Alocasia Care Guide: How to Keep Your Elephant Ear Thriving

There’s something magical about Alocasias. With their bold, sculptural leaves and tropical charm, they bring instant drama to any space. But these beauties can be a little particular about their care. If you’ve ever struggled to keep your Alocasia thriving, don’t worry — you’re not alone! Here’s everything you need to know to help your Elephant Ear grow strong and happy in your indoor jungle.

With their striking leaves and bold presence, Alocasias are the showstoppers of any indoor jungle. But these tropical beauties can be a little fussy if you don’t know what they like. Here’s how to keep your Alocasia happy, healthy, and growing strong.

Light

Alocasias love bright, indirect light. Think of dappled sunlight filtering through a rainforest canopy. Too much direct sun can scorch their leaves, while too little light will slow their growth and cause drooping.

Tip: If your plant’s leaves start leaning towards the window, rotate it every week or two to keep growth even.

Watering

These plants like their soil to stay lightly moist but never soggy. Overwatering is the quickest way to cause root rot. Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again.

Tip: Use room-temperature water (collect rainwater which is much better for plants!) and make sure your pot has good drainage. Water from the top until you see a little coming out of the drainage holes — that ensures the whole root ball is evenly moist. Then let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again.

Humidity & Temperature

Alocasias thrive in warm, humid conditions. Aim for 60–80% humidity and temperatures between 18–27°C.

Tip: Mist your plant regularly, use a humidifier, or group it with other plants to boost humidity naturally.

Soil & Feeding

Use a well-draining mix with coco coir or perlite. Feed your Alocasia every 2–4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength.

Tip: Stop feeding in winter when the plant naturally slows down.

Common Issues

• Yellow leaves: Usually from overwatering.
• Crispy edges: Too little humidity.
• Droopy leaves: Check for underwatering or low light.

Bonus Tip: Dormancy

Don’t panic if your Alocasia drops its leaves in winter. It’s likely going dormant. Keep the soil slightly moist, reduce watering, and wait for new growth to appear in spring.

In short: Alocasias love consistency. Give them bright light, steady moisture, and a bit of humidity, and they’ll reward you with those stunning, sculptural leaves that make every plant parent swoon.

Caring for Alocasias might take a bit of patience, but once you find their rhythm, they’re incredibly rewarding. Remember, every plant is unique, so don’t be afraid to experiment and learn as you go.

If you loved this guide, come join our community of plant lovers inside The Indoor Jungle. You’ll get free resources, care tips, and plenty of encouragement to help your plants (and confidence) flourish.