Giant Elephant Ear Plant – Alocasia Macrorrhiza Care Tip Introduction

Alocasia Macrorrhiza is a large tropical plant native to Queensland, Southeast Asian countries and Hawaii, popular due to its imposing, exotic leaves and stunning foliage. The leaves of this plant are enormous and their lush green sets a perfect Jungle vibe that never fails to grab eyeballs. The ruffled leaves have a high resemblance to elephant ears, which is where it gets its affectionate common name. It also goes by the names Giant Taro, Giant Alocasia or Alocasia Cunjevoi. The leaves can be so substantial that they can become a reasonable shelter during a quick tropical downpour!

Giant Elephant Ear Plant – Alocasia Macrorrhiza Plant Soil & Drainage

Soil is an important component of plant care; make sure Alocasia Macrorrhizos is planted in a loose but well-draining potting medium. This will ensure proper water retention and drainage. Always choose an organically rich rooting medium for your plants to help them establish a strong root system. Try a mixture of general purpose compost, orchid bark, peat moss and perlite.

Giant Elephant Ear Plant – Alocasia Macrorrhiza Lighting and Position

Elephant ears need bright sunlight when grown indoors, but avoid harsh midday sun. If you notice the leaves are looking bleached or singed, move it to a dimmer spot or add a sheer curtain. Outdoors they do well in partial shade but as a tropical plant can be vulnerable to cold or dry conditions.

Giant Elephant Ear Plant – Alocasia Macrorrhiza Watering

Water the plant only when the topsoil is more than 50 percent dry. You can check this by inserting your finger into the soil and feeling the moisture within. In general, watering once a week should be sufficient for the plant, provided there is enough humidity in the air and the temperatures are moderate. If temperatures are high and dry, you will need to water it more frequently. In the winter months the plant goes dormant, thus scaling back on the water is essential.

Giant Elephant Ear Plant – Alocasia Macrorrhiza Humidity

As the plant is native to tropical climates, it requires high humidity levels to grow, moreover, an ideal level will be 60 percent and above. In case you are growing the plant in a dry environment, you will need to mist the plant often to create humidity in the air around it. Misting comes with a double advantage of keeping the plant foliage dust-free thereby reducing the risk of pest infestations.

Giant Elephant Ear Plant – Alocasia Macrorrhiza Fertilizer

Alocasia macrorrhiza is a heavy feeder and will require frequent fertilizer use, especially during the growing season. Use a liquid fertilizer such as a 20-20-20 formulation once a month to ensure the plant receives its complete nourishment.

We recommend using our Plant Food available here. 

Giant Elephant Ear Plant – Alocasia Macrorrhiza Pruning

Remove debris and dried decaying leaves that could lead to bacterial diseases and the spread of other pests. Having such vast leaves, they can be vulnerable to being torn or damaged, especially if you have recently relocated your plant. You can trim off damaged areas to maintain the plant’s aesthetic. If grown outdoors in a tropical environment, prune frequently to maintain its shape.

Giant Elephant Ear Plant – Alocasia Macrorrhiza Toxicity for Pets

The leaf is highly toxic if ingested due to its calcium oxalate content. It is recommended to keep the plant away from pets as accidental intake of the leaf can kick off a series of reactions such as irritation in the mouth, swelling and even breathing difficulties. In saying that, the Giant Elephant Ear is also an edible root vegetable used as a Potato substitute in Tropical Island Countries although great care must be taken as most parts of the plant are toxic, so not recommended at home, without considerable research.

Giant Elephant Ear Plant – Alocasia Macrorrhiza Pests and Diseases

Clean the large leaves gently with a damp cloth to keep them pest and dust-free. Mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids are common pests that infect the plant. You can prevent their spread by using a soapy insecticide every few weeks. As for indoors, use a non-chemical leaf shine that will also aid in better photosynthesis.

For more information on how to manage common plant pests, head to our blog here.