Alocasia odora 'California' – Compact Elephant Ear for Bold Indoor Style

Alocasia odora 'California' is a compact, cold-tolerant form of the classic elephant ear, loved for its architectural symmetry and lush tropical presence. Once mislabeled as Alocasia gageana, taxonomic work by Hay et al. (2022) confirmed it as a cultivated selection of Alocasia odora. With glossy, quilted leaves up to 50 cm long, this resilient cultivar delivers structured greenery that transforms bright rooms into tropical sanctuaries. Curious about other species in this genus? Visit our Alocasia Collection for more background and care insights.

● Distinctive Traits of Alocasia odora 'California'

Compact Form: Grows 1.2 – 1.5 m tall indoors with a balanced, upright habit ideal for decorative corners.
Leaf Structure: Broad, paddle-shaped foliage with rippled texture and pronounced venation.
Cold Tolerance: Endures temperatures down to 5 °C, outperforming most tropical aroids in resilience.
Visual Impact: Creates a sculptural, jungle-inspired focal point in bright interiors or sheltered patios.

● Natural Range and Environmental Adaptation

Native to humid lowland regions of Myanmar and neighbouring Southeast Asia, Alocasia odora 'California' thrives in filtered sunlight and high humidity. In the wild, rainfall averages around 1,200 mm per year, supporting its love for evenly moist but aerated soil. Its compact morphology makes it easier to grow indoors compared to larger elephant-ear relatives like Alocasia macrorrhizos.

● How to Keep Alocasia odora 'California' Thriving Indoors

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; placement tips in our indoor light guide.
Water: Keep substrate slightly moist, letting the top 2 – 3 cm dry between waterings. Learn how to prevent rot in our root-rot prevention guide.
Soil Mix: Choose a breathable aroid mix with perlite and coco coir; see the best aroid substrate recipes.
Temperature: Ideal range 18 – 27 °C; avoid drafts and abrupt drops below 10 °C.
Fertilizer: Feed every 4 – 6 weeks with a diluted balanced fertilizer during active growth.
Repotting: Every 1–2 years, or when roots crowd the pot. Use a container with drainage holes.
Propagation: Separate offsets with strong root systems while repotting.
Semi-Hydro Suitability: Adapts well to inert or semi-hydro substrates with stable nutrients.
Maintenance: Remove old or yellowing leaves to encourage fresh growth.

● Common Issues and Practical Fixes

Spider Mites: Indicated by fine webbing. Wipe leaves and treat with insecticidal soap; maintain humidity.
Mealybugs: Remove manually and apply neem oil weekly until cleared.
Thrips: Cause silvery streaks; treat promptly with insecticidal spray and increase airflow.
Fungus Gnats: Sign of overwatering—let substrate dry slightly between waterings.
Root Rot: From poor drainage; improve substrate aeration or repot. Read about seasonal rest phases in our dormancy guide.

● Additional Notes for Collectors

This selection of Alocasia odora remains a favourite among European collectors for its manageable size and cold-hardiness. While it shares the same fragrant spadix as the species, it stays far more compact, fitting easily into modern interiors without losing the tropical drama of larger elephant ears.

● Name Origin and Botanical Background

The species epithet odora derives from Latin, meaning “fragrant”, referencing its subtle scent during flowering. The cultivar name 'California' traces back to horticultural selections marketed in the United States for compact growth and sturdy leaf texture—traits now appreciated by indoor plant enthusiasts worldwide.

● FAQs – Alocasia odora 'California'

Can Alocasia odora 'California' live outdoors? Yes, in frost-free regions above 7 °C. Bring it inside before cold nights.
How fast does it grow? Moderate pace—expect several new leaves each warm season with proper feeding.
Does it need staking? No, its petioles are strong and self-supporting.
How does it differ from Alocasia gageana? ‘California’ has thicker petioles, larger leaves, and improved cold tolerance.
Does it go dormant? Growth can slow in winter; reduce watering but keep the substrate barely moist.

● Bring Alocasia odora 'California' Into Your Space

Add Alocasia odora 'California' to your collection for a lush, structured statement that thrives where other tropicals struggle. Its compact size, bold texture, and easy indoor adaptability make it a long-term favourite among plant lovers. Secure yours today and enjoy year-round tropical greenery.

Alocasia odora 'California'

€42.75

VAT Included

Quantity

Alocasia odora 'California' comes in a ⌀ 21 cm pot and is approximately 70 cm tall
Name:Alocasia odora ‘California’ (cultivar of Alocasia odora (Lindl.) K. Koch)

Family: Araceae

Growth and Habit: Herbaceous plant, secondary growth

Form: Rhizome geophyte

Native Range: Myanmar, subtropical forests

Hardiness Zone: Suitable for indoor cultivation, thrives in warm climates (Zones 10-12)

Height: Up to 1.5 meters

Spread: Around 1 meter

Humidity: 60-80%

Light: Bright, indirect light; tolerates moderate light

Temperature: 18-27°C, minimum tolerance 5°C

Soil: Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and organic matter

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging

Pruning and Maintenance: Remove damaged or yellowing leaves to encourage growth

Foliage: Large, glossy green leaves with deep veins and slightly rippled edges

Growth Rate: Moderate, producing new leaves regularly under optimal conditions

Root Structure and Repotting: Thick rhizomes; repot every 1-2 years when root-bound

Fertilizing: Balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks

Tolerance: Moderate tolerance to lower humidity, but growth slows in dry air

Adaptability: Well-suited to indoor environments with stable conditions

Propagation: Division of rhizomes or offsets

Common Pests: Spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, fungus gnats; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap

Fungal Issues: Leaf spot, powdery mildew; improve air circulation and use fungicide if needed

Flowering: Rarely blooms indoors, small pale-green spathes

Longevity: Several years with proper care

Toxicity: Contains calcium oxalate, toxic to pets and humans if ingested

Ideal Placement: Bright, draft-free areas with stable warmth and humidity

Special Care: Prefers high humidity; grouping with other plants helps maintain moisture

Leaf Maintenance: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and enhance gloss

Stress Signs: Drooping or yellowing leaves indicate overwatering or low humidity

Pot Material: Best in terracotta or breathable pots to prevent root rot
Plant Care Help – Start Here

Plant Care After Purchase – Unpacking, first placement, and the crucial first week.

Acclimatization – What plants go through after shipping and how to support recovery.

Light – Practical light principles for predictable indoor growth.

Watering – Frequency, volume, and signs of over- vs. underwatering.

Substrates – Mix structure, particle size, and drainage for strong roots.

Humidity – Managing ambient moisture indoors without gimmicks.

Fertilizing – Nutrients, EC, and how to avoid salt stress.

Semi-Hydro – Inert/mineral substrates, wicks, and reservoir management.

Pest Control – Identification, treatment cycles, and prevention that works.
Please Note:

Curated Selection: Every plant is hand-picked for quality and visual appeal, ensuring you receive a healthy, well-established specimen.

Representative Image: Product photos serve as reference. Each plant is unique — differences in leaf number, shape, or variegation are natural.

Size Details: Sizes refer to pot diameter and overall height (from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem).

Specific Listings: If a product is a ‘Get What You See’ item, this will be stated clearly in the size section.

Individual Photos: Photos of single plants are not available unless explicitly mentioned in the size section. For details on each plant’s unique traits or minor quirks, please read the full product description.