How to Grow Ohua

Ohua

Alocasia macrorrhizos

flower

Ohua, also known as Giant Taro or Elephant Ear, is a large tropical plant prized for its massive, heart-shaped leaves that can reach 3-4 feet in length. Native to Southeast Asia, it produces interesting spathe flowers and is commonly grown as an ornamental houseplant or in tropical gardens. The plant is also valued in Hawaiian culture as a traditional food source and spiritual plant.

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Example Ohua timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Ohua
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Ohua blooms
Mid-to-late summer

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ohua dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Bright, indirect light; 6-8 hours daily. Avoid direct afternoon sun which can scorch leaves.

💧

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Reduce watering in winter. High humidity preferred; mist regularly or use a pebble tray.

📏

Spacing: 36-48 inches

📅

Days to maturity: Variable; typically 2-3 years to reach significant size

🌱

Planting depth: Plant corms/tubers 2-3 inches deep; transplants at same depth as growing container

Soil

Type: Rich, well-draining, organic-matter-heavy loamy soil

pH: 5.5-7.0

Amendments:

Peat moss Compost Perlite Bark chips

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 10b-12; can be grown indoors elsewhere

10b 11 12

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Growth Stages

Sprouting

2-4 weeks

Small shoot emerges from corm with 1-2 tiny leaves unfurling

Keep soil warm (70-80°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright, indirect light. Ensure high humidity.

Vegetative Growth

3-6 months

Rapid expansion of leaf size and emergence of new leaves from the central petiole

Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Increase watering. Maintain humidity above 60%. Support tall petioles if needed.

Mature Foliage

Ongoing with proper care

Plant develops full-sized heart-shaped leaves (2-4 feet long), forms thick petioles and robust root system

Continue regular fertilizing during growing season. Rotate pot monthly for even growth. Monitor for pests. Prune dead leaves promptly.

Flowering

Several weeks per flower

Creamy-white or pale yellow spathe (flower bract) surrounding a yellowish-white spadix emerges at plant base

Flowering occurs in warm conditions with mature plants. Not essential for ornamental growers; can remove to encourage foliage. Ensure consistent warmth and moisture.

Dormancy

2-4 months (winter or cool season)

Leaf growth slows significantly; plant may lose older leaves in cooler temperatures or with reduced light

Reduce watering frequency but don't allow soil to dry completely. Keep temperatures above 60°F. Provide adequate light. Resume normal care in spring.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Monstera Philodendron Anthurium Ferns Pothos Bird of Paradise

Avoid planting near:

Succulents requiring dry conditions Cacti Plants preferring cool, dry air

Common Pests

Increase humidity, mist foliage regularly, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days. Isolate infested plant.
Wipe leaves with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Repeat every 5-7 days until clear.
Remove scales manually with soft brush, apply horticultural oil or neem oil, prune heavily infested stems.
Reduce watering, ensure excellent drainage, repot into fresh soil if severe. Apply fungicide if necessary. May lose plant if too advanced.

Uses

🍳

Traditional Hawaiian Food Crop

Culinary

The corms of Ohua are starchy and edible when properly prepared, traditionally cooked and eaten much like taro root. In Hawaiian cuisine, it's a traditional staple food. [source]

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Tropical Ornamental & Houseplant

Household

The dramatic, enormous foliage makes Ohua an impressive statement plant for homes, conservatories, and tropical landscapes. Its architectural form and bold texture enhance interior and garden design. [source]

💊

Traditional Hawaiian Medicine

Medicinal

Ohua holds cultural and spiritual significance in Hawaiian traditions and has been used in traditional remedies, though scientific validation is limited. [source]

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Wildlife Habitat & Food Source

Wildlife

The large leaves provide shelter for tropical insects and small animals, and the plant supports various pollinators when flowering. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Ohua is primarily grown for ornamental foliage rather than harvest in typical sense. In traditional Hawaiian cultivation, corms are harvested after 1-2 years for food (similar to taro). For foliage maintenance, remove yellowed or damaged leaves at the base of the petiole. Flowers can be cut for display but are not typically harvested.

Fun Facts

🌱 Ohua leaves can grow to an astounding 3-4 feet in length, making it one of the largest-leaved houseplants available.
🌱 The plant is sacred in Hawaiian culture and is mentioned in Hawaiian mythology and traditional practices.
🌱 Ohua is sometimes called 'Elephant Ear' because its enormous, wrinkled leaves resemble elephant ears.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

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