Alocasia wentiiNew Guinea Shield

The Alocasia wentii, commonly known as the New Guinea Shield or hardy elephant ear, is a bold foliage plant grown for its large, thick, glossy leaves: bronze-green above with a striking metallic purple to coppery underside and prominent pale veins. Forming a tight clump around 0.9 to 1.5 metres tall and wide, it brings tropical scale to shaded beds, courtyards, atriums and large containers.

It is one of the more cold-tolerant elephant ears. In cool climates it survives winter by dying back to the corm and reshooting in spring rather than staying evergreen, so expect a dormant period outside frost-free areas.

Specifications

• Height0.9 to 1.5 metres
• Width1 to 1.2 metres
• Native toThe highlands of New Guinea
• FoliageLarge, thick, glossy bronze-green leaves with metallic purple undersides and entire to slightly wavy margins; evergreen in frost-free climates
• Growth rateModerate to fast in warm weather, dormant in winter

Conditions

• SoilRich, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil; plant corms deeply and keep soils drier over winter
• LightPart sun to light shade, or bright indirect light indoors; full sun scorches the foliage
• WaterRegular through the growing season, reduced markedly in winter
• ClimateSubtropical to warm temperate; root hardy well beyond the range of most Alocasia

Additional Features

• FlowersA typical aroid spathe and spadix, pale green to cream and largely hidden in the foliage; this plant is grown for leaf, not bloom
• FormTightly clumping, corm-forming perennial with an upright architectural habit
• UsesTropical foliage feature, understorey mass planting, shaded courtyards and atriums, poolside beds, large containers and interior specimens
• SpacingPlant 1 metre apart for a continuous clump
• Low MaintenanceMinimal care required; remove yellowing leaves to maintain appearance
• Pest ResistanceGenerally trouble-free; monitor for mealybugs or spider mites indoors
• Humidity NeedsBenefits from moderate to high humidity
• ToxicityAll parts contain calcium oxalate crystals and are toxic to people, cats and dogs if chewed or swallowed. The sap can irritate skin and eyes, so wear gloves when dividing and keep plants away from children and pets
• Seasonal AppealBold foliage through the warm months, with dieback and reshooting where winters are cold

The New Guinea Shield is a versatile and visually striking foliage plant, valued for delivering large-leaved tropical character in positions and climates where most elephant ears will not persist.