Alocasia, also known as elephant ear, is a houseplant with large, striking leaves, such as zebrina, wentii and the compact 'Low Rider'. Give it bright light out of harsh sun and keep the soil slightly moist.
This collection has five Alocasias from 40 to 130 cm tall. We measure height from the bottom of the pot to the tallest leaf, so you know exactly what you are getting. For a windowsill or side table, the 40 cm Alocasia 'Low Rider' in a ø12 cm pot is a good start. Want a floor plant that draws attention on its own? Choose the 80 cm Alocasia gageana 'California' or one of the larger specimens.
Alocasia zebrina: stems with a zebra pattern, in 80 and 130 cm
Alocasia wentii: broad, sturdy leaves with a purple underside, 120 cm tall
Alocasia gageana 'California': large green leaves at 80 cm
Alocasia 'Low Rider': compact and low, 40 cm tall
Prices range from €34.95 to €114.95. You will find other houseplants up to one and a half metres together under medium plants.
Position and light
All Alocasias in this collection like partial shade. Put them in a bright spot without harsh midday sun, for example a few metres from a south-facing window or close to an east-facing one. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Too little light shows as long, floppy stems and smaller new leaves. Alocasia loves warmth and somewhat higher humidity, so a spot right next to a radiator or in the draught from a door is not a good idea.
Watering and care
Keep the potting soil lightly moist, but never let the plant sit in a layer of water. Feel with your finger: if the top few centimetres are dry, it is time to water. In winter Alocasia grows more slowly and needs less. It is normal for an old leaf to turn yellow now and then when a new one appears. Wipe the large leaves with a damp cloth so the plant can take in light better. From April to September you can add some houseplant feed to the water every few weeks.
Read more about repotting, pests and leaf problems in our Alocasia care guide.
Combining and delivery
An Alocasia looks its best next to plants with a different leaf shape. Think of the split leaves of a Monstera or the finer leaves of a Philodendron. The plant is delivered in a nursery pot, and you can pick a decorative pot separately. In the Netherlands your order arrives in 4 to 5 working days, packed upright in a sturdy plant box. Delivery within the Netherlands is free from €99. If anything does get damaged on the way, send us a photo and we will send you a new plant free of charge.
Alocasia needs a bit more attention than many other houseplants. It wants a bright spot without harsh sun, evenly moist soil, warmth and no draughts. Keep that in mind and it will grow well. In our collection these plants are listed as medium to high maintenance.
Why is my Alocasia getting yellow leaves?
One yellow leaf when a new leaf appears is normal: the plant is clearing out old growth. If several leaves turn yellow at once, the soil is often staying wet for too long. Let the top layer dry out first and check that no water is standing in the bottom of the decorative pot.
How much light does an elephant ear need?
An elephant ear wants plenty of light, but no direct midday sun. A spot by an east or west-facing window works well, or a few metres from a south-facing one. In a dark corner the plant grows slowly and the stems become long and floppy.
How big does an Alocasia get?
That depends on the species. Compact types such as 'Low Rider' stay small, while zebrina and wentii can grow well over a metre indoors. In this collection you buy the plant at 40 to 130 cm already, measured from the bottom of the pot to the tallest leaf.
Is an Alocasia toxic to cats and dogs?
Alocasia contains calcium oxalate and is considered toxic to pets that chew the leaves. None of the plants in this collection are listed as pet-friendly. If you have a cat or dog that likes to nibble plants, keep it out of reach.
When should I repot an Alocasia?
Repot in spring, when the roots grow out of the nursery pot or the soil dries out very quickly. Choose a pot a few centimetres larger and use free-draining potting soil. A pot that is far too big holds water for a long time, and Alocasia does not like that.
How often should I water my Alocasia?
An Alocasia wants evenly moist potting soil without soggy roots. Water as soon as the top layer starts to dry, on average twice a week in summer and noticeably less in winter. Ideally use lukewarm water that is low in lime.
Is the Alocasia toxic to dogs and cats?
Yes, the Alocasia is toxic to dogs and cats. The plant 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?
An Alocasia Polly is compact, with dark, arrow-shaped leaves and white veins. The Alocasia Zebrina stands out for its long stems with a zebra-striped pattern and is a taller, more elegant 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 every spring. Even if all the leaves die back in winter, a healthy tuber will simply sprout again in spring.
