Leaves like elephant ears
The Alocasia's large arrow-shaped leaves resemble an elephant's ears, hence the name elephant ear.
Alocasia
Alocasia
Everything you need to know about the Alocasia. Species, care, ideal location, and our XXL Alocasia collection all in one place.
The most important thing in 30 seconds
- The Alocasia or Elephant Ear originates from tropical Southeast Asia and Australia and belongs to the Araceae family.
- It likes a bright spot with indirect sunlight; bright direct sun will scorch the leaves.
- Keep the potting soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging; preferably use low-calcium water.
- Not pet-friendly; the plant is toxic to dogs and cats due to oxalate crystals.
- Requires high humidity and has a distinct dormant period in winter.
- Popular varieties include the compact Polly, the robust Wentii, and the tall striped Zebrina.
About this Elephant ear planting guide
Did you know?
Three facts about the Elephant ear that you may not have known yet.
Leaves with a metallic sheen
Many Alocasia species have leaves with a metallic or velvety sheen and clear white vein patterns, a real jewel in your interior.
Has a rest period in winter
The Alocasia goes into semi-dormancy in winter. Leaves may die back, which is normal. Water less and wait patiently for new growth in spring.
Elephant ear types and differences
Alocasia Polly
The compact classic with dark green, arrow-shaped leaves and striking white veins. The most common Alocasia for indoors, graceful and graphic.
Alocasia Wentii
A robust species with large, glossy leaves that turn bronze to purple underneath. Sturdier and larger than the Polly, a real eye-catcher.
Alocasia Zebrina
Famous for its strikingly zebra-striped stems, topped with large arrow-shaped leaves. A graceful, tall plant.
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Elephant ear care step by step
Follow these steps to keep your Elephant ear healthy.
- 1
Watergift
Keep the Alocasia's compost evenly moist, but make sure the plant never sits in water. Water as soon as the top layer dries slightly, on average twice a week in summer and less in winter. Preferably use lukewarm, low-lime water.
- 2
Light and location
Place the Alocasia in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Harsh direct sun scorches the leaves, while too little light makes the stems floppy. A spot by an east- or north-facing window, or a little further from a bright window, is ideal.
- 3
Bemesting
Feed the Alocasia liquid plant food for green houseplants every two weeks from April to September. Stop feeding in autumn and winter, when the plant goes semi-dormant and barely grows.
- 4
Verpotten
Repot the Alocasia every one to two years in spring into a pot one size larger. Use airy, free-draining compost, optionally with a little extra perlite. While repotting you can check the tubers and separate young shoots at the same time.
- 5
Luchtvochtigheid
The Alocasia is a real lover of high humidity. Mist the leaves regularly, place the plant on a dish of wet clay pebbles or use a humidifier. In a dry, heated room it quickly gets brown leaf edges.
Frequently asked questions about the Elephant ear
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Elephant ear.
How often should I water my Alocasia?
An Alocasia wants evenly moist compost without waterlogging. Water as soon as the top layer dries slightly, on average twice a week in summer and clearly less in winter. Preferably use lukewarm, low-lime water.
Is the Alocasia toxic to dogs and cats?
Yes, the Alocasia is toxic to dogs and cats. It contains oxalate crystals that can cause severe irritation of the mouth, drooling and difficulty swallowing if eaten. Keep the plant well out of reach of pets.
What is the difference between the Alocasia Polly and the Zebrina?
The Alocasia Polly is compact with dark, arrow-shaped leaves and white veins. The Alocasia Zebrina stands out instead for its long zebra-striped stems and is a taller, more graceful plant.
How old can an Alocasia get?
With good care an Alocasia can last many years, because the plant overwinters from its tuber and renews itself each spring. Even if all the leaves die back in winter, a healthy tuber simply sprouts again in spring.
Why is my Alocasia getting yellow leaves?
An Alocasia with yellow leaves has usually been overwatered or is standing too cold. Only water when the top layer dries out and place the plant somewhere warm and draught-free. In winter some leaf loss due to its rest period is normal, by the way.
Can an Alocasia stand in the shade?
No, an Alocasia does not do well in shade. It needs plenty of indirect light to form sturdy stems and large leaves. Too dark and the stems go floppy, but harsh direct sun scorches the leaves.
Wanneer moet ik mijn Alocasia verpotten?
Repot an Alocasia every one to two years in spring, when the roots come out of the pot. Choose a pot one size larger and use airy compost. While repotting you can separate young shoots from the tuber at the same time.
Which size Alocasia should I choose?
An Alocasia of around sixty centimetres looks great on a cabinet or plant table, while a specimen approaching two metres really fills a room as a focal point. Choose the size based on the spot and the available light, as larger plants need plenty of indirect light.
Plant concepts explained
- Arrow-shaped leaf
- A leaf shaped like an arrowhead, broad at the top and tapering to a point. Characteristic of the Alocasia and the reason for the nickname elephant ear.
- Knol
- A thickened underground part of the Alocasia in which the plant stores nutrients and energy. From the tuber the plant sprouts again after its winter rest.
- Semi-rust
- The winter period in which the Alocasia almost stops growing. Leaves may die back, which is normal, and the plant then needs less water.
- Oxalaatkristallen
- Needle-shaped crystals in the Alocasia that make the plant toxic to people and pets and cause severe irritation of the mouth and throat if swallowed.
- Luchtvochtigheid
- The amount of water vapour in the air. The Alocasia likes high humidity and quickly gets brown leaf edges in dry air.
- Scheut
- A young shoot the Alocasia forms from its tuber. When repotting you can separate shoots to grow new plants.
Resources and further reading
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Kew Gardens
Scientific description of Alocasia
-
Missouri Botanical Garden
Care advice and plant characteristics
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Wikipedia
Algemene encyclopedie-informatie
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