Tropical Punch

 
‘Borneo King’

When we need an exotic centerpiece we bring in one of our large tropicals to save the day. Their enormous, striking leaves and commanding presence turn an ordinary landscape into a virtual vacationland. If only we could extend their season of interest so we could enjoy some of that warm, relaxed vibe during the cooler months of the year.

Hardiness, vigor, and impressive size 

Enter our new cultivar for 2018, ‘Borneo King’. This upright green Alocasia has the vigor and hardiness of another landscaper favorite, ‘Odora’, but reaches the same impressive size here in the North that ‘Borneo Giant’ does in far southern states.

In that way you could consider this plant a superhero of sorts—like the Incredible Hulk: it’s green, it’s huge, and it reaches massive proportions almost immediately. In the short span of a season small starter-sized plants can grow 4–8 feet. ‘Borneo King’ can attain an even larger size when the tuber is replanted the following season.

Rippled leaves can reach up to 4–5 feet

These beautifully rippled leaves are oversized, too, at about 3–4 feet long and wide. As the plant matures the rippled effect becomes more pronounced, and the leaves can reach up to 4–5 feet. A large trunk forms with age as well.

‘Borneo King’ works best in full to part sun and rich, organic soil. Keep in mind that this plant needs regular watering and requires good drainage. You’ll get the most growth in a location that’s protected from the wind.

‘Nigra’—dramatic black leaves with a slick metallic finish

Another Alocasia with striking foliage is returning to our tropical program for 2018: plumbae ‘Nigra’. You probably remember the dramatic fronds on this variety—they’re deep green-to-purple but the color appears almost black, especially in the shade. Leaves measure 18–24 inches long and are held on strong, dark purple stems. A slick metallic finish and light puckering heighten the exotic effect.

In addition to ‘Borneo King’ and ‘Nigra’ our Alocasia line includes:

Alocasia calidora

 Alocasia calidora—large, upright leaves are vibrant green with dramatic ribbing

‘Frydek’

 ‘Frydek’—wide, satiny emerald green leaves are arrow-shaped with striking white midribs  

‘Portora’

‘Portora’—broad, upward facing leaves are classic green with beautifully scalloped edges

All of our tropical Alocasias come in the 1-gallon pot.