How to care for elephant ears

How to care for Elephant Ear

Our tips for helping it grow healthy and strong

Alocasia gageana, commonly known as Elephant Ear, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Southeast Asia. At our company, this plant is appreciated for its large, decorative leaves that resemble an elephant's ears, adding an exotic and lush touch to any space.

The right spot

Elephant Ear loves bright, indirect light. It is important to place it somewhere it can receive plenty of light, but never in direct sunlight, which could damage its delicate leaves. Medium to high light is ideal for its well-being.

When and how to water it

During the summer, we recommend watering your Alocasia gageana every 7 days, while in winter, every 14 days is enough. Make sure the top layer of soil is dry before watering. You can check the soil moisture by inserting a finger into the substrate.

Temperature and humidity

This plant thrives in temperatures between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius, but can tolerate up to 30 degrees. It is important to maintain a high humidity level, between 60% and 80%, to ensure optimal growth.

The right fertilizer

During the active growing season, in spring and summer, we recommend fertilizing your Alocasia gageana every 30 days with a balanced liquid fertilizer. This will help the plant maintain its vigor and the beauty of its leaves.

The pot and soil

For the substrate, choose well-draining soil made of peat, perlite, and bark. This mix ensures good drainage and adequate root aeration. Repot the plant when necessary, preferably in spring, to give it enough room to grow.

How to propagate it

Alocasia gageana is propagated by rhizome division, a moderately easy method. We recommend doing this in spring, when the plant is actively growing.

Our final tip

Elephant ear is a plant that requires a little attention, but its beauty makes every effort worthwhile. Be sure to monitor humidity and light to keep it thriving. With the right care, it will become a centerpiece of your green space.

— The Gardens of Giulia

Verified care information

This information comes directly from the verified botanical profile used to generate the guide.

Light

medium-high · Bright indirect light

Watering

Every 7 days in summer · every 14 days in winter · Water when the top layer of soil is dry · Check soil moisture with your finger

Temperature

18 °C ideal minimum · 25 °C ideal maximum · 15 °C minimum tolerated · 30 °C maximum tolerated

Humidity

high · 60% minimum · 80% maximum

Fertilizing

Balanced liquid fertilizer · spring-summer · every 30 days

Propagation

Rhizome division · Moderate · Do in spring