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Alocasia Loco - Elephant ear

Alocasia Loco
Giant taro, Elephant's ears plant

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11
50% €9.75 €19.50 Bulb
29
From €6.90 Mini-plante

This plant carries a 30 days recovery warranty

More information

A unique variety, rare in cultivation, with strikingly unusual foliage. The leaves are triangular, with a pointed, curled tip and deeply wavy edges that appear stunted on a thick leaf. The leaves are dark green, almost black, traversed by light green veins. It tolerates medium to high light levels, but always without direct sunlight, and thrives in a humid atmosphere with a well-drained, slightly moist soil. For its well-being, maintain an ambient temperature between 15 and 27°C, avoiding cold draughts.
Watering frequency
Moderate (once a week)
Indoor exposure
Moderate light, Indirect bright light
Benefits and advantages
Graphic foliage

Description

Alocasia 'Loco' is rare in cultivation and develops a truly astonishing foliage. This Elephant's Ear is likely the result of a mutation causing the formation of triangular leaves, cupped or folded, with pointed, curled tips and very wavy edges. The leaf is thick, with an almost black-green hue, veined with silvery light green. This Alocasia has a highly unusual appearance and is uncommon in collections, though not the most challenging to grow. Provide it with moderate to bright light, avoiding direct sunlight, and ensure its substrate remains slightly moist without excess.

Alocasia 'Loco' belongs to the Araceae family, which includes many tropical plants with spectacular foliage. This horticultural cultivar, selected by Deroose Plants, was introduced in 2010 but initially lacked commercial success, and by 2019, it had nearly disappeared from the market. It was tissue-cultured in 2023 and reintroduced. It reaches moderate dimensions: at maturity, it will grow to a height and spread of around 60 cm. The plant displays an upright habit and moderate growth. Its unique leaves have a satiny texture and a deep blackish-green tone that contrasts with light veins.
Native to Southeast Asia, Alocasias thrive in warm, humid tropical climates and partial shade. Though stunning, they can be tricky to accommodate in our interiors, where the air is often too dry. Their roots are also sensitive to excess moisture, as well as to underwatering. The ideal temperature is around 20°C. They naturally grow in rich, well-drained soil under dense, humid canopy cover. These conditions explain their specific needs: filtered light, high humidity (around 60-70%), and a steady temperature between 15 and 27°C. Its leaves and stems contain toxic compounds that may cause irritation if ingested.

Alocasia Loco is a plant for collectors or discerning enthusiasts who will appreciate its unique foliage. Its exotic appearance, as "crazy" as its name suggests, fits perfectly in a tropical setting to enhance a lush corner or in a modern interior, where it can serve as a striking focal point. Place it in a matte white or black planter. As it tolerates moderate light, you can pair it with plants from the Marantaceae family, such as Calatheas and Ctenanthes, or with other Araceae, its natural family. Choose more subdued plants to let it take centre stage.

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Alocasia Loco - Elephant ear in pictures

Alocasia Loco - Elephant ear (Foliage) Foliage

Foliage

Foliage colour black
Foliage persistence Evergreen

Plant habit

Growth habit Dressed
Height at maturity 60 cm
Spread at maturity 60 cm
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour insignificant
Inflorescence Spadix

Botanical data

Genus

Alocasia

Cultivar

Loco

Family

Araceae

Other common names

Giant taro, Elephant's ears plant

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Safety measures

Potential risks Plant that can cause skin and mucous membrane reactions
Toxic plant
Irritating sap
Product reference23594

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Location

The plant does not like draughts or dry air, which can dry out its foliage: humid rooms such as the bathroom are ideal.

Location

Indoor exposure Moderate light, Indirect bright light
For which room? Bedroom, Bathroom, Veranda
Growth habit Dressed
Height at maturity 60 cm
Spread at maturity 60 cm
Growth rate normal
Low temperature tolerance >15°C (greenhouse), >20°C (tropical greenhouse)
Humidity level High (60-80%)

Maintenance and care

Water when the substrate is dry on the surface, without leaving stagnant water. A regular misting helps maintain humidity. Avoid excess water which encourages root rot.

Potting advice, substrates and fertilisers

Repot every 2 to 3 years, in spring.
Combine universal potting compost, coconut fibre and perlite, with clay pebbles at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage.
Apply a liquid fertiliser for houseplants (NPK 20-20-20 or 10-5-5) every 2 to 4 weeks in spring and summer, diluting to half the recommended dose.

Houseplant care

Clean the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to maintain their shine and prevent dust buildup.
Remove yellowed, stained, or damaged leaves.

Disease and pest advice

If mealybugs appear, use a cotton pad soaked in 70° alcohol to remove them manually.

Maintenance and care

Watering frequency Moderate (once a week)
Fogging 2 to 3 times a week
Type of soil Light soil, Draining soil
Pests and diseases Mealybugs, Red spider mites, Rots
Susceptibility to diseases High
Ease of cultivation Experienced

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