Alocasia Dark Star Elephant Ear
Best statement piece for experienced indoor gardeners seeking dramatic foliage.
Discover the Alocasia 'Dark Star' Elephant Ear, a hybrid marvel bred for impressive size and enhanced cold tolerance. This striking plant boasts deep purple stems and leaves with vivid royal purple veining, making it a captivating focal point. Capable of reaching up to 6 feet tall, it brings a dramatic, chic aesthetic to any indoor space. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires consistently moist soil with high humidity. While beautiful, its sap can cause skin irritation, so handle with care.
$58.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
141
/ 9235
#141 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
+11%
Above average
Mature Height
72
/ inches
Who it's for
- Interior designers seeking a bold, high-impact focal point
- Collectors who appreciate sophisticated, moody botanical color palettes
- Attentive plant parents who enjoy watching rapid, rewarding growth
Who should skip it
- Busy owners who prefer low-maintenance, pest-resistant greenery
- Families with curious pets or small children at home
- Casual gardeners living in dry, low-humidity environments
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep purple veining creates a dramatic focal point for any room.
Growth Potential
Reaches an impressive six-foot stature when provided with optimal conditions.
Care Difficulty
Demanding humidity and moisture requirements suit experienced indoor gardeners best.
Environmental Resilience
Hybrid breeding offers superior cold tolerance compared to standard Alocasia varieties.
Pet Compatibility
Toxic sap poses significant risks to curious cats and dogs.
Maintenance Effort
Consistent watering and high humidity needs require a dedicated routine.
Key Specs
Mature Height
72 inches
Care Level
Intermediate
Watering Frequency
High
Plant Type
Flowering Plant
Growth Habit
Clumping
Fragrance
None
Drought Tolerant
No
Humidity Preference
High (65-80%)
Features
- Impressive 6-foot height potential
- Striking dark foliage with purple veining
- Hybrid for better cold tolerance
- Easy to propagate through division
- Unique, dramatic appearance
- Requires high light and humidity
- Intermediate care level
- Toxic to pets
What customers say
The Alocasia Dark Star consistently earns high marks for its striking aesthetic and robust quality upon delivery. Consumers are delighted by the plant's dramatic, deep coloration and unique leaf structure, confirming its premium design appeal. The packaging is frequently cited as highly effective, ensuring the plant arrives healthy and undamaged. While the size sometimes surprises buyers relative to the cost, the overall health and visual impact of this statement piece drive strong satisfaction.
Know before you buy
While this hybrid is capable of reaching up to 6 feet tall, its final size indoors depends on the size of the container and the amount of light it receives. Expect a dramatic, clumping growth habit that makes it a significant focal point in any room.
To keep the foliage vibrant and healthy, place your Alocasia in a spot with bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sun or partial shade, but consistent, bright light is essential for maintaining its unique coloration.
No, the Alocasia 'Dark Star' is toxic to pets if ingested. Additionally, the plant's sap can cause skin irritation, so it is best to wear gloves when handling or repotting.
This plant thrives in 65-80% humidity. You can maintain these levels by using a humidifier nearby, grouping it with other plants, or placing it on a pebble tray filled with water.
We recommend a well-draining indoor container mix blended with one-third cactus mix. This ensures the soil remains consistently moist without becoming waterlogged, which is vital for the plant's health.
Keep your plant in an environment that stays above freezing, ideally between 36°F and 77°F. While it has better cold tolerance than other Alocasia varieties, it should still be protected from drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$58