How To Propagate Alocasia – Tips On Alocasia Plant Propagation


Alocasia, also called elephant’s ear, is a prolific and striking plant hardy in USDA zones 8b through 11. It requires very little maintenance once it gets going and it can grow to impressive size, making it ideal for an attention-grabbing spot in the garden or a pot. How do you go about propagating alocasia plants? Keep reading to learn more about alocasia propagation methods and how to propagate alocasia.
How to Propagate Alocasia Plants
Alocasia grows from rhizomes in the ground, and the best method of alocasia plant propagation involves splitting up these rhizomes. Propagation of alocasia should be done in spring or early summer, when the plant is just coming out of dormancy from the winter. With a shovel, carefully dig around the plant and lift it out of the ground. Dig at least 12 inches (31 cm.) around the plant to avoid damaging the roots or the rhizomes themselves. Gently lift the plant out of the soil-- there should be many long tubers just underneath the ground (those growing in containers can be gently pushed from the plant). Brush the soil away and carefully divide the tubers-- each of these will grow into a new plant of its own.
Tips on Alocasia Plant Propagation
The next step in alocasia plant propagation is to plant the rhizomes in a new spot. Choose somewhere that has rich, damp, loamy soil and receives partial shade. Don’t plant them any closer than 36 inches (91 cm.) away from each other. Dig a hole just deep enough that the tuber can be placed in it at the depth it was before. Give the new plant plenty of water, and before long you should start seeing new growth. If you’re propagating alocasia plants in containers, make sure to keep them somewhere warm and humid and to give them plenty of water.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes."

The only child of a horticulturist and an English teacher, Liz Baessler was destined to become a gardening editor. She has been with Gardening Know how since 2015, and a Senior Editor since 2020. She holds a BA in English from Brandeis University and an MA in English from the University of Geneva, Switzerland. After years of gardening in containers and community garden plots, she finally has a backyard of her own, which she is systematically filling with vegetables and flowers.
-
Pantone’s Color Of The Year 2024 Is A Gardener’s Dream – Discover 7 Flowers That Are ‘Peach Fuzz’ Perfection
The global authority on color has spoken, and 'Peach Fuzz' is the shade we'll all be seeking out in the coming year. Find out why this gorgeous pinky orange deserves a place in your garden, and be inspired by our top flower picks
By Melanie Griffiths Published
-
15 Garden Trends To Avoid in 2024: Experts Warn Against These Outdated Designs
Garden trends come and go. We asked gardening experts to share the outdated trends that should be retired – and what you can do instead.
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
-
Feeding Alocasias: Tips On Fertilizing Alocasia Plants
Regardless of how you grow them, fertilizing alocasia plants is essential to their healthy growth. You can learn about alocasia plant feeding and when to fertilize alocasia in the article that follows. Simply click here for more information.
By Liz Baessler Last updated
-
Seed Pods On Elephant Ear Plants: Do Alocasia Elephant Ears Have Seeds
Do Alocasia elephant ears have seeds? They do, but elephant ear flower seeds are only viable a short time, so if you want to plant them, harvest the pods and use them as soon as possible. This article will help with what to do.
By Bonnie L. Grant Last updated
-
Growing Kris Plant Alocasia: Information About Alocasia Indoor Planting
If you're an indoor plant enthusiast and looking for a unique addition to your collection of houseplants, then Alocasia may be the ideal plant for you. Learn more about Alocasia in this article.
By Jackie Rhoades Last updated