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Illustration of an Alocasia Calidora plant leaf on a white background.

Elephant Ear

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Alocasia Calidora

KNOWN AS: Persian Palm

CLIMATE (LOCATION): East & Southeast Asia | Tropical & Subtropical

DESCRIPTION: This large leafed plant friend is sure to bring some serious jungle vibes to your space. The fun frilly arrowhead shaped leaves are a brilliant shade of bright green that like to point up towards the sun!

Moderate difficulty & pet toxic

Elephant Ear Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Elephant ear plants (Alocasia calidora) do best in bright, indirect light, but they can also grow in low to moderate, indirect light, just be aware your plant might not grow as rapidly. Their leaves will get burned if they are in direct sunlight, so avoiding south-facing windows is suggested. Elephant ear plants do best near north or east-facing windows, where they can get bright, indirect (filtered) light.

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Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow top 2 inches of soil to completely dry between waterings.

Alocasia calidora, also known as the Elephant ear plant, requires consistent and thorough watering to thrive indoors. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged, as overwatering can lead to root rot. The frequency of watering depends on various factors such as the size of the plant, humidity levels, and the temperature of the room. Generally, it is recommended to water your Elephant ear plant once a week during the growing season and reduce the frequency to every two to three weeks during the dormant season. It is important to avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings. One way to check the moisture level is to stick your finger about an inch into the soil, and if it feels dry, it is time to water. Additionally, providing good drainage by using a well-draining soil mix and a pot with drainage holes can help prevent waterlogging and ensure the plant receives the right amount of water.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 80º

Elephant ears (Alocasia calidoria) are tropical plants that do best in a warm climate. The plant should ideally be kept in a room that is above 60°F (15°C) at night and between 65-80°F (18-27°C) during the day. Avoid exposing the plant to any drafts or jarring temperature fluctuations because doing so could stress it out and harm it. It's crucial to maintain a constant temperature throughout the year because major temperature changes can make a plant go dormant or even die.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 60 - 70%; High Humidity

Elephant ear plants, also known as Alocasia calidoria, originate from tropical rainforests, where high humidity levels are prevalent. To mimic their natural habitat, aim for humidity levels between 60% and 70%. Consistent humidity allows your Elephant ear to grow lush, vibrant foliage. To achieve this level of humidity, you can place your planter/pot on a tray of pebbles with water. Misting the plant's leaves with room temperature water is another great option but may require more time and effort. The last option is investing in a humidifier that can help establish consistent levels of humidity.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Elephant ear plants can be propagated through division. To do this, carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently shake off the excess soil. Look for natural separations in the rhizome, or underground stem, and use a clean, sharp knife to cut through them. Each section should have at least one leaf and a healthy portion of the rhizome. Dust the cuts with rooting hormone powder to encourage growth, then plant each division in a pot with fresh, well-draining soil. Water thoroughly and keep in a bright, humid location, such as a west or east-facing window, protecting the new plants from direct sunlight until they become established.
Toxicity
The Elephant ear is a tropical plant species that is toxic to both humans and animals. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause skin irritation, swelling, and itching if touched. If ingested, the crystals can cause pain, swelling, and burning of the mouth and throat, and may lead to difficulty swallowing or breathing. It is important to keep Alocasia calidora out of reach of children and pets and to handle it with care when pruning or repotting.
Repotting
To repot an Elephant ear plant, choose a new pot that is only slightly bigger than the old one. Fill the new pot with fresh potting soil and make a hole in the middle that is deep enough for the root ball. Carefully take the plant out of its pot, being careful not to hurt the roots. Loosen any roots that are tangled and cut off any roots that are dead or sick. Place the plant in the new pot, making sure the top of the root ball is even with the top of the potting soil. Fill in any holes around the roots with more soil and gently press down to secure the plant. Water it well and place it where it will get bright, indirect light.
Pruning
Elephant Ear plants can get quite big, and their leaves are very large. By cutting them back, you can control their size and shape. When new growth comes out in the spring is the best time to prune. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut the stem just above a node or a leaf, leaving a small stub. You can also cut off the old or yellowing leaves at the base. To keep the plant from getting hurt, don't take off more than a third of it at a time. It's also important to wear gloves and stay away from the sap, which can irritate the skin.
Fertilizer
To fertilize an Elephant ear plant, it is best to use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant every two weeks from spring to early fall, when it is growing. Dilute the fertilizer according to the instructions on the packaging and water the plant with the solution. Be careful not to give the plant too much fertilizer. This can hurt the roots and cause the leaves to burn. Additionally, it is recommended to water the plant with plain water before and after fertilizing to prevent fertilizer buildup in the soil.
Soil
The Elephant ear likes well-drained soil that holds some water but not too much. The best way to make light, airy soil that drains well is to mix peat moss, perlite, and regular potting soil together. Adding sand or coarse gravel can help drainage even more. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not too wet, because too much water can cause the roots to rot.

Hanging Heights

Elephant Ear Lighting Requirements: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Elephant Ear

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Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 36"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Elephant Ear

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 36"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 24"

-

VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Elephant Ear

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 30"

-

VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Elephant Ear

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • Not Recommended

-

VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Elephant Ear

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Soltech's Recommendation:

-

VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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