Botanical name: Alocasia in various species
Other names: elephant’s ear, giant arrowhead, alocasia, giant taro
Use: houseplant, indoor greenery, ornamental foliage plant, conservatory plant
Origin: tropical and subtropical Asia, eastern Australia
Flower: whitish bulbs surrounded by a white bract. After flowering, red berries appear.
Special features: as a rarity not so often seen

As a member of the aroid family, the elephant ear is a magnificent sight. The German name is no exaggeration due to the powerful leaves. Depending on the species, the foliage is up to 1.50 cm long and 80 cm wide. The houseplant is finding more and more fans, especially because of the foliage and the lush growth. The flower is white and characteristic of the Araceae family. High humidity, even heat and sufficient space are essential for healthy growth. Therefore, the arrow leaf feels especially in winter gardenswith high humidity or you can help with regular spraying. You can buy plants online from us. Just have a look in our online plant shop. In the following section you will learn all about elephant ear care.

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In which location does the Alocasia feel most comfortable?

The elephant ear prefers a warm place in the house, preferably facing east or west. The conditions in a heated conservatory with sufficient humidity are ideal for Alocasia care. Pay attention to shading in big summer sun to avoid direct sunlight. Temperatures should always be above 18 degrees Celsius, even in winter and at night. The rarity only feels comfortable when the humidity is very high. It is therefore advisable to humidify the air several times a day or with the help of a humidifiercontinuously ensure a uniform climate. After gradually getting used to it, this special feature can also be outdoors from June to August. Avoid direct sun as it can easily burn leaves.

Knowledge tip: Alocasia likes to spend the summer in the garden or on the balcony. It is important to get used to the outdoor conditions step by step. The Pfeilblatt is best placed in a shady spot from May to August, protected from wind and rain.

How do I properly care for my Alocasia?

The exotic plants grow harmoniously without much care and do not require any corrective pruning. Brown, wilted or old leaves can be removed with a sharp knife. Be sure to prune back to ground level as remaining stems will rot quickly. If your plant has grown too tall, you can of course cut off the leaves. Rinsing the plant with lukewarm water is beneficial for vitalityWater. This maintenance measure can be carried out once or twice a year. Large specimens can be showered with rainwater on the terrace or balcony. With these care instructions you can easily create a tropical atmosphere and the plant feels good. However, if you cannot imagine this care, you can grow artificial green plants. Due to the low maintenance requirements, the pretty plant is also an ideal gift for Easter, Christmas or other occasions.

How do I properly water my elephant ear?

Alocasia require a consistent water supply throughout the year. A lot of moisture is evaporated through the large leaves, which must be taken into account when caring for them. As soon as the elephant ear plant is too dry, it lets the leaves hang limp. Therefore, regularly check how moist the potting soil is with your fingeris. How often you have to water depends largely on the room temperature, the amount of sunlight and the size of the pot. 15 minutes after watering, discard excess water as wet feet will not be tolerated. In winter, the water requirement is lower. In its homeland, the plant grows in a warm and humid environment. Therefore, spraying the attractive houseplant is important for vitality and infestation by spider mites is minimized.

Knowledge tip: Water regularly drips from the leaves. This so-called guttation is a normal process and cannot be stopped in this houseplant

How do I fertilize my arrowhead correctly?

The elephant ear has an enormous increase and requires regular fertilizer application. Weekly fertilizer application is recommended from April to September. Use high-quality green plant fertilizer and dose it according to the instructions on the package. It is important that the arrow leaf does not dry out after fertilization and is dry. From October to March, fertilizing every 4 to 6 weeks is sufficient. You can also use fertilizer sticks for green plants as a practical form of administration. This convenient solution provides the plants with all the necessary nutrients, minerals and trace elements for 3 months and promotes the formation of new leaves.

How do I repot my elephant ear?

Due to the lush growth, it is beneficial that you repot your plant every spring. Use a high-quality and structurally stable green plant soil and a pot that is 3 to 4 cm larger in diameter than the previous one. In order to avoid waterlogging, it is important that you first put a drainage layer of expanded clay in the new pot. After repotting, make sure that the substrate is evenly moist. A substrate with a pH value of 5.5 to 6 is ideal for the popular houseplant.

What types of elephant ear are there?

The elephant ear is a robust green plant that is very rarely attacked by diseases and pests in the right location. In the blazing sun, the huge leaves burn. The following problem can occur with the Exot:

spider mites

Especially when the room air is dry in winter, an infestation with spider mites can occur. The affected leaves have silvery dots on the upper side and webs are visible on the underside of the leaves. Plant pests are effectively combated by increasing the humidity and treating with plant strengtheners. The natural plant extracts contained in the Bio Aktiv products revitalize the plant.

FAQ — Frequently asked questions about alocasia

What can be the reason for brown or yellow leaves?

A cold location or draft as well as stagnant moisture usually lead to lightening of the leaves or browning of the leaves.

Are alocasia poisonous?

Since the milky sap contained in the plant is poisonous, the plant should only be cut and repotted with gloves.

How does the tropical plant reproduce?

The easiest way to propagate tropical plants is by dividing the rhizome (rootstock). When repotting, you can separate the runners and within a short time the section will form roots.

When does the elephant ear bloom?

The foliage plant does not bloom reliably. Some of the white flowers are only present after many years. However, it is by no means certain that plants will flower. With gigantic leaves and an imposing height, the genus is a decorative figure even without flowers.