Upright elephant ear care guide
Alocasia odora
Also known as: Alocasia odora, Night-scented lily
Pets and children
Considered toxic
True to its Japanese name, it is not edible: all parts contain calcium oxalate, and chewing causes intense mouth pain, swelling, and vomiting, so keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian, or a doctor for a child, if eaten.
How often to water Upright elephant ear
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 5 days
- Water thoroughly when the topsoil dries, as a guide; the large leaves use a lot of water, so in midsummer keep it from drooping dry.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- Generally water two to three days after the soil dries; growth stops as it cools.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 14 days
- Water sparingly about a week after the soil dries; kept dryish it stands the cold, and even if the leaves drop, a live stem sprouts again in spring.
Light and placement for Upright elephant ear
It likes light: sheer-curtain shade to a bright window is about right; midsummer sun scorches the leaves, and in dim light the stalks stretch and flop.
Overwintering Upright elephant ear
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
It generally takes down to around 5°C in a bright room; cold may yellow and drop the leaves, but with sparse watering the stem survives and regrows in spring.
Fertilizing and repotting Upright elephant ear
Fertilizer
Slow-release fertilizer about every two months or liquid feed roughly twice a month from May to September; it responds strongly, so feed less if you want it to stay compact.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Upright elephant ear
- Winter overwatering rots the thick stem and the plant wobbles at the base.
- Too little light stretches the stalks and the leaves droop.
- In dry indoor air spider mites move in and the leaves turn mottled and pale.
Tips for growing Upright elephant ear
- If the stem grows tall and awkward, cut it in early summer and replant the section; it regrows.
- Water droplets on the leaf edges are the plant shedding excess water, not a disease.
- Frequent misting deters spider mites and keeps the leaves glossy.
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.
