Alocasia Cucullata.
It belongs to the Araceae family and its scientific name is Alocasia Cucullata. Its common name is elephant ear.
It comes from three continents Asia, Oceania and South America. It’s a plant that, as its common name indicates, belongs to a group of plants that has large leaves similar to the ears of an elephant.
The plant doesn’t have a single stem, rather each leaf hangs from a long stem or petiole whose leaf in turn is born from the rhizome or terrestrial bulb. It doesn’t reach more than a meter and a half in height.
The leaves have a characteristic heart-shaped shape with the tip somewhat sharp and directed upwards, showing its dark green underside.
The plant must be in an environment with indirect sunlight, that is, direct exposure to sunlight burns its leaves, so it needs indirect radiant light, with some humidity in its substrate while being careful to not flood its soil.
My plants are still very small, but I have obtained several of them each time they reproduce.
From time to time it is nice to spray its leaves with a water spray, so that the plant conserves the freshness of its leaves.
Due to the beauty of its leaves, it’s a very ornamental plant to be kept inside well-lit houses to maintain optimal conditions for its development.
It grows in almost all types of substrate with organic compost and good drainage. It’s very easy for beginners to grow because of how undemanding it is. If the substrate is fertilized twice a year, the plant supports it and responds well. It does not require pruning, just cut its yellowish leaves. By keeping the environment and the soil in a favorable condition, we free ourselves from pests.
The flowers grow between its leaves. They have a spathe and a petiole, the flower is white, but not really eye catching since their leaves are what gets the most attention.
I remember this plant! I often mistake it for the edible leaves cooked as a vegetable dish here