In warm months, check his soil weekly and water him if the top two inches of soil feel dry. He’ll need less in winter.
He likes a spot with lots of light. Direct sunlight is a bit much, so best not right next to a window.
He loves moist air. A bright bathroom would be ideal. Alternatively, mist his leaves a couple of times a week.
Botanical name
Alocasia Wentii
Nickname
Giant elephant ear; Hardy elephant ear
Air purifying
Yes
Plant height
70-80cm
Pet/Baby friendly
Toxic if ingested
Nursery pot size
19cm
Those unusual leaves are not just for show. The dramatic purple underside helps the plant absorb as much light as possible. That’s because alocasia live in dappled forest light. It needs to suck up all the available sun. That’s also why it’s best not placed in direct sun. It’s just not built for it.
This plant requires a little more attention than some. Make sure to keep its soil moist (not soggy) and mist it regularly. You may see it lose some leaves in winter. This doesn’t mean it’s dying. It means it has gone to sleep until the weather warms up. Once spring comes it will burst back to life.
Did you know?
The largest breeds of alocasia have leaves up to 90cm long. Don’t panic, this one stays well short of that.
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