Alocasia wentii
Best tropical foliage for gardeners in temperate climates seeking low-maintenance greenery.
Alocasia wentii, also known as Went's Hardy Elephant Ear, is a striking perennial originating from New Guinea. This plant is notable for its winter hardiness in zones 7b-10b. It features glossy, bronze-green leaves up to 1' long, with contrasting metallic-purple undersides. Alocasia wentii thrives in part sun to light shade and prefers well-drained soil that stays dry in winter. It reaches a mature height of 36 inches and a spread of 24 inches, making it suitable for containers or garden beds. This deer and rabbit-resistant plant adds a tropical flair to any landscape.
$24.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1781
/ 2713
#1781 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-45%
Below average
Item #
2967
Who it's for
- Interior designers seeking high-impact, dramatic botanical focal points
- Casual plant owners wanting an easier-to-manage tropical variety
- Homeowners looking to create an immersive, exotic jungle atmosphere
Who should skip it
- Busy gardeners unable to perform regular pest inspections
- Families with curious toddlers or pets prone to chewing
- People living in dry climates without supplemental humidity tools
Performance breakdown
Winter Hardiness
Unusually robust for an Alocasia, surviving zones as low as 7b.
Visual Impact
Metallic purple undersides provide a dramatic contrast to glossy green foliage.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits, saving your garden from unwanted grazing.
Growth Habit
Tightly clumping structure keeps the plant tidy in containers or beds.
Versatility
Compact dimensions make it equally effective in pots or landscape borders.
Maintenance Ease
Requires specific soil drainage to prevent rot during the winter months.
Key Specs
Item #
2967
Zones
7b to 10b
Height
36" tall
Spread
24" wide
Pot Size
3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)
Origin
New Guinea
Features
- Winter hardy in zones 7b-10b
- Glossy bronze-green leaves with metallic-purple undersides
- Tightly clumping growth habit
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Adds a tropical look to the garden
- Suitable for container planting
What customers say
Customers consistently express high satisfaction with the Alocasia wentii from Plant Delights, primarily praising its exceptional quality. Reviewers frequently note receiving healthy, robust plants that are meticulously packaged and arrive in excellent condition. The plant's vigor and ability to thrive are often highlighted, underscoring the nursery's dedication to superior specimens. This consistent quality, combined with reliable delivery, contributes to a strong perceived value, making it a highly recommended choice for plant enthusiasts seeking premium Alocasias.
Know before you buy
Yes, Alocasia wentii is one of the few elephant ears that can survive in zone 7b. To ensure success, plant it in a spot with well-drained soil and keep the roots dry during the winter months to prevent rot.
No, it actually prefers part sun to light shade. Too much direct, intense sun can scorch the leaves, while light shade helps maintain the plant's signature bronze-green color and metallic-purple undersides.
Absolutely. Its clumping habit and 36-inch mature height make it an excellent choice for containers. Just ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes to keep the soil from becoming waterlogged.
Since this plant reaches a mature spread of 24 inches, you should space them at least two feet apart. This allows for proper air circulation and gives the foliage enough room to reach its full size.
This variety is considered deer and rabbit resistant. While no plant is entirely immune to hungry wildlife, the texture and chemical composition of these leaves typically discourage browsing.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$24