Portodora Elephant Ear - Alocasia odora X A. portei hybrid - 2.5L / 17cm / Medium
$20.00For the uninitiated, this is not an Alocasia like you see roadside. This hybrid variety is enormous when grown in ideal conditions indoors or out. Alocasia Portodora, also known as the Elephant Ear plant, is beloved for its majestic, wavy-edged leaves that add a tropical flair to any space. With proper care, this stunning plant can thrive indoors or outdoors, even through its dormancy in cooler months. They reach up to 4m tall with metre-wide leaves and are a real feature plant in a bright room.
1. Lighting
- Indoors: Bright, indirect light is essential. Place your Alocasia Portodora near an east or west-facing window for the best results. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn its delicate leaves.
- Outdoors: Grows best in partial shade or filtered sunlight. Ensure it is protected from harsh midday sun.
2. Watering
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Growing Season (Spring to Early Autumn):
- Water thoroughly and consistently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Alocasia Portodora loves moist but not waterlogged soil.
- Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot.
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Dormant Season (Late Autumn to Winter):
- Water less frequently as growth slows down. Let the soil dry out more between waterings to avoid overwatering during dormancy.
3. Humidity and Temperature
- Thrives in high humidity levels (60%+). If indoors, increase humidity with a humidifier, regular misting, or a pebble tray with water.
- Keep temperatures between 65°F–85°F (18°C–29°C). Avoid temperatures below 55°F (13°C), as Alocasia Portodora is sensitive to cold and drafts.
4. Fertilizer
- Feed during the growing season every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
- Stop fertilizing during dormancy to prevent root stress.
5. Dormancy Notes
In cooler months, Alocasia Portodora enters dormancy, especially in areas with lower light or temperatures:
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Recognizing Dormancy:
- Growth slows, and some leaves may yellow or die back. This is a natural process, not a sign of plant death.
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Caring During Dormancy:
- Reduce watering significantly but do not let the soil completely dry out.
- Stop fertilizing and avoid repotting.
- Keep the plant in a warm spot with bright, indirect light, even if it’s not actively growing.
6. Reviving in Spring
As temperatures rise and days grow longer, Alocasia Portodora will come out of dormancy. Here's how to help it thrive:
- Gradually increase watering as new growth appears.
- Begin fertilizing again with a diluted liquid fertilizer to support the plant’s recovery and growth.
- If necessary, repot into fresh, nutrient-rich soil in late spring or early summer.
Additional Care Tips
- Regularly clean the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and promote healthy photosynthesis.
- Watch for common pests such as spider mites and mealybugs, particularly in low-humidity environments.
- If grown outdoors, bring the plant indoors before temperatures drop below 55°F (13°C).
With proper care and attention to its seasonal dormancy, your Alocasia Portodora will reward you with dramatic, lush foliage, making it a stunning centerpiece in your home or garden
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets and people.
Plant Size Guide
The plant in the photos is an example and an approximate guide only however we try to show an average sized example. Sizes, flowering state and colours change throughout the seasons and variation will occur. In summer & autumn, plants are often larger or the same size as than the example picture but around winter and spring, they can be a little smaller but still at a size similar to the example. We aim to update the pictures to reflect significant differences.
Plant Heights - because the plant's foliage must fit inside our Plant Cartons, the actual height of a plant's central trunk (meristem) will be shorter than the box it fits in.
Small Plants - 14cm wide nursery pot - 1 Litre volume - Plants fit in a 50cm tall box.
Medium Plants - 17cm wide pots either 2L hanging pot or 2.5L nursery pot - Plants fit in a 75cm tall box.
Large Plants - 25cm wide pot, 10L volume. Plants fit in a 100cm tall box.
XL Plants - Plants over 100cm tall in pot sizes specified, 25cm/10L or greater and are hand delivered within Auckland/Northland only.
Dispatch Times
Plant courier orders are processed Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday.
North Island orders are targeted overnight delivery, South Island orders are sent on a 2-day target but these are not a guaranteed delivery timeframe.
Add 1 extra day after a public holiday as well as for rural addresses or remote towns.
Monday - We send orders placed on previous Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.
Tuesday - We send Weekend orders from previous Saturday & Sunday.
Wednesday - We send orders placed from Monday & Tuesday.
XL Plants are delivered only within urban Auckland & Whangarei and this service is for non-urgent orders. This excludes satellite destinations such as Beachlands, Pukekohe, Piha, Helensville etc and Whangarei Heads. We may deliver at any time Sunday, Monday, Wednesday or Thursday in Auckland and you need to have a sheltered accessible position for us to deliver to.
Plants in Transit
Each Small, Medium & Large plant is individually contained within its own protective cardboard Plant Carton which may be joined to other cartons in your order.
Plants typically take just a day or two to arrive, however they are usually fine in their cartons for 1-2 weeks, and many can go longer, so a few extra days are not usually cause for concern.
Whether it takes 1 or 7 days, let your plant recover from its journey by placing in gentle light and adding a little water and it will be back to its best within a couple of days. Let us know if there are any major issues via the contact page.
