Elephant Ear
Alocasia × amazonica
Dramatic tropical plant with large arrow-shaped dark-green leaves veined in silvery white. Makes an instant statement in any bright warm room. Also known as African mask plant for its bold, mask-like leaf shape.
Best rooms for elephant ear
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
How to care for elephant ear
Bright indirect light is essential. Keep compost moist but never waterlogged — use a well-draining aroid mix. Loves high humidity; mist daily or use a pebble tray. May go dormant in winter, losing leaves — keep the corm barely moist and warm until spring. Feed fortnightly spring-summer. Minimum 16°C.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3cm of compost feels dry. Roughly weekly.
Propagation
- Division of rhizomes in spring
- Offset corms
Toxicity
Contains calcium oxalate crystals. All parts cause intense mouth and throat irritation if chewed by pets.
Common problems
- Dormancy and leaf loss in winter (normal)
- Spider mites in dry air
- Yellow leaves from overwatering
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