Elephant's ear (Alocasia × amazonica)
The striking Elephant's ear, Alocasia × amazonica, features dark, dramatic foliage, perfect for tropical beds or as a year-round houseplant.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The striking foliage of Alocasia × amazonica secures its place as a premier tropical specimen in both gardens and interiors. This hybrid, frequently marketed as the Elephant’s ear or African mask, exhibits dramatic dark leaves sharply contrasted by vibrant white veining, providing year-round visual interest. While technically a bulb or rhizome, it is cultivated for its spectacular leaves rather than its inconspicuous flowers. Gardeners value the Elephant’s ear for its ability to transform shaded areas into vibrant, jungle-like retreats. Successful cultivation requires consistent moisture and warmth, mimicking its tropical origins.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Araceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Native Range: Garden origin
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
- Bloom Description: Greenish white
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Rhizomes or tuberous roots of Alocasia × amazonica are best started indoors in containers well before the last spring frost date. For garden planting, ensure the location provides part shade or bright, filtered sunlight; direct sun exposure often causes leaf burn and bleaching. These plants demand consistently moist, organically rich, well-drained soils and high humidity; soil-based potting mixes are often preferred as they retain moisture more effectively than soilless types.
Watering and fertilizing should be regular throughout the growing season. Air temperatures must not drop below 60°F, as tropical plants like this Elephant’s ear suffer in cooler conditions. If grown in containers, they must be brought indoors well before the first fall frost, overwintering in a warm (above 60-65°F), bright, indirect light location, reducing watering significantly during this dormant period.
If you have tuberous varieties, you may plant them directly into the garden border in late spring after all danger of frost has passed. If storing tubers over winter, lift them after the first fall frost, shake off soil, dry them thoroughly, and then keep them in a cool, dry spot until spring planting time.
Landscape Uses
The dramatic appearance of Alocasia × amazonica makes it an excellent focal point for subtropical landscaping. Use this stunning Elephant’s ear in heavily shaded beds or borders where its dark foliage can provide striking contrast against lighter-colored surrounding plants. It is equally effective when massed together to create an immersive tropical tapestry effect.
For container enthusiasts, Alocasia × amazonica excels as a patio specimen during warm months. Sinking the container rims into the garden soil allows the plant to benefit from ground moisture while keeping it portable for easy relocation indoors before cold weather hits. Its upright, architectural form pairs well with trailing groundcovers or fine-textured ferns in mixed tropical arrangements.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
The genus Alocasia contains approximately 70 species known for large, expressive leaves, earning them the moniker Elephant’s ear. The Alocasia × amazonica hybrid is particularly sought after for its leathery, deep bronze-green leaves reaching up to 16 inches long, etched robustly with bright white veins. Although some botanists consider the name Alocasia × amazonica a manufactured horticultural designation rather than a strictly legitimate scientific name, its aesthetic impact in cultivation is undeniable.
Tolerances
- Watch for spider mites
Potential Problems
Spider mites are the most common pest challenge for Alocasia × amazonica, especially when the plant is grown in drier, indoor environments typical during winter months. These tiny pests feed by sucking sap from the leaves, leading to stippling, yellowing, and overall leaf dullness.
To manage and prevent infestations, ensure high humidity levels, as mites prefer dry air. Regularly inspect the undersides of the large leaves. If you notice early signs, treat the plant immediately by washing the foliage thoroughly with a strong jet of water or applying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, ensuring full coverage of both leaf surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Elephant’s ear suitable for?
Alocasia × amazonica is hardy in USDA Zones 10 through 12, requiring warm, frost-free environments outdoors.
How large does Alocasia × amazonica grow?
This variety typically reaches a manageable size, growing 1 to 2 feet tall with a similar spread.
What sun exposure does Alocasia × amazonica need?
This Elephant’s ear prefers part shade or bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun, which can scorch the specialized leaves.
When does Alocasia × amazonica bloom?
It acts as a seasonal bloomer, producing somewhat insignificant, greenish-white, calla-like flowers that are often hidden by the foliage.
Conclusion
The dramatic, highly ornamental foliage of Alocasia × amazonica offers unparalleled tropical flair, whether utilized as a striking houseplant or a temporary summer garden feature. Providing consistent warmth, high humidity, and protection from harsh sun are the keys to success with this Elephant’s ear hybrid. Plan ahead by ensuring you have a warm indoor location ready before the first fall frost to keep your Alocasia × amazonica thriving year-round.
Companion Planting
When placing Alocasia × amazonica in mixed summer beds, select companions that share its cultural demands for moisture and bright, indirect light. Grouping it with other bold foliage plants, such as Caladiums or large-leafed Hostas (in shadier zones), enhances that lush, tropical look. Ensure companions are not overly aggressive feeders, as you will be fertilizing the Alocasia regularly high-humidity environment.
For container groupings, consider softer textures that contrast against the rigid, angular leaves of the Elephant’s ear. Ferns, such as Boston Ferns, or fine-textured grasses look beautiful spilling over the edges of the pot, balancing the strong vertical presence of the Alocasia.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the time to wake up your Alocasia × amazonica. Either plant out tubers once soil temperatures warm significantly after the last frost, or transition container plants outdoors to their summer location once nighttime temperatures remain above 60°F. Begin a regimen of regular watering and feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer to support robust leaf production.
Summer is peak growing time; focus on maintaining moisture—the soil should never dry out completely. Monitor closely for pests like spider mites, which prosper in hot, dry spells. If you notice wilting, it is often a sign that the plant requires significantly more water or humidity.
As autumn approaches, prepare for overwintering by inspecting containers before the first frost date. Bring the Alocasia × amazonica indoors when evening temperatures consistently dip below 65°F. Reduce watering significantly once inside to encourage necessary winter dormancy, providing bright, indirect light until spring returns.
