Elephant Ear Alocasia 'Calidora'

'Calidora' is a hybrid herbaceous perennial in the arum family (Araceae). It was bred by crossing Alocasia odora with Alocasia 'California.' The identity of A. 'California' is uncertain. It may be a cultivar of A. odora, or it may be a plant that was then known as A. gageana but is now known as Englerarum montanum. If A. 'California' is a cultivar of A. odora then A. 'Calidora' is also a cultivar of that species. If E. montanum was the parent, then 'Calidora' is an intergeneric hybrid. The hybrid was first made by Florida horticulturist LariAnn Garner.

'Calidora' or Calidora Upright Elephant Ear has very large, attractive, tropical-looking leaves. The plant will grow 5 to 9 feet tall in a vase-shaped habit. It has upright clusters of long stems and arrow-shaped, ribbed, bright green leaves that may become 6 feet long and 3 feet wide.

This plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight, fertile, moist, well-drained soil, warm temperatures, and high humidity. It thrives in temperatures between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and cold drafts and sudden temperature changes should be avoided. Fertilizing is recommended in the spring and summer months every 1 to 2 months. Hold the fertilizer and decrease watering the plant during the winter months. This plant is winter hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 12. Outdoor plants will need to overwinter indoors in hardiness zones less than 10. In the spring, propagate by division of offsets. Repotting is recommended every 2 to 3 years. 

'Calidora' would be an interesting tropical accent to your home or garden. Exercise caution when small children or pets are nearby.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Overwatering may cause root rot and leaf spots.

More information on Alocasia.