New Guinea Shield

New Guinea Shield (Alocasia wentii) is a glossy foliage plant that grows to about 1m tall and 1m wide. Its broad, heart-shaped leaves are deep green on top and metallic purple underneath, so the plant shows two colours as the leaves tilt. It is popular as a houseplant and a good understorey plant for shaded tropical gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Two-tone foliage. Glossy green above and metallic purple beneath, so every leaf shows a different face from each side of the room.
• A partner for bold pots. The dark leaves balance a brightly coloured pot, which turns a plain corner into a feature.
• Sized to suit indoors. With regular feeding and misting it keeps to manageable proportions inside, while in a shady tropical garden the leaves can grow enormous.
• Underplanting with presence. It fills the shade beneath taller tropical plants with bold, glossy leaves.

Where it works best

Houseplant. Use it in a bright room away from direct sun, in a pot with good drainage. A brightly coloured pot sets off the dark leaves, and the plant needs room for a spread of about 1m.

Underplanting in tropical gardens. In a shaded, humid bed it forms a bold ground layer beneath palms and larger shrubs. Plant 1m apart so the leaves just meet.

Shaded patios and courtyards. In a warm climate, a large pot in filtered light under cover works well, away from wind and cold air.

Growing New Guinea Shield in Australia

Position and climate. Choose a shaded, humid spot with plenty of filtered light or indirect sunlight, and keep the plant above 10C. Outdoors, that means frost free tropical and subtropical gardens. In cooler climates grow it indoors, and protect it from cold.

Soil. Free draining soil is essential. A mix of good quality compost and horticultural sand or perlite works well, and pots need good drainage holes.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 12 weeks or until the plant is established, then give regular light watering and a light spritz to lift humidity. Apply liquid fertiliser at half strength every four weeks. Foliage may die back in the cooler months when the plant goes dormant, so hold off feeding and heavy watering until new leaves appear.

Pruning. Remove old leaves for a quick tidy-up. Repot in spring only if the plant is rootbound, which is also the time to lift and pot up any young shoots. The sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell New Guinea Shield as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10, in 200mm pots in packs of 6 and in single 300mm pots. Tubes and small pots suit filling a garden bed, while the 300mm plants carry bigger leaves and look established indoors straight away. Plants travel upright, so unpack them promptly and keep them out of direct sun while they settle.

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

• See all elephant ears and alocasias
• How to choose and grow elephant ears in Australia
• Growing tropical foliage at home
• More tropical plants for shaded beds

Common questions

Is New Guinea Shield toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Like all alocasias it contains calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and skin if the leaves are chewed. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children.

Why are the leaves dying back in winter?

Cooler months send the plant dormant, and the foliage may die back. Stop feeding, water only lightly, keep it above 10C and expect new leaves when the weather warms.

How much light does it need?

Bright, filtered or indirect light. A spot near a window with a sheer curtain suits it, and direct sun will scorch the glossy leaves.