Elephants Ear Plant

The native elephant's ear (Alocasia brisbanensis), known in the bush as cunjevoi, turns a dark damp corner into the best part of the garden. It builds a clump about 1.8m tall and 1.5m across, with broad glossy leaves on upright stems, and unlike most big leaved tropicals it is an Australian native from east coast rainforest. It wants shade and moisture, so it works exactly where other plants fail.

Why you'll love it

• Real presence in shade. Leaves the size of a serving platter, in a position that gets no direct sun.
• A native that looks tropical. The same effect as an imported alocasia, from a species that belongs in eastern Australian gardens.
• It likes wet feet. A pond edge or a low spot that stays soggy after rain suits it, and those are hard positions to plant well.
• Fast to fill, easy to keep. Growth is quick in the warm months, and cutting old leaves off as they yellow is essentially the maintenance.

Where it works best

Shaded feature planting. A single clump beside a path or a seat carries the space on its own. Allow 1.5m of clearance so the leaves are not brushed and torn.

Mass planting under trees. Plant 1m apart for a lush understorey, the quickest way to deal with the bare gap under an established canopy.

Poolside, ponds and pots. It handles splash, humidity and damp soil. In a pot use 40L or larger and keep the mix damp, because a pot dries far faster than a bed.

Growing native elephant's ear in Australia

Position and climate. Part shade to full shade. Direct afternoon sun scorches the leaves and a burnt leaf never recovers, so plant under a canopy or on the south side of a wall. It suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens, and being frost tender it needs a pot that can move under cover in cool southern districts.

Soil and water. Rich soil with plenty of organic matter, mulched 75mm deep. It tolerates wet feet, which is unusual and worth using on heavy or damp ground. Keep the soil damp, because a clump that dries right out will droop and mark.

Feeding and tidying. A controlled release fertiliser in early spring and mid summer gives the biggest leaves. There is no pruning; cut old leaves off at the base as they yellow. After a cold snap the clump reshoots from the rhizome.

Toxicity. Every part contains calcium oxalate and is toxic to people, cats and dogs if chewed. Wear gloves when you cut it back, and do not plant it where a young child or a chewing dog has unsupervised access.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in 140mm and 200mm multipacks, in 300mm and in 60L. The multipacks are the sensible way to buy for a mass planting. The 300mm gives a plant with a few full sized leaves already, and the 60L is an instant feature clump.

Plants are packed to travel upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Some leaf damage in transit is normal on foliage this large, and new growth usually appears within four to six weeks in warm weather. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse tropical foliage for shaded gardens
• Explore the full Australian native range
• Compare shade tolerant plants
• Preparing a garden bed before planting

Common questions

Is it safe around pets and children?

No. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals and are toxic if chewed, causing burning and swelling in the mouth. Choose something else for a pet run or a play area.

How far apart should I plant it?

One metre apart for a mass planting. The leaves overlap into a continuous canopy at that spacing without the clumps fighting for root space.

Will it grow in full sun?

Not well. It is a rainforest floor plant and the leaves scorch in direct sun, particularly in the afternoon and in dry inland air. Full shade gives the cleanest foliage.