Alocasia (Elephant Ear)

Potted Alocasia plant with large green leaves on a white background

DIG THIS

Alocasia (also known as Elephant's Ear) is known to have little hidden treasures beneath its soil called corms.

Corms are found attached to the root system, and while the plant needs at least one to stay alive, removing a few won’t harm the plant.

To propagate: gently dig around the roots, detach a baby corm, let it dry for a day, and plant it in soil. A new plant awaits!

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High
Maintenance

Indirect Sunlight

Water When Dry

Not Pet Safe

INDIRECT SUNLIGHT

AVOID HARSH, DIRECT SUN

An alocasia can survive in low light, but it won’t be happy about it. If you notice slow growth and leaf drop, try moving it to a brighter spot.

Cartoon sun character holding a flower and a potted plant with a cloud in the background.

FIND YOUR LIGHT

Take a moment to note which direction the windows face in your space. Then tap around the room below to see how the light hits throughout the day.

SOUTH-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Highest amount of sunlight ⊹
⊹ Consistent light all day ⊹
⊹ Perfect for "full sun" plants ⊹

EAST-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Soft morning sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for low to indirect light plants ⊹
⚠︎ May not be bright enough for "full sun" plants

WEST-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Brightest in the afternoon ⊹
⊹ Warm, golden hour glow ⊹
⊹ Great for indirect-sun lovers ⊹

⚠︎ Can overheat sensitive plants

NORTH-FACING WINDOW

⊹ No direct sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for shade-tolerant plants ⊹

⚠︎ Can be too dim for most houseplants. If this is your only light source, consider using a grow light for your sun-loving plants!

OUR PICK

We recommend an east-facing window for an alocasia. North also works if the room is bright enough, but you may notice slow growth.

⚠︎ Avoid south-facing ⚠︎

WATER WHEN DRY

Water an alocasia plant when the top few inches of soil are dry. If the soil still feels damp, leave it be. Overwatering and soggy soil can lead to root rot. A pot with drainage holes is key.

In lower light conditions, you can allow the soil to dry out more in between waterings.

HIGH HUMIDITY

Consider using a humidifier or a pebble tray to boost humidity levels if your alocasia is in a drier environment.

Cartoon water droplet character with a watering can and flowers on a white background

SOIL

Alocasia roots need room to breathe! Heavy and dense soil retains too much water which can suffocate the roots.

The best store-bought option is an aroid mix since it is already formulated for plants like an alocasia.

Avoid anything labeled "moisture retention" or "moisture control" as these tend to hold onto water longer. The opposite of what an alocasia needs!

Want to make your own?
Mix 3 parts standard potting mix + 1 part any gritty ingredient - like perlite or orchid bark.

Looks like tiny white popcorn bits mixed into the soil. Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.

Small white pot filled with soil and small white stones on a wooden surface

Looks like chunky, reddish-brown wood chips. Adds airflow and helps keep soil from getting too dense.

Close-up of a pile of brown and red organic material

Cartoon pot with face holding a trowel, surrounded by plants and flowers on a white background

COMMON ISSUES

YELLOWING

Yellowing leaves/edges is a possible sign of overwatering. Soil that has been overwatered can lead to root rot.

Remove affected leaves. Hold off on watering until the top few inches of soil are dry. An alocasia prefers to stay lightly moist than bone dry.

If problem persists and/or you suspect root rot: remove from pot, trim away dead mushy roots, and repot in fresh soil.

DROOPING

Buckle up! This could mean anything. With an advanced plant like an alocasia, it is best to troubleshoot for drooping leaves.

⊹ SOIL CHECK ⊹
Soggy: Likely overwatered or poor drainage. Ensure your pot has drainage holes. Allow soil to dry out a bit. Consider mixing in perlite or orchid bark for extra airflow.

Bone dry: Needs a drink and/or a humidity boost. Water thoroughly until water drains from bottom.

⊹ SUN CHECK ⊹
Too little light can make this plant "faint" and go limp. Move it to a brighter window for indirect sun.

BROWNING / CRISPING

⊹ SOIL CHECK ⊹
Bone dry: Needs a drink and/or a humidity boost. Water thoroughly until water drains from bottom. Consider boosting humidity levels with a humidifier or simply placing in a steamy bathroom.

⊹ SUN CHECK ⊹
Too much direct light can cause sun scorch on an alocasia's leaves. Make sure to keep it out of harsh afternoon sun.

SNIPPING BROWN TIPS

YELLOW SPOTS/HALOS

Likely a sign of a fungal problem.

Remove affected leaves.

Cut back on humidity and waterings. Only water at the base of the plant, ensuring its leaves do not get wet.

Provide better air circulation by not crowding it with other plants. Keep it in a cool, dry area.