The Secret to Growing Alocasia | The Barefooted Gardener

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Whether you have a small, highly variegated Alocasia, a big green leaf form, stay tuned to learn about the best way to grow Alocasia, upright elephant ears! They grow well in containers also, but not as well as in the garden. Keep them in a brightly lit room overwinter as a houseplant. Be sure to join the Barefoot Nation & subscribe! (And hit the bell...)

[@luztobar6594]

Love your plants there are beautiful, I like how you explain everything on your video. Good look. Keep the good work beautiful yard.

[@lorenapincheira4565]

BEAUTIFULL...✨

[@meganpahl3612]

FRO THE BULB, I HAVE FOUND THAT IF I POT IT WHERE ONLY THE TIP OF THE BULB IS EXPOSED, THEY ROOT MUCH FASTER. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLANT AND ALWAYS WISH I HAD MORE. I MUST WARN EVERYONE THOUGH THAT IF YOUR PLANT DROOPS, WITH THIS PLANT, IT DOES NOT MEAN IT NEEDS A DRINK LIKE THER PLANTS. THIS MEANS IT IS TOO WET

[@emmanuelcharlot1695]

I live in London and I grow an alocasia indoors all year round in full sun exposure. Beautiful even in winter when dormant. Such a good plant!

[@Omgiamsotriggered]

How come it doesnt get scorched leaves in full sun? Mine does even if left at sun 3-4 hours 😢

[@RealBradMiller]

About 15 years ago a friend was moving and gave me what I didn't know at the time as an Alocasia. It had three long stems and tiny little leaves. It now had it's own 24 inch pot and is currently going dormant in my north facing window. It also supports a HUMONGOUS amount of springtails.

[@plantp0wered]

I appreciate your energy, vibe and this tutorial, respect!

[@amandaflannery6526]

Stunning, great job!!! I just planted a bulb in an indoor container, searching for care tips now. I am totally going back for more bulbs for my yard this year. LOVE the look! Thank you!!!

[@tw866]

We just got colocasia corms that we bought online from a nursery in South Carolina.We plan to plant them out tomorrow. And we do also have an alocasia growing now. It's about 6 ft tall and is sending up new leaves from the center. I overdid it on the order - 16 corms in various sizes, but we have a large back garden so I'm sure I'll find a spot for each of them. We're in sub-tropical zone 11 so we won't need to lift them. Thanks for your clear guidance in the video. esp about shade vs full sun. It's very encouraging!

[@cngwt3979]

I live in Borneo and the Alocasia Borneo King here all grow like weeds. You can see them anywhere. I took 1 cutting from a random plot of land and I cant wait to see her grow 😄

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

That’s amazing!! I’m sure it’ll thrive for you!

[@christinasnell8928]

I appreciate that you share your knowledge and experience!!!

[@raff6636]

watching my two colocasias in my room surviving the winter with my heater same as me both putting out fat new leaves at the same time such a cool family of plants they bring be so much joy

[@kennyjackson1707]

Thank you so much for talking about how you care for your plants in the winter months. I live in an area that can get in the 20’s at night during the winter so winter care is a big part of the equation.

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Hey Kenny, Of course! The video wouldn’t be complete without winter care!

[@Major-xm9bh]

Hello, sounds like Michigan 😊

[@danielleaurora9828]

I subscribed and thank you for the information, I really appreciate it! I have an African Mask (Alocasia Polly or Amazonica) & recently I dropped $40 bucks on an Yucatán Princess Alocasia (both are thriving) and the latter, is because I had folks like you to turn to for plant tips. A tremendous Thank you. My Alocasia Yucatan is even sprouting new leaves and has a well developed bulb only two weeks after buying her. She’ll stay in doors 💜💜💜🥰😎

[@franktse8521]

Nice that you showed different age and types of Alocasia. Gave me a good idea where to put my three Alocasia bulbs. Thanks.

[@ryanlatterell2079]

Youve got some beautiful ones! Ive got an indoor as i live in Vermont. But NOW that its almost 3 years old and is more mature, and 4.5 feet tall, im gunna give it some outdoor time this summer. Give her a good JUMP in height! Subscribed!

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Sounds good! I’m sure it’ll work well for you. Thanks for the sub!

[@tinacarpenter746]

I LOVE your little pond/ water feature!! Its beautiful!!

[@jackd.ripper3139]

thank u , hon. ur vids r so informative!!GOD bless u and ur beautiful garden!!!!

[@davidmcbrayer4461]

You are awesome. Alot of knowledge in your head. Thanks for being so detailed.

[@TheDoorspook11c]

Big thumbs up. Really enjoyed the helpful advice and information. Trying to save two girls in my yard and was split on whether to repot or plant near my raised beds out back for some shade. Outdoors it is! Thanks again! Also subbed, love the effervescent yard, it's almost tropical!

[@cedric25ryan85]

Hi ! Alocasia is my favorite plant. Good video you did there 👍

[@jenniferadkins8020]

I love these plants an I have tons of them planted in my yard an in containers around house they are Beautiful

[@greatgardensforall]

Love it. Have been growing colocasia and Have to try alocasias now!

[@christian_jackson]

I just got my first alocasia yesterday and I was confused on how to water it, but your video helped a ton! Just moist soil 🤞🏾

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Hi Christian, That’s correct. Make sure it is outside for the summer for these guidelines to work. Indoors, they need to be kept drier.

[@yvonnedrysdale6023]

Loved the video. I live in the tropics and I have just started my garden from scratch and on a shoe string. I plucked some alocacia, calocacia (big leaves and flop around, not the tight bunches poitning up) straight from the jungle. Oh yes, I waded in there in my flip flop sandles risking being grabbed by Boa constrictors. It was worthnit though. The plants are now in my garden and, within a weekmof haaving them, they are sprouting babies. Yayyyye. We are going into winter,mour riany season, now, so it rains almost nightly. This makes everything double in size and saves me using precious water to water my plants and the hard work of bringing water to the plants, too. Please lorr videos. Lovely and useful

[@MsDragonfire1992]

I have a alocasia Wentii which I'm praying I can keep alive. As I live in the UK I have to keep it indoors. I mist it under the leaves 3x a day for humidity and water it when the top 2 inches of soil are dry and keep it in part shade near a north West window so because it's in part shade I put on an ultra violet light for it at night

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Sounds like you are doing a good job caring for your alocasia! Have you tried a big pebble tray or maybe a nearby fish tank for added humidity? Plus then the water from water changes will be great for the plants.

[@SM-bo3pc]

I bought 2 huge bulbs and need to get them in - would prefer an already grown plant but 💰 have always loved elephant ears - thanks for the video- you have the nicest yard of all the ones I’ve watched

[@irisponcedeleon2239]

You rock! I love those/all plants! My EEs are 2yrs old this summer & the bulb has split 3x's and they're gigantic in size 😳 I hope they become super Huge & beyond Fabulous 😂

[@franktse8521]

Loved the plants. So lush.

[@freddieivory625]

Just bought 2 bulbs about to plant them. Thank you for the info.

[@Npendleton123]

Thanks for the help I love elephant ears!!!

[@dean3229]

Beautiful garden. Very inspiring.

[@MiscellaneousMichelle]

Such a beautiful Alocasia

[@aridon1981]

Nice video! This year I am adding more varieties of Elephant ears in my garden. Can't wait to see how they will turn out!

[@projecktchaos]

Amazing plants, great info thanks

[@imogenestevens5978]

Like your comments on the elephant ear very helpful, thank you.

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

You’re welcome!

[@sarinajohnson1442]

Holy moley, this is a vid busting with info. Well done! Your plants are loving life. I was searching for the species name of one of my plants and came across it in this vid. Thanks so much!

[@singingprophet]

I enjoyed the video. I am growing a Giant Taro that I absolutely love. I keep it in the house. Its not too close to a window nor getting as much light, but it seems to enjoy it.

[@BillyReichard]

Totally enjoyed this video. I received a bulb a few months back and it's starting to emerge. Nice and informative

[@leahsandow9300]

I had never heard of a Colocasia before this video, very informative, thanks!

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

You’re welcome!

[@nirmalyounas6585]

Beautiful plants

[@mraymoreno]

I watched too many videos, now I have elephant ear fever! Thanks for the tip of Brian’s Botanicals! I have purchased an Odora, Jack’s Giant, Regal Shield, Serendipity, Coffee Cup, Borneo King, and a Red Banana. I have learned so much from your videos, thanks again!

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

You’re welcome! Tropicals are such enjoyable plants to grow! I grew 17 varieties of just elephant ears at one point. (A bunch didn’t make it through dormancy 🙁) Sounds like a great start to your collection!

[@lindagray7906]

@@TheBarefootedGardener Hi, Love the plant. My 1st year going Elephant Ear plants. Would like to expand with other types of big beautiful plants. Do you still have the link or address for Brian's Botanicals.?

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Hi Linda, You will love growing them! If you live in a zone colder than zone 8, I’d recommend waiting until spring to grow them in the ground. They will be happy in a larger pot for the rest of the season though! Another great tropical looking plant is Musa basjoo, hardy banana. They like a lot of sun. Here’s the link to Brian’s Botanicals: www.briansbotanicals.net/index.html

[@Steph722NY]

Thank you, this actually helped me with my colocasia. I may consider watering it more or planting it in my turtle tank.

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Just be mindful that turtles will almost certainly eat & rip them up.

[@ShyDog827]

I’m a new alocasia / calocasia devotee. I bought one large alocasia last year on a whim because of its cool coloration and placed it at my front door. It took the heat and morning sun of summer effortlessly. So I bought 2 more for my patio: alocasia Metalhead and Colocasia Illustris.

[@TramAiKhanh]

Your alocasia plants are so beautiful 🙂 My husband used to grow elephant ear plants in a 10x10 ft pond that is used to filter the water / waste from an adjacent koi pond , and they literally took over the pond 🙃 He eventually had to take the plants out, because the roots were so massive that they plugged up the filter system. LOL.

[@lindawatson6676]

6 t

[@TropikalnieIJestFajnie]

beautiful plants, amazing alocasia!🌴🌵🪴👍😉☀️

[@dannettesavas3269]

Purchased a small allocation and I potted it outside brought it in for the winter put it back outside brought it in for the winter and that’s when it grew to 8 feet tall in my bedroom I chopped it, put it in water, but it didn’t really do anything it was kind of dying off, so I threw it out in the yard And I saw it out there for about two weeks and I finally just couldn’t stand it. I put it in a pot outside stayed out there all winter and the following summer it was 4 feet tall now I’ve moved into a loft with 12 foot ceilings and it’s working it’s way up thereand 12 foot windows so it’s a happy

[@baptistunion20]

Just bought my first 2!! Plan to put them in the bedroom but will start them off on my patio!

[@everydaylifestyle9258]

Woow ma Sha ALLAH Very beautiful plants 🌿 Thanks for sharing 👍🌿🌱🌷

[@jerryakamuadams6399]

beautiful garden and pond. one day when i have my own house i want to have a koi pond like that as the center piece of my backyard with beautiful Alocasia ornaments growing around it. Also maybe a separate pond with tilapia for an aquaponics system to grow taro for consumption (along with the tilapia).

[@RuthiesSucculentObsession]

I absolutely love the intro with the fountain. This video was so helpful and informative. I recently found some Variegated 🐘 ears and they are stunning. I am in zine 10a and want to plant one in ground and one indoors. I'm hoping that they thrive because they are so beautiful. I'm actually giving one away on my page next week. Thanks for sharing this great information. I have subscribed since this was so helpful😊👍.

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Thanks Ruthie! Variegated elephant ears are beautiful! Just give the elephant ears compost rich soil and regular watering. I’m glad you got value; thanks for the sub!

[@evabenmark2924]

Enjoyed your video and beautiful garden!

[@Uptown_Xotix]

Great plants!!! I grow more indoor than outdoor plants!! My first two Alocasia (Frydek and Black Velvet) should be arriving tomorrow. Next year, I might look into growing some outdoors!! Thanks for the vid and tips.

[@Smokey-mt6ye]

good for you kid! your parents must be proud. keep up the excellent videos!!!

[@djssquibbs3295]

I love them!! I just have one that I've collected from around here or that were given to me. Saludos desde Costa Rica! 😁

[@cindybellwood110]

My alocasia odora didn't sleep the 1st year. They were huge in a 18 inch pot. I put them in the dark cool basement every fall and don't water them or give them any sun until Spring. They rarely even loose a leaf.

[@blessedhummingbird4]

Your garden is amazing!

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Thank you!

[@patricethomas5368]

Growing my first, brought it from Lowe’s and it’s beautiful

[@brytan6342]

This is what I need . Comprehensive.Periodt

[@francesnadua8119]

i know its been 2 years but i just recently discovered I love the giant kind of alocasia and i have just got one from a neighbor... i live in the philippines by the way and ur video is the most helpful i find. I'd like to know more about the diff kinds of alocasia, the giant variety as its kind of trending right now in the philippines but at the same time i think they'r beautiful!!

[@gardeningjunkie2267]

You have a beautiful yard. I found your channel because I'm looking for some more tropical inspiration. I always used fertilizer on my blooming plants, but now I recently started using fertilizer on everything else like my elephant ears . They were already in a very rich soil and they're shooting up like crazy.

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Thank you! I’ll do my best to provide some inspiration! Just be sure that you don’t give them a lot of fertilizer as the weather gets colder.

[@scarletlee8346]

😍😍😍😍 beautiful garden--Love nature😍

[@ayusavitri57]

I loveeeeeeee Alocasia!! I collect them all bigger and jewels too

[@denisemiller4465]

I have a ton of different types elephant ears I’m in zone 5-6 .... I just purchased a head size mammoth bulb ..... your video was informative thank you I

[@VluggeJapie22]

I have an Alocasia California(that's what they're called here in Europe). It is about 3 ft tall and has leafs about a foot in length. It's a love story waiting to be in a book or a film.

[@carlacourtois5905]

Love it , I also add elemental sulfer after they dry

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Hi Carla, Interesting. Why is that?

[@wesleyhackney]

Just found your channel and it was very educational. I’ve been growing elephants for a few years but not studied them this closely so have a lot to learn. I just moved to Pensacola Florida from North Carolina so hope I’m in a better spot to grow these beautiful plants

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Thanks Wesley! Yeah, Florida is a great spot to grow Elephant ears and a whole lot of other plants! Nature is awesome, you’ll learn a lot if you pay attention.

[@lindawatson6676]

Cfg

[@JazzyJzzJ]

I’m growing alocasia “dark star” and she’s beautiful!

[@JJSon-co1fn]

I ordered some but they never came. I was so disappointed ☹️

[@gordonissocoollike]

Yes great video. 🎉

[@thebside9495]

awesome video. I'm about to start growing one.

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Thanks Vasko, let me know if you have further questions about it.

[@pldthomecompuesto5665]

You have a very beautiful garden

[@micholitzia5726]

Didn't know thailand giant is a cross with alocasia. Thanks for the video!

[@sampsellmark]

very nice thanks for sharing 👍

[@joelmolina3647]

Beautiful video, keep Up the good work

[@clarkriccobuono3903]

Your very knowledgeable. I bought bulbs ( alocasia ) I bought one Colocasia. I have in pots so I can move into greenhouse during winter.

[@DrLauraRPalmer]

Beautiful!!

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Thanks DiamondDizza!

[@Theprissyhen229]

Well, you just helped me to understand why mine's not growing. I have it next to an elephant and I water it daily or every other day. I'll move it tomorrow. :)

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Glad to help:)

[@redgriffen]

I used water from my fish tank and mine grew to the 2nd floor balcony. Keep the videos coming.

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

That’s amazing!! Will do!

[@piotree53]

Thanks for the information. I had some wrong info about the alocasia.

[@sandysandy8751]

That’s informative thank you

[@pcrana1]

Appreciate the info in this video, you've earned a subscriber sir. Quick question, how long can they grow in pots? I have an alocasia macrorrhizo at the moment and I am trying to figure out the best care for it (I live in a 5a zone). Thank you!

[@TubeYouTakashi]

Guy, This is fantastic garden, I just start leaning Toropical garden and your is so impressive.

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Thanks so much!

[@claritamamaril858]

YES! I LOVE YOUR VIDEO SO I AM YOUR NEW SUBSCRIBER MORE POWER AND GOD BLESS

[@MyPlantWorld]

Nice information 👌👍😍💚

[@timmills7640]

Love the vid would like to hear more about the zones people are in, I’m in San Diego and have both colo and alo

[@ABTCdirector]

this was great! I have the bulb and live in West Hollywood, CA - with a lot of direct sun. hoping to enjoy a few big leaves. I don't have access to the ground so I have to plant in big pots.

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Thanks Grant! It should grow well for you, maybe try Borneo king, which likes sun & a lot of compost. A shade sail or something of the sort may be a good idea too.

[@ninja2010x]

I live in Miami, my Alocasia grow nonstop, and are getting HUGE....in about 7 months most have tripled in size....

[@thecreativexpro]

What’s your setup ? I would love a few along my gate but I wonder if it’s too much direct sun

[@davisonthomas4697]

I am in Miami too, do you have it in full sun.

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Alocasia will grow in full sun, for the most part, but the stems will be more compact. In the subtropics or tropics they can grow in wetter spots, but ideally a wetland filter of a koi pond, if they don’t go dormant.

[@williammoore2982]

Western Carolina University has Alocasia that come back every year, but I believe they are in a micro climate. Your garden is excellent.

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

That would make sense. Thanks William!

[@20fer88]

I just got one of these plants from my trip to México. At first I had it in a pot with water, no drainage, and it started to rot. Transplanted it to another pot with drainage and hopefully it will grow.

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Hi Fernando, I’d pull it out of the pot and assess the damage. Cut off what is mushy; then keep it barely moist until you see leaves. Buenas suerte!

[@FernandoRN]

@@TheBarefootedGardener I transplanted it to a bigger pot and it has grown a little. It has two new leaves. I am happy it is surviving the Texas weather.

[@dannielle2654]

I have both alocasia and colocasia I love them both I'm in zone 6b and mine are not that big..if had them since may so not even a year yet

[@srad4d]

Nice informative video. I love Alocasia and have borneo king just this year. You can tell the difference as my borneo giants have all gone dormant in the bathroom window but my Borneo king in the kitchen window still has leaves. I am in the south west of the UK so equivalent zone is say 7 to 8 but very much wetter. From my experience, Alocasia cucullata is the best candidate for growing in water just like Colocasia, it loves it and does not rot. Alocasia wentti too will sit in water happily and has red undersides indicative of shade loving plants. Similarly will lauterbachiana though not too wet so big pot in shallow water dish, too little water and the leaves lose condition rapidly in summer warmth. One of my best is Alocasia sarian with lovely arrow leaves and dark stems they like to be moist not wet and like shade as opposed to sun. I can't grow zebrina though it seems to hate any sun at all and very difficult to get the moisture levels correct for it I have found. I also have the normal and dark stem macrorrhizos, the dark stem very much less hardy (is in the bathroom window) than the green one (still out in the garden) which will take low 30'sF and I have odora the hardiest which is fine in the coldest weather and only brought inside if there is freezing weather

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Cool! You’ve definitely got some experience with growing Alocasia! I bought a bulb I thought was odora, it turned out to be a Xanthosoma, and didn’t make it. Very cool about A. culcullata and the Alocasia that enjoy wet conditions! Calidora is one of my favorites. My friend said there are palms growing in London- that’s cool! It definitely has a nice climate! I haven’t tried Zebrina/ amazonica but ‘Black Stem’ or ‘Dark Star’ is intriguing. Thanks for your comment!

[@melaniegooch3543]

Thank you for a great video. We live in the uk and grow a few varieties of Alocacia indoors. I’m going to start a new Potodora over winter in the green house (not heated but have insulated it) wrapped up with fleece like my banana. It may go in my studio window cil north facing. I will then pot up in the early summer as soon as I can under some shade, pergola with a grape vine. Any helpful hints are appreciated. Keep up the great videos. Melanie

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Hi Melanie, You’re welcome! That should be a great place for your new Portodora. When it’s cool outside/ in the unheated greenhouse, just make sure they’re kept dry, or the bulbs will rot. Indoors, Alocasia also need less water; let the top inch or two of soil dry out before watering. With less light, they need less water. But when you do water, it should be a good soak. Thanks again! Will do.

[@Sarah-iz2nt]

Great video! I grow an alocasia in my bog filter and so far so good! It started as a bulb and has produced foliage in 3 groups. I plan on relocating them indoors for the winter. Can those be separated in spring, when I put them back out? I do not have any idea what type I have, except it’s most like your large dark green ones in the beginning of the video. The bulb was about the size of a football.

[@jenniferharding8186]

Hi I'm from Barbados n that video is so kool n garden so beautiful like rain forest 💯💯💯💯💯

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Hi Jennifer, Thank you! That’s quite the compliment coming from Barbados!

[@jenniferharding8186]

@@TheBarefootedGardener hi thks 4 replying I'm happy to know that u r so young n have a beautiful green thumb n i luv that you also have lots of great ideas n creations

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Thanks Jennifer!

[@uzairlaghari]

Lovely plant

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

It is!

[@linm5645]

Thnx a ton for tips I have been trying to grow them but they’re the size of a tiny fraction of a miniature baby elephant’s ear!! Maybe the soil n light ! I’ll move them to a better place n hope to see the giant size I’m hoping for!

[@thefishylife6823]

I'm a palm guy ...but I just ordered a portora and thought I'd give it a shot.... I like the look of the leaves pointing upward!! Any tips would be great! Awesome channel bro I'm glad I found it

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Make sure if you live north of zone 7b, to move the plant indoors for the winter, and keep them drier. All elephant ears enjoy compost rich soil. Be aware of mosaic virus infected plants. Palms are awesome too!

[@ashfaq2004]

I have had calidora for 4yrs in zone 6, last year it reached 7ft in height in a pot. This year it has develped stem looking root, but leaves weren't that tall. This is my first year for Thailand Gaint and Borneo king.

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

That’s awesome! Calidora is definitely one of my favorite varieties! Once that corm gets tall enough, in spring, you can chop off the first 5” with the stem, and lay the long piece sideways if you want to get a bunch of extra plants. The end with the plant is planted as normal. Thailand Giant really needs full sun up north and Borneo King will appreciate half a day or more of sun. Happy gardening!

[@ashfaq2004]

i'll try chopping the root stem in calidora next season and also plant Thai giant is sunnier spot next year.. Thanks for your help

[@northeasthardytropicals541]

Look at the size of those! Nice video

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Thank you!

[@shonaroan5065]

dream jungle garden....your steam is super... pls do a tour of your entire garden

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Hi Shona, I always do one at 5e end of the season, here’s the one from 2019! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4XUmZqjmLCUhKc kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIKbZYh9bZeSra8

[@itsjourdon]

Awesome video! Thank you :) subscribed!

[@pawool]

This is great information thank you! I'm in subtropical Australia and looking to get some of these. It would be awesome if you were able to also provide metric as well as the imperial versions of temperature and size.

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

Hey Paul, Thanks! I’ll see what I can do about metric.