Plants
Elephant Ear
Alocasia · Araceae (Aronstabgewächse)
The Alocasia, commonly known as the elephant ear, is an architectural beauty with large, arrow-shaped leaves and striking venation. It instantly brings tropical flair into any room and makes a genuine statement piece. We select our plants with the eye for detail grown over 45 years in floristry, so only strong, well-rooted specimens reach you.
- Light
- Bright but without direct midday sun. A spot near an east- or west-facing window with indirect light is ideal.
- Watering
- Keep evenly slightly moist, letting the top layer dry between waterings. Avoid waterlogging at all costs and water more sparingly in winter.
- Care level
- Medium
- Botanical
- Alocasia
Alocasia is not a single plant but an entire genus with around 90 species and countless cultivars. The range spans from the compact Alocasia Polly with glossy dark green, white-veined leaves, through the velvety matte Frydek, to the Zebrina with its conspicuously zebra-striped stems. For drama, reach for Black Velvet or the large-leaved giants such as Alocasia macrorrhiza.
In floristry and the home the Alocasia is used above all as a specimen plant. A single example in a beautiful cachepot has more impact than any group and sets a clear green accent. The strictly upright leaf stalks and horizontally held leaves give plantings height and structure, making it the ideal counterpoint to soft, sprawling foliage plants.
A good quality marker is leaf firmness: healthy Alocasias hold their leaves taut and glossy, without drooping or blotchy areas. Fresh, plump shoots from the base show the tuber is vigorous. When buying we look for a strong root ball and undamaged leaf margins, because these reveal whether a plant has come through cultivation well.
Stylistically the Alocasia suits modern, clean interiors just as well as the urban-jungle look with plenty of green tones. Combined with contrasting textures, such as fine fern or round Pilea foliage, a lively interplay of form and surface emerges. In plain terracotta pots it appears calm and refined, in matte black especially graphic.
Care
- 01Bright spot with indirect light, for example at an east- or west-facing window. Avoid harsh midday sun, which scorches the leaves.
- 02Keep the substrate evenly slightly moist, but never waterlogged. In summer water about once a week, more sparingly in winter.
- 03High humidity of 60 percent or more is ideal. Regular misting or a position away from dry heater air helps.
- 04Keep warm, 18 to 26 degrees, and avoid draughts as well as cold windowsills in winter.
- 05From spring to autumn feed every two weeks with foliage plant fertiliser, pausing through winter.
- 06Leaves dying back in winter are normal; the plant often rests briefly and resprouts in spring.
Frequently asked
- Is the Alocasia toxic to cats, dogs and children?
- Yes. All Alocasia species contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause irritation of the mouth, throat and stomach when chewed or swallowed. The sap also irritates skin and eyes. Please place out of reach of pets and small children, and wear gloves when repotting.
- Why does my Alocasia get yellow or drooping leaves?
- Usually too much water is behind it: waterlogging rots the roots, which shows as yellow, soft leaves. Air that is too dry, draughts or a too-dark spot can also be the cause. Let the top layer of substrate dry slightly between waterings and ensure warmth and humidity.
- Does the Alocasia have a season or is it available all year?
- As a houseplant the Alocasia is available all year. Through the Veiling Rhein-Maas, where we buy directly, freshly grown specimens arrive throughout the year depending on the variety, so we can offer strong plants without intermediaries.
- How much care does an Alocasia really need?
- The Alocasia is considered somewhat demanding because it reacts sensitively to care mistakes. But if you give it even moisture, warmth and high humidity while avoiding waterlogging, you are rewarded with magnificent leaves. With a little routine it is manageable.