Asian taro
Alocasia odora · Araceae
📷 KENPEI · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant asian taro: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Blooming
- Spring-summer (inconspicuous flowers)
- Adult size
- 0.6 to 1.5 m in height
- Growth
- Fast under optimal conditions
- Hardiness
- Tropical (10-12 °C minimum)
- Origin
- Philippines, Southeast Asia
- Foliage type
- Dark green, marked veins, upright habit
Expert tips
The key tip
Alocasia odora needs very well-draining substrate (potting mix/perlite 60/40 blend) and high humidity: mist the foliage regularly or place it on a bed of moist clay pebbles. Watering should be generous during growth (spring-summer) but never leave water sitting in the pot.
The common mistake
Most gardeners drown this plant by treating it like a standard houseplant: it rots at the roots well before showing visible signs, because insufficient drainage kills the fleshy roots.
The pro's trick
Repot every 18-24 months in spring into a pot barely larger, with maximum drainage at the bottom. Alocasia odora grows fast and strong when its roots never sit in water, not even for a few hours.
Seasonal watch
In autumn-winter, drastically reduce watering (growth slows) and keep it away from cold drafts: thermal shock causes yellowing and leaf drop very quickly, even if the plant doesn't freeze.
Care
Watering
Keep the substrate slightly moist without saturation. Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer), reduce in fall-winter. Use non-chalky water if possible. Let the soil dry out very slightly between waterings.
Light exposure
Prefer bright, indirect light. It tolerates partial shade but develops better with several hours of daylight daily. Avoid direct, intense rays that can scorch the foliage.
Soil and substrate
Opt for rich, well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix, enriched with peat or coconut fiber. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent root suffocation, a weak point for this species.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced diluted fertilizer every 15 to 20 days during the active period (April to September). Stop feeding in winter. A balanced foliage plant fertilizer (with NPK ratio close to 1-1-1) is ideal.
Pruning and maintenance
No strict pruning is necessary. Remove dead or damaged leaves as needed. Occasionally clean the foliage with a damp cloth to optimize photosynthesis.
Pests and diseases
Monitor for spider mites and mealybugs, favored by dry air. In case of root rot (excess water), repot immediately into fresh substrate. Good hygiene and regular ventilation prevent most issues.
Did you know?
Alocasia odora owes its epithet "odora" to the strange sweet fragrance released by its flowers in inflorescence (spathe and spadix). Native to Philippine tropical forests, it's called "Purple Sword" or "Elephant Ears" in English due to the majestic shape of its leaves. Its fleshy rhizomes are traditionally used in Asian phytotherapy, although their complete safety remains to be confirmed from a modern medical perspective.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Calla lilyZantedeschia aethiopica
- TaroColocasia esculenta
- Giant taroAlocasia macrorrhizos
- Tree PhilodendronThaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
- Anthurium roseumAnthurium roseum
- Anthurium albumAnthurium album
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.