Ebony African Mask Plant

Ebony African Mask Plant (Alocasia x amazonica 'Ebony') is a compact foliage plant that reaches about 50cm tall and only 20cm wide, so it fits a shelf, a windowsill or a corner of a tropical garden bed. The leaves are shaped like small elephant ears, marked with contrasting white veins and a faint silver shadow, and they sit on almost black stems. It is also sold as crocodile plant or kris plant.

Why you'll love it

• Striking leaf pattern. White veins run across dark leaves with a slight silver shadow, so the plant has real presence without a single flower.
• Near black stems. The dark trunks add a second layer of contrast and give the plant a tailored, sculptural line.
• Slim and compact. At about 20cm wide it fits tight spots where a broader foliage plant would crowd its neighbours.
• Made for pots. This compact variety suits indoor containers, where you control the light, the water and the drainage. Dark foliage looks sharpest in a brightly coloured pot.

Where it works best

Indoors in pots. Give it a bright position with filtered light, away from hot direct sun. Choose a pot with drainage holes and a bold colour to set off the dark leaves.

Tropical garden underplanting. In a frost-free, shady bed, plant 30cm apart beneath larger shrubs and palms. The patterned leaves form a dark, textured ground layer that stands out beside gold or lime foliage.

Growing Ebony African Mask Plant in Australia

Position and climate. Bright but filtered light suits it best, with no hot direct sun. Outdoors it belongs in tropical gardens and frost-free subtropical ones. Everywhere else, keep it inside and protect it from frost.

Soil. Free draining soil, or a quality potting mix in a pot with good drainage. Soggy roots are the quickest way to lose an alocasia, so check that the drainage holes are clear.

Water and feed. Keep the mix regularly watered for the first 12 weeks while the plant establishes, then move to regular light watering, with a daily spritz indoors. Half-strength liquid fertiliser every four weeks suits it while it is growing. If leaves die back in the cooler months the plant is resting, so hold off feeding and heavy watering until fresh leaves appear.

Pruning and repotting. Snip off tired leaves at the base. Repot in spring only if the roots have filled the pot, and use that time to lift out any young shoots and pot them up separately.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Ebony African Mask Plant as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, with a few leaves, and the white veining and dark stems become more pronounced as it grows. Pot it into a container with good drainage and keep it in bright, indirect light while it settles. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse elephant ears and alocasias
• Elephant ear plants in Australia: varieties and care
• Growing tropical foliage plants at home
• More indoor plants for the home

Common questions

Is it safe for pets?

No. Alocasias are toxic if eaten and the sap can irritate skin and mouths. Keep the plant out of reach of pets and children, and wash your hands after handling the leaves.

Why are the leaves dying back in winter?

Alocasias go dormant in the cooler months and may lose foliage. This is normal. Ease off feeding and heavy watering, and new leaves follow when the weather warms.

Can I grow it outside?

Only in a shaded, frost-free spot, which means tropical and warm subtropical gardens. Elsewhere, grow it in a pot indoors in bright, indirect light.