Alocasia California (Alocasia odora ‘California’) is the compact, upright elephant ear — the one that gives you the big tropical leaf without taking over the bed. Thick green stems hold glossy, heart-shaped leaves up to 2 feet long with a gently rippled edge, pointed skyward rather than drooping, so the plant reads as a bold, sculptural clump instead of a sprawl. It grows fast, clumps politely, and is one of the toughest alocasias for South Florida yards, patios and big pots.
Why Florida Customers Choose Us
Alocasia California Breakdown
Appearance:
A tight clump of upright stems, each topped by a bright to deep green, arrow-to-heart-shaped leaf with raised veins and a wavy margin.
Leaves emerge rolled and unfurl over a few days. Mature plants send up hooded, cream-colored flowers at the base that are lightly fragrant in the evening — the "odora" in the name.
Growth Rate:
Fast.
In warm weather it pushes a new leaf every couple of weeks and fills out quickly from a 3-gallon.
Size:
3–4 feet tall and wide in most yards, up to 5 feet in rich, moist soil.
Available in 3-gallon and 7-gallon.
Sunlight Requirements:
Part shade to full sun.
Bright, filtered light or morning sun gives the biggest, darkest leaves; it handles full sun if the soil never dries out.
Water Needs:
High.
It wants consistently moist soil and will droop to tell you when it is thirsty — a good plant for a spot near a downspout, around a pond, or on irrigation. Avoid standing water in a pot.
Soil Preferences:
Rich, loose, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Work compost into sandy beds and keep a 2–3 inch mulch layer to hold moisture.
Maintenance:
Low.
Snip off an old yellowing leaf at the base now and then and feed monthly in the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Divide the clump every few years if you want more plants. All parts are toxic if eaten and the sap can irritate skin, so keep it away from pets and children.
Landscape Use:
Tropical accent beside a pool, pond or entry, mass plantings under palms, the back of a shaded border, courtyards and lanais, and large containers.
Pairs well with ferns, crotons, gingers and bromeliads.
Climate Tolerance:
USDA zones 8b–11.
Evergreen in South Florida; farther north it dies back in a freeze and returns from the rhizome in spring. Loves heat and humidity; a strong wind can tear the big leaves, so a sheltered spot keeps it looking its best.
Want the same look with a taller, broader canopy? Ask us about the full-size Alocasia odora for larger beds. California is the tidy one that stays in scale with a home landscape.
Florida Delivery Available
We have in-stock Alocasia California ready to ship throughout Florida. Multiple sizes available with professional installation options. Order online or text/call 561-898-2028 for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Plant & Care for Alocasia California in Florida
Choose Sun + Spacing
Most Florida plants prefer full to partial sun. Check mature width and space accordingly so plants don’t crowd as they fill in.
Dig Wide, Not Deep
Dig a hole 2–3x wider than the container and slightly shallow. This encourages roots to spread outward into native soil.
Plant at Proper Height
Remove from the pot, loosen circling roots, and plant with the root ball level to slightly above grade.
Water to Establish
Water deeply right after planting. For the first 10–14 days, consistent moisture is critical—don’t let the root ball dry out.
Mulch + Light Maintenance
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch (keep off the stem). Once settled, light trimming encourages fuller growth.
Professional Installation Available: Not comfortable planting yourself? We offer expert installation services throughout Florida. Our team has 15+ years of experience ensuring your plants thrive. Call 561-898-2028 to add installation to your order.
What Florida Customers Say
My experiences with Dinos have been wonderful. The communication about my orders & delivery was spot on, the deliveries guys quick, efficient and friendly - they even cleaned up fallen leaves from the driveway. But its the product that shined the most. Healthy, lush, vibrant. The same size posts as local nurseries - but the plants themselves were larger, fuller and more robust than anywhere we shopped. I cant say enough great things about their operations, their services and their products.
Highly recommend! Super communicative, did a great job installing and all-around fit our budget while still providing excellent quality, beautiful plants! We will be repeat customers!
Dino's Palms did an amazing job with delivering and installation of my new calusia. Their plants are very affordable and I highly recommend them.
