Elephant's ear (Alocasia 'Metalhead')

Overview

Alocasia ‘Metalhead’, a magnificent cultivar often referred to as Elephant’s ear, captivates gardeners with its bold, structural foliage. This plant features large, heart-shaped leaves that emerge deep purple before developing a glossy, iridescent sheen as they mature. It offers significant vertical interest, making it an excellent statement piece in tropical or contemporary landscape designs.

As a tuberous, herbaceous perennial from the Araceae family, Alocasia ‘Metalhead’ thrives in warmth and humidity. It requires medium maintenance but rewards diligent care with upright growth reaching heights of up to four feet in a single season. This striking Elephant’s ear bridges the gap between dramatic tropical color and durable structure in the garden or indoors.

Prized primarily for its ornamental leaves rather than its inconspicuous flowers, Alocasia ‘Metalhead’ brings a lush, exotic texture to shaded garden corners. Understanding its specific needs regarding soil moisture and winter protection is key to successfully growing this beautiful Alocasia cultivar year after year.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Araceae
• Plant Type: Bulb
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 3-4 ft
  • Spread: 2-3 ft
• Bloom Time: Flowers not showy
• Bloom Description: Flowers not showy
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For optimum performance, plant Alocasia ‘Metalhead’ in locations protected from harsh, whipping winds, using moist, organically rich soils. The ideal light exposure ranges from full sun to bright, filtered part shade. Tuberous varieties can be planted directly into the garden in late spring, once all danger of frost has passed.

Consistent cultural care ensures the best leaf display from your Alocasia ‘Metalhead’. Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy, especially during the active growing season. Supplement watering with regular feeding to support the production of those large, showy leaves.

In regions outside of USDA Zones 9-11, this plant must be treated as an annual or overwintered indoors. Before the first hard fall frost, containers should be brought inside to overwinter in a cool (60-65°F), humid location, requiring reduced watering. Tubers from in-ground plantings must be carefully dug up, dried slightly, and stored in a cool, dry medium to survive winter dormancy.

Landscape Uses

The dramatic height and iridescent texture of the Alocasia ‘Metalhead’ make it an exceptional accent plant. Use it as a focal point in mixed perennial beds where its dark foliage contrasts beautifully with lighter-colored companions, or utilize its upright habit for vertical impact near entryways.

Since this Elephant’s ear does well in shadier spots, it excels as a core component in woodland-style plantings or beneath the canopy of larger trees. Alternatively, container culture allows you to move the Alocasia ‘Metalhead’ onto patios or decks, ensuring it remains visible and protected during overly harsh weather or the winter months.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Insignificant

Noteworthy Characteristics

Alocasia is a genus of around 80 species of tuberous, herbaceous perennials native to the tropics and subtropics of Asia and Australia, closely related to Colocasia (taro). Plants are cultivated as ornamentals and are prized for their showy foliage, particularly the heart to arrowhead-shaped leaves often displaying distinctive veining or coloration. ‘Metalhead’ is a hybrid Alocasia cultivar that features large, glossy, heart-shaped foliage with an iridescent sheen; mature plants maintain an upright growth habit, reaching about 4’ tall with a 3’ spread, exhibiting leaves that mature from dark purple to green.

Tolerances

• Wet Soil

Potential Problems

The most common physiological threat to this tropical beauty is spider mites, which thrive in hot, dry conditions. Regularly inspect the undersides of the large leaves for these tiny pests, especially when grown indoors or if conditions become stressed. Maintaining high humidity levels and providing consistent, deep watering helps deter mite colonization, but persistent infestations may require the application of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil targeting all life stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Elephant’s ear suitable for?

Alocasia ‘Metalhead’ is reliably cold-hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 11. Gardeners in cooler zones must plan to treat it as a summer annual or dig and store the tubers for winter protection.

How large does Alocasia ‘Metalhead’ grow?

This cultivar is valued for its upright structure, typically reaching a mature height between 3 and 4 feet tall, with a spread spanning 2 to 3 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Alocasia ‘Metalhead’ need?

This plant performs best in a location that receives full sun to part shade. Filtered or afternoon shade is often preferred, particularly during the hottest part of the summer, to prevent leaf scorch.

When does Elephant’s ear bloom?

The flowers produced by Alocasia ‘Metalhead’ are not considered showy ornamental features; they are typical aroid inflorescences best left unnoticed while focusing on the foliage.

Conclusion

The Alocasia ‘Metalhead’ provides outstanding architectural drama through its large, iridescent leaves, establishing itself as a must-have for exotic displays. Successfully growing this Elephant’s ear requires attention to consistent moisture and protection from cold weather. Before planting, confirm your USDA hardiness zone and plan for appropriate winter overwintering procedures to ensure enjoyment of your Alocasia ‘Metalhead’ season after season.

Companion Planting

Selecting companions for Alocasia ‘Metalhead’ should focus on plants that share similar moisture and light requirements. Look for dark green foliage with coarse textures that offer a visual counterpoint to the smoothness of the spathe. Shade-loving ferns, Caladiums with bright variegation, or Hostas thrive in the same semi-shaded, moist soil conditions preferred by this Elephant’s ear. Ensure companion plants don’t aggressively compete for root space, as Alocasia prefers consistent access to its root zone.

Design Ideas

For a stunning container specimen, plant Alocasia ‘Metalhead’ centrally, surrounded by trailing Dracaena or silvery Iresine spilling over the edges. In garden beds, use this plant as a bold backdrop against smaller, colorful annuals like Impatiens or Begonias, creating layers of tropical texture. The upright, slightly metallic tone of the leaves works exceptionally well in modern or minimalist hardscapes where form and structure are emphasized.