Introduce a touch of tropical grandeur to your garden with the Alocasia 'Portora' Ruffled Upright Elephant Ear. A tuberous perennial of distinct character, this plant is celebrated for its massive, erect leaves that stretch towards the sky. Its olive-green foliage, adorned with intriguing ruffles and dark purple veins, is held aloft by sturdy dusty purple stems, creating an impressive architectural display.
While Alocasia 'Portora' Ruffled, also known as the ruffled upright elephant's ear, blooms rarely, its tiny summer flowers provide a delightful feast for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its rapid growth rate and upright habit make it an eye-catching focal point or a picturesque screen in your garden. It can also serve as a lush backdrop for vibrant flowers in beds and borders.
This tropical marvel thrives in large containers, both indoors and outdoors, although it may not reach its full growth potential when potted. It's an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of the tropics to their pond margins or water gardens.
Despite its exotic appeal, the elephant ear is relatively easy to maintain. It thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity, preferring sunny to partially shaded spots with organically rich, moist, well-draining soil. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, from clay to loam and sandy soils, and even standing water. However, dry soil conditions are not ideal for this plant. Regular fertilization during the growing season and a little afternoon shade will keep it in top shape. To overwinter, simply lift the tubers after the first frost, clean, dry, and store them in a cool, dry location.
