Elephant Ear
alocasia lauterbachiana
Also known as: ["Elephant Ear Plant","Upright Elephant Ear"]
Overview
A striking tropical plant with large, upright, arrowhead-shaped leaves that resemble elephant ears.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Araceae |
| Genus: | Alocasia |
| Botanical Name: | Alocasia lauterbachiana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a humid environment with bright indirect light
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, rich in organic matter; mix of peat, perlite, and coco coir works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 1–2 months during growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to sunlight gradually; place in a spot with filtered light; move outdoor plants to shade during peak sun hours.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright indirect light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light; monitor for leaf burn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency in winter
Water deeply to encourage root growth; allow soil to dry partially between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); thrives in warm, stable conditions; sensitive to cold drafts.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain consistent warmth; protect from cold drafts.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during spring and summer, monthly in fall, none in winter
Flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; apply fertilizer to moist soil to avoid root burn; stop fertilizing if plant shows signs of stress.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy stem cutting with at least one node.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Maintain humidity and warmth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (75–85°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; can also use water propagation for stem cuttings.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to speed up root development.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth may take 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use a sterile cutting tool; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems just above a leaf node or junction; remove entire leaves at the base if damaged.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or yellowing leaves to maintain plant health and aesthetics; encourage bushier growth by trimming leggy stems.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; cut at the right angle; remove only necessary parts; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring or early summer before the main growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even moisture distribution; water until it drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; use orchid bark to improve aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in cold; wilting or brown leaf edges in heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage; may lead to fungal infections in damp conditions.
Solution: Keep plant away from drafty windows or doors; provide a heat source if temperatures drop below 60°F (15°C); reduce watering in cold periods.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or dehydration; may lead to pest infestations.
Solution: Increase humidity with misting or a humidifier; provide shade during peak heat; ensure adequate watering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; avoid dormant periods.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are susceptible to the toxic effects of Alocasia lauterbachiana, which can cause severe oral and gastrointestinal irritation due to calcium oxalate crystals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIngestion of Alocasia lauterbachiana by dogs can lead to oral irritation, excessive drooling, and gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicAlocasia lauterbachiana contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause severe irritation and swelling of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract upon ingestion. The plant's sap may also cause skin irritation upon contact.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Alocasia lauterbachiana toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to both dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Alocasia lauterbachiana?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring the plant does not sit in water to prevent root rot.
Q: Can Alocasia lauterbachiana grow in low light?
A: It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions, though growth may slow.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Araceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright indirect light |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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