Amazonian elephant’s ear is an impressive tropical plant with large, distinctive deep green foliage. This article will explain how to care for Amazonian elephant’s ear.
What is an Amazonian Elephant’s Ear?
Amazonian elephant’s ear (Alocasia x amazonica) is a hybrid type of Alocasia that has become a popular houseplant. The cultivar was formed several decades ago by combining Alocasia longiloba and Alocasia sanderiana. These plants were originally indigenous to Southeastern regions of Asia.
Appearance and Characteristics
These fantastically showy plants produce upright stems and large, leathery dark green leaves. The shape of the leaves resembles an arrowhead or the ears of an elephant. The foliage is divided on each leaf by distinctive cream or white veins. Each leaf can span up to 16 inches (40 cm)
Amazonian elephant’s ear plants are tropical perennials with evergreen leaves. They will enter a period of dormancy in the winter and this is when they can be tricky to care for.
Plant inspiration tip: looking for a plant to brighten your home, then check out the beautiful Lilium Auratum.
Quick Summary
Botanical Name: Alocasia x amazonica
Native to: Southeastern Asia
Care: Moderate
Size: Up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide
Common Problems: Root rot, Spider mites
Toxicity: Is toxic to animals and humans
How to care for Amazonian Elephant’s Ear
Sunlight
Amazonian elephant’s ear requires indirect. An east-facing room is perfect as it will provide less intense light later in the day. If exposed to direct sunlight, their large green leaves can start to burn or fade.
Watering
Amazonian elephant’s ear needs its soil to be kept fairly moist. These plants require a good amount of water. During the spring and summer, give them water. Give water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Use slightly warm water that has been filtered or distilled. Provide drainage holes in the pot. Water less often in winter, allowing the plant to almost completely dry out.
Humidity & Temperature
These Alocasia hybrids thrive in humid, warm conditions. Humidity should be maintained at around 60% by using a humidifier or pebble tray. You can also place the Amazonian elephant’s ear in a steamy bathroom.
Amazonian elephant’s ear needs temperatures of around 65 to 80ºF (18 to 27ºC). If exposed to temperatures below 55ºF (13ºC), the plant will assume that it’s winter and enter a dormant state.
Cleaning
Because their leaves are so large, Amazonian elephant’s ear plants can quickly collect a fine layer of dust. To keep them clean, wipe them down with a slightly damp cloth or sponge.
Fertilizing & Soil
Despite their need for water, Amazonian elephant’s ear plants need slightly acidic soil that drains well and lets oxygen flow through the soil.
A mix of coconut coir, houseplant compost, and perlite or sand is a good combination. Soil mixes specifically designed for aroids (such as monsteras) are also suitable.
Amazonian elephant’s ear plants benefit from fertilizer during their active growing season. Feed them with a half-strength liquid fertilizer fortnightly or monthly in the spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing the plant in the autumn and winter to avoid interfering with winter dormancy.
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Repotting
To support its huge leaves, Amazonian elephant’s ear grows fairly fast and will need repotting yearly. Only move up one pot size at a time.
When transferring to a new pot, incorporate some of the old growing medium together with a fresh mix of a similarly well-draining medium. Do this in the spring to help the plant acclimatize properly.
How and When to Prune
Amazonian elephant’s ear plants won’t need much pruning except to remove drooping or dying leaves. If it becomes necessary to control the plant’s size, only trim a couple of stems away during the winter.
Problems with Amazonian Elephant’s Ear
Root rot
Root rot frequently develops when a plant is kept in waterlogged soil. The roots become brown and mushy and give off a bad smell. This can lead to other problems like fungal infections.
Allow the growing medium to dry out a bit before lifting the plant out and cutting away rotted roots. Only water if the top inch of medium is dry.
Spider mites
Spider mites are little insects that extract sap from plants. If the leaves begin to show small brown or yellow spots, spider mites may be present. Clear infestations by using insecticidal soaps or neem oil mixtures.
How to Propagate
Amazonian elephant’s ear plants grow via rhizomes. This makes division the easiest propagation method. When repotting the plant in the spring, choose a rhizome offshoot with its own root system and separate it from the main plant.
Plant the offshoot up in a new pot. Mix some soil from the main plant with fresh soil in the new pot and water well.
Common FAQs
How much light does an Amazonian Elephant’s Ear need?
Amazonian elephant’s ear plants don’t need a huge amount of light. Placing them somewhere with bright, indirect sunlight and some afternoon shade is sufficient.
What is so special about Amazonian Elephant’s Ear?
The large deep green leaves with thick pale veins are what sets the Amazonian elephant’s ear apart from other plants. These impressive leaves look and feel a bit like the leathery ears of an elephant.
Are Amazonian Elephant’s Ear good indoor plants?
If given the right conditions, Amazonian elephant’s ear is a great indoor species. While their care needs are specific, they can be achieved fairly easily. These plants are toxic to pets so keep that in mind.
Can an Amazonian Elephant’s Ear grow in low light?
Amazonian elephant’s ear can grow in low light conditions but the color of their foliage will be faded. For the best results, allow them to get bright but indirect light.
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Summary
With their impressively large leaves, Amazonian elephant’s ear creates a lot of drama. When given a humid, warm environment with some bright indirect light, these tropical perennials can truly thrive indoors.