Alocasia 'Portora' Ruffled Upright Elephant Ear Bulb

Plant Alocasia 'Portora' Ruffled Upright Elephant Ear in late spring, and in summer, it produces bold architectural foliage. A tuberous tender perennial, Alocasia 'Portora' Ruffled is grown for its enormous erect leaves that point skyward. Borne atop strong dusty purple stems, the arrow-shaped olive-green leaves have attractive ruffles and dark purple veining. The plant rarely blooms, but when it does, it blooms in summer, and although the creamy white flowers are insignificant, they provide bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with a tasty treat.

An Alocasia esculenta, commonly called ruffled upright elephant's ear, Alocasia 'Portora' Ruffled has an upright habit and rapid growth rate. The large tropical leaves create a striking focal point, screen, or a beautiful backdrop for colorful flowers in beds and borders. The plant grows well in a large container, outdoors or indoors as a houseplant, but will not reach its full-size potential. It's a perfect choice to grow as a pond marginal or as an emergent water garden plant.

Virtually maintenance free, elephant ear grows best in warm temperatures and high humidity. The plant prefers a sunny to partially shady location with organically rich, moist, well-draining soil. Elephant ear tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils and standing water, but it will suffer in dry soil. The plant benefits from afternoon shade and from regular fertilization during the growing season. After the first fall frost, dig and lift tubers, shake off loose soil, dry and store in cool, dry location for winter.