Description
A very beautiful, upright, herbaceous shrub or small tree with spectacular, very large leaves to 60 cm across and a thick, fleshy rootstock. Native to India, Nepal, southwestern China and Southeast Asia, it is occasionally planted as an ornamental. The leaves are edible as a vegetable but of limited palatability. Leea macrophylla has also been investigated for anti-cancer properties and is used in traditional medicine.
Germination Guide
🌍 Indian Subcontinent to southwestern China and Indo-China (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Bangladesh)
Easy
Leea macrophylla, commonly known as the Elephant Ear Tree, is a tropical perennial shrub or small tree native to India, Nepal, southwestern China and Southeast Asia, grown for its spectacular, very large leaves (up to 60 cm across) and traditional medicinal uses. Seeds benefit from simple hydration pre-treatment to improve germination, though the species is generally easy to propagate. Germination typically occurs within 3-12 weeks with consistent warmth and moisture.
Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in
21 – 90 days
Temperature
Min 24°C
Ideal 27°C
Max 30°C
Substrate moisture
💧💧 High
Seed Pre-treatment
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💧
Soaking — 24 hours
Soak seeds in room-temperature water for 24 hours (or up to 3 days) before planting. Clean rainwater recommended, but tap water left to stand for several hours is suitable. Soaking softens seed coat and promotes uniform germination. Can also expedite germination.
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📋
Additional notes
Simple hydration process recommended to improve and hasten germination
Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
Peat moss or coconut coir mixed with perlite in 60/40 ratio, or similar well-draining seed-starting medium
Recommended container
Plastic pot or seed tray, optionally with transparent lid for humidity retention
Growing Tips
Sow seeds on the soil surface and lightly dust with medium; do not bury. Keep medium lightly moist but not waterlogged. Place in bright indirect light without direct sun. Open lid every 2-3 days to check moisture and allow air exchange to prevent fungal growth. Use artificial lighting if natural light is insufficient. Germination may take up to 90 days, so patience is essential. Once seedlings appear, move tray to bright indirect light. Transplant into individual 3-4 inch pots within a few months. Handle seedlings carefully as they are fragile. Gradually acclimate young plants to lower humidity and stronger light. Keep medium consistently moist during early growth stages.
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