{"product_id":"alocasia-dark-star","title":"Alocasia ‘Dark Star’ (Elephant Ear)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAlocasia ‘Dark Star’ (Elephant Ear)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlocasia ‘Dark Star’ is a bold, tropical foliage plant valued for its large, dramatic leaves and strong architectural form. It is widely used in warm-climate landscapes and as a statement plant in spacious indoor or sheltered outdoor settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant produces broad, upright leaves in deep green tones, often with a slightly darker or matte finish compared to other varieties. The foliage is thick and substantial, held on sturdy stems that create a striking, sculptural presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Dark Star’ is known for its vigorous growth and large foliage, making it ideal for creating a lush, tropical effect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts darker leaf tones provide contrast against lighter green plants, adding depth to planting schemes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is relatively hardy for an Alocasia, performing well in a range of warm conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowth Habit and Size\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis variety grows as a large, upright, clumping plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt typically reaches 2 to 3 metres in height, with a spread of approximately 1.5 to 2.5 metres. Growth rate is fast under favourable conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerforms best in partial shade to filtered sun. Protection from harsh afternoon sun is recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWatering\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRequires regular watering to keep soil consistently moist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater frequently during warm weather, allowing slight drying between watering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSoil\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrefers rich, well-draining soil with good organic content.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTemperature and Climate\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable for tropical to subtropical climates. Thrives in heat and humidity but is sensitive to frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMaintenance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate maintenance. Remove older or damaged leaves to maintain appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFertilise regularly during the growing season to support vigorous growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMulching helps retain moisture and improve soil conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Issues\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaf burn may occur in strong direct sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or poor drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSensitive to cold temperatures and frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePests such as spider mites or aphids may occasionally appear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eApplications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlocasia ‘Dark Star’ is suitable for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropical garden planting\u003cbr\u003eFeature planting\u003cbr\u003eScreening and backdrop planting\u003cbr\u003eLarge containers\u003cbr\u003eWater feature surrounds\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts large foliage makes it a strong focal plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecification and Care Chart\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAlocasia ‘Dark Star’\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDark Star Elephant Ear\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTropical perennial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 m to 3 m\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUpright, clumping\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFast\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLight Conditions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePartial shade to filtered sun\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirect Sunlight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAvoid harsh exposure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWatering Frequency\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh; keep soil consistently moist\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoil Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRich, well-draining\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDrainage Requirement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEssential\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTropical to subtropical\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFrost Tolerance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVery low\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHumidity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFertiliser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRegular feeding\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaintenance Level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eToxicity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eToxic if ingested\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFAQ – Alocasia ‘Dark Star’\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big does it grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTypically reaches 2 to 3 metres in height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need full sun?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, it prefers partial shade or filtered light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow often should it be watered?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKeep soil consistently moist with regular watering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it suitable for indoors?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnly in large, bright indoor spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it frost tolerant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, it is sensitive to frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it fast growing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it grows quickly in warm, humid conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Nurso","offers":[{"title":"200mm","offer_id":51628987449640,"sku":null,"price":31.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/6847\/6200\/files\/05e7ac3f-1555-41b8-927b-01dc84cd0ed1.png?v=1776116903","url":"https:\/\/www.thenurso.au\/products\/alocasia-dark-star","provider":"The Nurso","version":"1.0","type":"link"}