‘Stingray’ is the elephant’s ear to acquire if you’re after one-of-a-kind foliage. Like all Alocasia, the leaves of ‘Stingray’ point upward and outward, which show off their ribbed, leathery, emerald green surface. The whiptail conclusion of their inward-curving edges earns ‘Stingray’ its name, as this shape resembles the marine animal. ‘Stingray’ unfurls new leaves quickly as long as it’s given ample moisture and sun. I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find a new leaf shooting up from a specimen after spending a weekend away from home. If you plant ‘Stingray’, be prepared to field inquiries from every visitor to your garden regarding what the heck that plant could possibly be. —Adrienne Roethling, “Elephant’s Ears,” Fine Gardening #148, page 61
Noteworthy CharacteristicsUnique foliage shape
CareLikes moist but well-drained soil of moderate fertility in partial shade. Indoors, grow in filtered light. Provide high humidity, ample water, and fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season. Cut back on water in the winter.
PropagationAs soon as the seed is ripe, sow at 73°F. Divide the rhizomes, separate offsets, or root stem cuttings in spring or summer.
- Genus : Alocasia
- Zones : 10, 11, 9
- Growth Rate : Fast
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Foliage Color : Green
- Maintenance : Low
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Plant Type : Perennials
- Characteristics : Showy Foliage