A breathtaking beauty with its giant heart shaped leaves, Alocasia is one of my most favorite plants that was a gift from my plant lover mom early this summer. Elephant ears belong to two related groups of plants: Colocasia and Alocasia. Both types can be grown as outdoor garden or indoor plant. They thrive in spring and summer and they go for sleep in winter. They can grow up to 4-8 ft high and 3 ft wide.
Alocasia Care Tips
Water
Elephant ears are water loving plants, and require moist condition (once or twice a week in dry weather and less watering in winter). You need to water it carefully if your pot does not have drainage holes. So make sure you always test the soil with your finger first.
It is also a good idea to set the pot in a tray with pebbles and place the pot holding the plant on it.
Sunlight
Although their need to sun vary from one type to another, they can thrive in bright sunlight but nothing harsh or hot direct sun exposure.
Soil
Well drained, loose, porous soil.
Toxicity Alert
If you have pets or little children in your home, you need to make sure you place your Elephant ear plant on a high unreachable area. Elephant ear leaves and stems contain oxalic acid, a toxin in the form of sharp crystals that is toxic to pets and humans. It can cause severe swelling in the throat, mouth, and lips and vomiting, and may also irritate your skin on contact. However, colocasias are frequently eaten in many countries in Asia—cooking breaks down the crystals, making them harmless.
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