Elephant Ear
Alocasia odora
Also known as: Giant Taro · Night-Scented Lily · California Alocasia · Upright Elephant Ear
Dramatic upright tropical foliage that defines lush, exotic estate landscapes in SWFL — architectural and fast-growing.
Southwest Florida
Growing Elephant Ear in SWFL
Alocasia odora brings immediate tropical impact to SWFL estate landscapes. Unlike Colocasia (the pendant-leaf elephant ear), Alocasia holds its massive paddle-shaped leaves upright and outward, creating a bold architectural form rather than a drooping mass. In SWFL's warm, humid climate it grows rapidly — reaching 4–6ft in a season with adequate moisture and fertilizer. The 'California' selection is compact and well-proportioned compared to the species. Best in part shade to filtered sun: intense midday sun in SWFL can scorch the large leaf surface. Plant near water features, in shaded entry courtyards, or as a tropical understory accent beneath canopy trees. Needs consistent moisture and good drainage — SWFL's summer rain season suits it well if drainage prevents standing water.
Plant Specifications
| Sun Exposure | Part shade to filtered sun — protect from intense midday sun |
|---|---|
| Water Needs | Moderate to high — prefers consistent moisture |
| Salt Tolerance | Low — inland and protected settings only |
| Cold Hardiness | Zone 9b — protect below 32°F; dies back but regrows from rhizome |
| Mature Height | 4–6ft |
| Mature Spread | 4–6ft |
| Growth Rate | Fast in SWFL warmth and humidity |
Nursery stock photo
Live Inventory
Available Sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
The easiest way to tell them apart: Alocasia holds its leaves upright (the leaf tip points outward or slightly upward from the stem), while Colocasia droops downward. Alocasia tends to be more architectural and is better for formal estate settings. Colocasia is better for pond margins and rain gardens where a lush, tropical spilling effect is desired.
Not ideally. SWFL's full sun intensity — combined with the summer heat — will scorch the large leaf surface of Alocasia odora. It performs best in dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon protection. Under a canopy of larger palms or in the shade of a structure, it grows vigorously and maintains clean, attractive foliage all year.
In Zone 10a (Naples, Fort Myers, Alva), Alocasia odora rarely goes fully dormant — SWFL winters are too mild. Growth slows somewhat in the cooler dry season but the plant typically remains fully leafed out. In the rare cold snap below 32°F, leaves may burn, but the rhizome is cold hardy to Zone 9b and will resprout when temperatures recover.
Elephant Ear is in stock.
Call to confirm sizing and current availability.