The amazonian elephant ear plant is a popular tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. It’s a hybrid variety that makes an eye-catching and lovely houseplant and is typically sold as such. In an indoor environment, it can be purchased, planted, and cared for all year.
The deep green leaves of the Amazonian elephant’s ear are accented by whitish or light green veins. The leaves are roughly serrated and, in some cases, almost purple-green in color. The plant grows quickly and can reach a mature height of up to 2 feet. Amazonian elephant ear plants are grown primarily for their eye-catching foliage and rarely bloom (especially indoors). also known as Alocasia Amazonica Plant
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Amazonian elephant ear plant information
Botanical Name | Alocasia x amazonica |
Common Name | Amazonian elephant’s ear |
Plant Type | Tropical |
Mature Size | 1–2 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide |
Sun Exposure | Partial |
Soil Type | Moist, well-drained |
Soil pH | Neutral to acidic |
Bloom Time | Spring, summer (rarely blooms) |
Flower Color | Green |
Hardiness Zones | 9–11 (USDA) |
Native Area | Asia |
Toxicity | Toxic to humans, dogs, and cats |
Tips for indoor elephant ear plant care
The good news is that growing an Amazonian elephant’s ear is relatively simple. They prefer filtered sunlight or shade, as well as rich, moist soil. They, like most tropical plants, thrive in warm temperatures and high humidity and require a lot of water. During the spring, the division is the best way to propagate these plants. Corms can be dug up from the existing pot and repotted into smaller pots in a healthy specimen with multiple stems. For the best presentation, remove any dead or dying leaves.
Light
Amazonian elephant’s ear plants require a lot of indirect, bright light. They can survive in 80 percent shade, but prefer 60 percent shade for the best growth and a rich, green shade on the leaves. Avoid exposing the plant to harsh direct sunlight, which can bleach or scorch the leaves.
Soil
This plant prefers well-aerated, fast-draining potting soil. Organic, loose soil with a good amount of peat moss is ideal. If your soil mixture is too heavy, add some sand or perlite to lighten it.
Water
Keep the soil moist, but keep in mind that Amazonian elephant ear plants hate wet feet. Water your plant in the morning from below (at the root zone) if possible to keep the leaves from becoming too wet. Allow the soil to become almost dry between waterings during the winter months because the plant requires a rest period. However, if it completely dries out, the plant may go dormant.
Humidity and temperature
The amazonian elephant’s ear is a tropical plant that will go dormant or die if exposed to cold temperatures. It prefers a climate similar to that of its native Southeast Asia, with temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, the plant prefers higher-than-average humidity levels.
You can begin by placing your Amazonian elephant’s ear in a typically humid room of your home (such as a bathroom), but you may also need to place the plant on a humidity tray with pebbles or invest in a small space humidifier to keep it nearby.
Fertilizer
During its growing season, the Amazonian elephant’s ear is a heavy feeder and will respond well to applications of diluted balanced fertilizer. Feed the plant every two weeks beginning in spring and continuing until the end of August, then restart the cycle the following spring. If the plant’s leaves turn yellow, try adding micronutrient fertilizer or sprinkling Epsom salts around the base of the plant once a month.
Animal Poisoning Signs and Symptoms
- oral sensitivity
- Lips, tongue, and mouth discomfort and swelling
- excessive salivation
- Vomiting
- Having trouble swallowing
Repotting and Potting Elephant’s Ear Plant
When cultivating an Amazonian elephant’s ears in pots, use a sturdy one with enough space for the plant’s expansion. A healthy plant can require annual repotting. To ensure the best foliage development, keep in mind that these plants prefer to be somewhat under-potted.
Common diseases and pests
Although the Amazonian elephant’s ear is normally immune to disease, excessive moisture can result in fungus infections. A fungal infection is developing if you see dark brown or black dots on the leaves, which are frequently accompanied by a golden rim. Remove the harmed leaves, relocate the plant far from any other plants, and apply a fungicide on it to cure the problem.