Elephant Ear
alocasia odora
Also known as: ["Night-Scented Lily","Asian Lily","Elephant Ear Plant"]
Overview
A large, dramatic plant with large, heart-shaped leaves and a unique, sweet fragrance at night.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Araceae |
| Genus: | Alocasia |
| Botanical Name: | Alocasia odora |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright, humid room or shaded outdoor garden bed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, rich in organic matter, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and compost.
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 removing more than 20% of foliage at once.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Tolerates partial shade but may grow slower. Adjust exposure seasonally to prevent leaf burn.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to brighter light to avoid scorching. Place in filtered sunlight or dappled shade outdoors. Indoors, keep away from direct sun but near a bright window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to filtered light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light; avoid west-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry partially between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, rich in organic matter with peat or compost
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). Tolerates brief dips to 50°F (10°C) but thrives in warm, stable conditions. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Keep away from drafty areas; maintain stable temperatures; protect from heat sources.
Fertilizing
every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer, ceasing in fall and winter
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F), high humidity (70–90%), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to encourage root development.
Timeline
Roots may form in 4–8 weeks; new growth in 2–4 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, humidity dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems just above a leaf node or bud. Remove entire leaves at the base if damaged.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged 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, before the main growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Necessary to refresh soil and accommodate growth.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; loosen roots; add fresh soil; water; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot. Adjust based on humidity and temperature.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; use orchid bark for aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root rot if soil remains cold and wet.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid overwatering; use a space heater if necessary.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or drooping due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity with misting or a humidifier; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse pot periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer). Reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are susceptible to the toxic effects of Alocasia odora, which can cause severe oral and gastrointestinal irritation. The calcium oxalate crystals can lead to significant discomfort and potential injury to the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Alocasia odora can lead to oral irritation, excessive drooling, and gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. The crystals can cause mechanical injury to the mouth and digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicAlocasia odora contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause severe irritation and swelling of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract upon ingestion. The crystals are needle-like and can penetrate tissues, leading to intense pain and discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Alocasia odora toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to both dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does Alocasia odora require a lot of light?
A: It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade.
Q: How often should I water Alocasia odora?
A: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Araceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to filtered ligh |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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