Elephant's Ear (Alocasia spp.)

Elephant's Ear Plant Features

Elephant's ears are stunning houseplants. They often feature dark, shield-shaped foliage that may be accentuated by white veins running throughout the leaves. The plants will flower occasionally, sending up a spike with a calla-like white, light yellow, or cream bloom, but the foliage is the reason the plant is grown. Elephant's ear is the perfect plant for high-humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

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Elephant's ear grows best in bright light. Too much direct sun, especially in hot-summer climates, can burn the leaves, so these exotic indoor plants benefit from the protection of a sheer curtain from the window. Being true tropicals, they love humidity, so boost moisture levels in the air if it's especially dry. Water as needed, when the top inch or two of the soil dries to the touch.

Fertilize elephant's ear a couple of times a year to keep it healthy. The best seasons are spring and summer. Use any fertilizer formulated for use on houseplants.

Note: Elephant's ear is not meant for human or animal consumption.

Water

Medium water needs
Light

Indoors: High light
Colors

Green

Purple

Silver
Special Features

Colorful foliage

Complement your Plant

Calathea

African mask plant and calathea have brilliantly variegated foliage that look great together.

Fern, Houseplant

Contrast African mask plant's bold foliage with the soft texture of a fern.

Colorful Aglaonema

Add color to African mask plant with the bold red and pink shades of red aglaonema.

Our favorite varieties

Polly Elephant's Ear

Alocasia 'Amazonica'

This houseplant has scalloped, purple-green leaves accented with silvery-white veins. It grows 18 inches tall and wide. It's also often sold as Alocasia Poly.

Silver Dragon Alocasia

Alocasia 'Silver Dragon'

Silver Dragon Alocasia is a compact variety with thick leaves that have a stunning silver overlay. It's one of the easier varieties to grow as a houseplant.

Regal Shield

Alocasia 'Regal Shields'

This large selection shows off olive-green leaves with green-purple undersides. It can grow to 4 feet tall and wide or more, and is grown both as a tropical container plant and houseplant.

Alocasia azlanii

Alocasia azlanii is a relatively new and hard-to-find houseplant that shows off dark purple-green foliage with metallic purple highlights.

Alocasia Corazon

Alocasia Corazon Aquino

Alocasia Corazon Aquino is a lovely selection with green leaves overlaid in a silvery tone.