrorrhizos produces pale cream to greenish arum-style flowers close to the base of the plant. The species is grown primarily for its enormous tropical foliage rather than its flowers.

What soil does Alocasia macrorrhizos prefer?

Alocasia macrorrhizos performs best in rich, well-drained loam enriched with organic matter, in slightly acidic to neutral soil. Heavy clay or dry sandy ground should be improved with compost and mulch before planting to retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Can Alocasia macrorrhizos be grown in a pot?

Yes. Alocasia macrorrhizos grows well in large containers with a quality moisture-retentive mix, kept in a shaded, sheltered spot. Potted plants dry out faster, so check moisture often and water regularly through warm weather to keep foliage looking its best.

Cyathea cooperi – Australian Tree Fern

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Cyathea cooperi, commonly known as the Australian Tree Fern or Lacy Tree Fern, is a fast-growing tree fern with a tall slender trunk and broad, arching, finely-divided fronds. Its soft green canopy creates dense overhead texture, bringing a rainforest atmosphere to shaded and sheltered gardens.

It performs in part shade to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Cyathea cooperi suits subtropical to temperate climates and benefits from regular watering, as it has low drought tolerance and needs a sheltered position. It is moderately frost tolerant once mature but requires protection from heavy frost when young.

As a feature plant in shaded beds, beneath existing canopy trees, near ponds and water features, or grouped in rainforest-style understorey plantings, Cyathea cooperi brings vertical interest and movement to tropical, woodland and courtyard landscapes. Its arching fronds and tall trunk give a strong sculptural presence in cool, sheltered settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Cyathea cooperi Australian Tree Fern

How tall does Cyathea cooperi grow?

Cyathea cooperi typically grows to around 3 to 6 metres tall with a canopy spread of 3 to 4 metres. It is fast-growing, often putting on 50 cm to 1 metre of height per year in suitable conditions.

Where should I plant Cyathea cooperi?

Cyathea cooperi grows best in part shade to full shade, in a sheltered position protected from strong wind and harsh afternoon sun. It suits shaded beds, spots beneath canopy trees, and rainforest-style understorey plantings.

How much watering does Cyathea cooperi need?

Cyathea cooperi has low drought tolerance and prefers consistent moisture. Keep the soil evenly moist with regular deep watering, and water the trunk as well as the root zone during hot, dry weather to keep the fern healthy.

Does Cyathea cooperi tolerate frost?

Cyathea cooperi is moderately frost tolerant once mature and handles light to moderate frost. Young plants are more vulnerable and should be protected from heavy frost while they establish.

Does Cyathea cooperi flower?

No. As a fern, Cyathea cooperi does not flower. It reproduces through fine brown spores formed on the undersides of its fronds, which is a natural part of its life cycle rather than a floral display.

What soil does Cyathea cooperi prefer?

Cyathea cooperi performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam enriched with organic matter, in slightly acidic to neutral soil. Heavy clay, alkaline or dry exposed ground should be improved with compost and mulch before planting.

Can Cyathea cooperi be grown in a pot?

Yes. Cyathea cooperi grows well in a large container with a quality moisture-retentive mix, kept in a shaded, sheltered spot. Potted ferns dry out faster, so check moisture often and water regularly through warm weather.

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Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
Underplanting

Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear works in an:

Tropical Garden – lush, leafy planting for a resort-style atmosphere.
Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.

Is Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear Evergreen or Deciduous?

Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 2m to 4m

Mature Width: 2m to 3m

Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear is expected to grow 60cm to 1.5m per year (fast).

Growth Rate of Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear

Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear is expected to grow 60cm to 1.5m per year (fast).

They are considered to have a:

Fast Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear

Is Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear frost tolerant?

Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

Does Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear Flower?

Alocasia macrorrhizos produces pale cream to greenish arum-style flowers close to the base of the plant. These blooms are relatively inconspicuous, with the plant primarily valued for its enormous tropical foliage and bold architectural presence.

Does Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Summer

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Cream

Is Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear an Australian Native Tree?

No

Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear is Native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, where Alocasia macrorrhizos grows naturally in warm, humid rainforest environments.

What is the Wildlife Value of Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear ?

Its large foliage provides protected shelter and cooling habitat for small insects, frogs and beneficial garden wildlife. The dense tropical canopy also contributes to biodiversity by creating shaded microclimates within garden spaces.

How much Sunlight does Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear need?

Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear will thrive best in:

Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

Alocasia macrorrhizos performs best in rich, well-drained loam soils with an acidic to neutral pH. It will also tolerate heavier soils if improved with organic matter to enhance drainage and soil structure. Avoid dry, sandy or waterlogged conditions, as inconsistent moisture can reduce foliage quality and vigour. Keep soil consistently moist during establishment and throughout active growth for best performance.

Is Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear Drought Tolerant?

Is Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear Drought tolerant?

As a young plant it requires regular watering to establish lush, healthy growth, particularly during warmer weather. Once established, Alocasia macrorrhizos shows low drought tolerance and performs best with consistent moisture, although short dry periods can be tolerated in shaded positions.

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How To Plant Your Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear is expected to grow 60cm to 1.5m per year (fast).

Fast Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, keep the root zone consistently moist with weekly deep watering and additional water during hot dry spells.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection for scale or sooty mould in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Alocasia macrorrhizos – Giant Elephant Ear in Different Soil

Alocasia macrorrhizos performs best in rich, well-drained loam with a slightly acidic pH and consistent moisture. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage and organic matter are managed well.

Sandy soil: Free-draining but enrich heavily with compost and mulch deeply to hold moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost, and mound slightly to lift the root zone.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent flowering.

pH: Slightly acidic preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter or pine bark to maintain levels naturally.