About Alocasia brisbanensis (F.M.Bailey) Domin
Alocasia brisbanensis produces very large, spade-shaped veined leaves attached to long, fleshy petioles, which range in color from purplish brown to green and grow 1.1 m (3 ft 7 in) long. Mature plants reach a total height of 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) to 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in). Individual leaves are sagittate to ovate-sagittate, measuring roughly 70 cm (28 in) long and 60 cm (24 in) wide. They are glossy green, hairless, with backside lobes that have acute to rectangular, slightly rounded tips. Elongated 'oil dots' are visible along the leaf veinlets. New shoots grow at the same time as inflorescences develop, with no rest period between growth cycles. The stem is prostrate to erect, 13 cm (5.1 in) in diameter, and covered in the brown dried remains of old leaf bases. This species grows on the margins of tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate rainforests at low altitudes, where it occurs as an understory herb in moist, shaded or partially shaded areas including creeks and wetlands. It grows well in pleiotrophic soils along creek lines and moist forest floors, such as Coastal Swamp Oak Forests. In New South Wales, it occurs mainly in coastal and disturbed areas, distributed north of the Illawarra district and extending inland to Dorrigo and the upper Clarence River. It grows at altitudes from near sea level up to 1,000 m (3,300 ft). It is cultivated as both a houseplant and garden plant, valued primarily for its large, exotic-looking leaves and scented flowers. When grown indoors, it thrives in bright sunlight, though afternoon sun can bleach its foliage. In outdoor gardens, it grows best in partial shade. As a tropical species, it can be sensitive to cold and dry conditions, and requires high humidity to grow well. It enters a dormancy period during winter. It benefits from fertilization during the active growing season. Common pests that affect this plant include mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids.
