Amazonian elephant ear care guide
Alocasia × amazonica
Also known as: Alocasia 'Polly', African mask plant
Pets and children
Considered toxic
All parts contain calcium oxalate; chewing causes intense mouth pain, swelling, drooling, and vomiting, so keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian, or a doctor for a child, if eaten.
How often to water Amazonian elephant ear
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 5 days
- Water when the topsoil dries, as a guide; it likes moisture, but a heavy mix kept wet rots the rhizome.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- Generally water about two days after the soil dries; as it cools the plant drops leaves and needs less.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 14 days
- Water lightly about a week after the soil dries; even if every leaf falls, the rhizome lives on, so moisten it once or twice a month and wait for spring.
Light and placement for Amazonian elephant ear
Bright shade out of direct sun is about right; strong light scorches the leaves, dim light stretches the stalks, and it likes humid, moving air.
Overwintering Amazonian elephant ear
Overwintering guide: 12°C (54°F) or above
Around 15°C it keeps its leaves through winter, with roughly 12°C as the lower limit; below that it drops its leaves and rests, so keep it dryish to protect the rhizome.
Fertilizing and repotting Amazonian elephant ear
Fertilizer
Diluted liquid feed about every two weeks from May to September; give none while it is leafless and dormant, and resume once new shoots move.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Amazonian elephant ear
- It drops its leaves in winter and gets thrown out as dead.
- Spider mites spread in dry indoor air and the leaves turn pale and speckled.
- Overwatering rots the rhizome and the leaves yellow one after another.
Tips for growing Amazonian elephant ear
- If it goes leafless in winter but the rhizome is firm, it is alive; hold back water until warm weather.
- Misting often, especially the leaf undersides, keeps spider mites away.
- Small offsets around the rhizome can be separated at repotting to make new plants.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
