Alocasia macrorrhizos

Bring instant jungle drama to your space with Elephant Ear Alocasia. Its massive, sculptural leaves turn any corner into a premium focal point—perfect for modern homes, receptions, and lounge areas. Place it in bright filtered light, keep the soil lightly moist, and enjoy a bold tropical statement all year long.

1. Basic Identification

Common Name: Elephant Ear Alocasia
Botanical Name: Alocasia macrorrhizos
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Foliage houseplant (Aroid)
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0002
Alternative Names:
أذن الفيل

2. Taxonomy & Classification

Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Alocasia

3. Origin & Distribution

Native to tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions
Popular as a potted indoor plant worldwide

4. Visual Characteristics

Leaves: large, sagittate (arrow-shaped), up to 1–3 ft long, glossy dark green with pronounced veins
Petiole: thick, upright, green, supporting heavy leaf blades
Stem/Rhizome: subterranean corm-like pseudostem
Inflorescence: rare in cultivation, white spathe with spadix, small fruit clusters

5. Size & Dimensions

Height: 1–3 m (3–10 ft) outdoors, typically 1–1.5 m indoors
Leaf Span: up to 1 m (3 ft) wide
Pot Size: best in ≥25 cm (10 in) diameter pot for stability

6. Light Requirements

Bright indirect light; tolerates some morning sun
Avoid intense midday direct sun to prevent leaf burn
Can adapt to lower light but growth slows

7. Watering Needs

Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged
Water when top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry
Reduce watering in winter or lower light periods

8. Soil & Potting

Use a well-draining, fertile potting mix (peat, compost, perlite)
Ideal pH 5.5–6.5
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot

9. Temperature & Humidity

Optimal temperature 18–27 °C (65–80 °F)
Minimum 15 °C (59 °F)
High humidity >60% preferred; mist regularly or use humidifier

10. Fertilization

Feed every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring–summer)
Use balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at half strength
Suspend fertilization in winter

11. Maintenance & Care Level

Care Level: Moderate
Remove yellow or damaged leaves promptly
Wipe leaves to remove dust
Repot every 1–2 years or when rootbound

12. Growth & Propagation

Propagate by division of rhizomes/corms in spring
Separate offsets ensuring each has roots and a shoot
Plant divisions in fresh potting mix and keep moist

13. Common Problems

Pests: spider mites, mealybugs, aphids
Overwatering: leads to root rot, yellow leaves
Low humidity: brown leaf edges, curling leaves
Leaf scorch: direct sun exposure

14. Benefits & Uses

Ornamental focal point for indoor and outdoor tropical gardens
Enhances interior with dramatic foliage architecture
May improve indoor air quality by filtering pollutants

15. Toxicity & Safety

Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
Toxic if ingested by pets and humans, causing oral irritation, swelling
Handle with gloves; keep out of reach of children and pets