{"product_id":"elephant-s-ear-alocasia-lauterbachiana","title":"Elephant's Ear - Alocasia lauterbachiana","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Elephant's Ear (\u003cem\u003eAlocasia lauterbachiana\u003c\/em\u003e) is a rainforest plant with very long, arrow-shaped leaves that ripple along the edges. It reaches about 75cm tall and 80cm wide. Near black stems and dusky purple-grey leaf backs give it a moody, sculptural look that suits a feature pot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRippled, elongated leaves.\u003c\/strong\u003e Long blades with wavy edges and strong veining give the plant an architectural outline.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNear black stems.\u003c\/strong\u003e The very dark purple stems contrast with the green leaves above them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDusky undersides.\u003c\/strong\u003e The backs of the leaves are a deeper green-grey with a gunmetal purple cast.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBroad reach.\u003c\/strong\u003e At about 80cm wide it fills a corner without help from other plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA natural centrepiece.\u003c\/strong\u003e It looks best as a single specimen in a good pot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndoor feature plant.\u003c\/strong\u003e Give it bright light for at least half the day, with no hot direct sun. The leaves droop when it is too dark or too dry, so it signals quickly when conditions slip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSheltered gardens in warm climates.\u003c\/strong\u003e If your climate stays between about 10C and 30C, a sheltered tropical or frost-free subtropical garden can work. Space plants 80cm apart if you are grouping several.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Elephant's Ear in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e It wants a steady, humid climate between 10C and 30C, with neither cold snaps nor scorching heat. Bright light for half the day or more suits it, but not hot direct sun. In most of the country that makes it an indoor plant, or a sheltered tropical or frost-free subtropical garden plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e A free draining potting mix or garden soil that stays moist. Use a pot with good drainage, and stand it on tile or a washable surface, because it may drip harmless sap now and then.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Water a little and often to keep the mix just moist, never soggy. Mist regularly if your air is dry, and give a diluted liquid feed through the warmer months to keep it growing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTurning and tidying.\u003c\/strong\u003e Turn an indoor pot a little each month so the plant grows evenly. Remove tired leaves at the base, and repot only when roots fill the pot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sell Elephant's Ear as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, and the long rippled leaves lengthen with each flush of growth. Keep it warm, sheltered and out of direct sun for the first few weeks while it settles. Our grower supplies the tube stock, and supply is not constant. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at that moment, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it returns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/elephant-ears\"\u003eBrowse our elephant ears and alocasias\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/elephant-ear-plant-care\"\u003eElephant ear plants in Australia: varieties and care\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/indoor-exotic-plants-guide\"\u003eTropical foliage plants for indoors\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-balconies\"\u003ePlants for balconies and courtyards\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy are the leaves drooping?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrooping means it is too dark or too dry. Move it somewhere brighter, but out of direct hot sun, and check that the compost is moist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat temperature does it need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA steady, humid climate between 10 and 30C. It needs no cold and no excessive heat, so keep it away from cold windows and hot reflected sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it dangerous for pets?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, if chewed. Alocasias contain irritant sap and are toxic when eaten, so keep it out of reach of dogs, cats and children.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube (Backorder)","offer_id":67789656686911,"sku":"ALO-LAU-tube","price":18.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/elephant-s-ear-alocasia-lauterbachiana.jpg?v=1792193586","url":"https:\/\/nurserynearme.com.au\/products\/elephant-s-ear-alocasia-lauterbachiana","provider":"Nursery Near Me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}