At Home With The Elephant Ear
Nothing says jungle vibes quite like a big, bold, tropical plant. And right now, there’s one in particular that seems to be on everyone’s plant wishlist. Its leaves can grow up to two feet in width, and it is the ultimate statement plant for any style or space.
Say hello to the majestic Elephant Ear.
The Alocasia, or Elephant Ear as it is commonly called, gets its name from its flat, jumbo-sized, heart-shaped leaves. Elephant Ear plants make a great decorative piece for a spacious room and instantly bring a lush, tropical vibe. They are typically fast-growers that thrive best with indirect sunlight, humid settings and moist soil.
A few fun facts:
The entire plant is edible, but only when cooked
A popular houseplant since the 1950s, it can live decades with the right care
In Asia the plant is known as “the great protector”
There are a few different varieties of the Elephant Ear, including the Alocasia Regal Shield (pictured), Alocasia Calidora, and the Alocasia Black Magic.
How To Care for The Elephant Ear
This plant is easy to care for indoors and does not require an expert green thumb. Here’s the low-down on how to care for the Elephant Ear plant:
Light: medium to bright indirect light is ideal
Water: water once a week or when the top two inches of soil is dry
Feeding: fertilize once a month in the spring and summer
Miscellaneous: as a tropical plant, the Elephant Ear loves a consistently warm environment. If it’s too cold, brown spots may appear on the leaves, and if it’s too hot, it may droop
Read our full care guide on the Elephant Ear to learn how to grow this majestic beauty!
Where to place an Elephant Ear
Beyond medium to bright indirect light for the Alocasia, you’re also going to want a lot of space: this plant does not get too tall, but it can get quite large in width and will need room to grow. While this is not a great plant for a small room or narrow corner, the Elephant Ear can truly transform a space if given the chance!
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