Alocasia, or Elephant Ear plants, are prized for their sculptural elegance, as well as their ability to grow large when conditions are right, whether they are used as a feature plant in an outdoor landscape or as an indoor feature. Their tall, elegant stems and large, often spear-shaped leaves create a jungle-like atmosphere inside, where conditions can be easier to control and keep them thriving.
Alocasia have 97 different species with various interesting foliage, including some with striking stems. Consider the Alocasia Zebrina, which is prized for its distinctly patterned stems or the Elephants Ear Stingray, which is cherished for its uncommon leaf shapes. For something a little more striking, try the Alocasia Cuprea Red Secret, known for its metallic sheen, rarity and deep red foliage. There are a few Elephant ears that have lustrous deep green foliage patterned with striking white veins or velvety texture. Otherwise, large, deep purple foliage such as the Yucatan Princess or lush green, huge leaves of the Macrorrhiza are what draw people to this versatile and extraordinary variety of houseplant.
Elephant Ears can be confused with the Colocasia genus, a close relative that is also indigenous to Asia, however with a slightly different growing preference. Colocasia thrives in water, whereas Alocasia prefer drier potting soil. This is important to note for new plant parents, since Alocasia have a sensitivity to root rot if kept too wet. To tell the difference between these genus, consider the growing habit of their leaves: Alocasia tend to point upwards, whereas Colocasia bend downwards.
Depending on which species you have, you may find the plant “dying back”, or retreating, in winter. Some Elephants Ear plants enter a stage of dormancy, so there is no need to worry. You’ll notice this happening if everything above the soil dies off. Continue caring for the ‘empty’ pot by placing it in a warmer position, and watering it as needed, to avoid the soil drying out completely. Do not fertilize, and in spring you will find new shoots growing.
NOTE: The Elephants Ear plant is very poisonous and should be kept away from children and pets.
That lush, vibrant Amazon Elephant’s Ear plant decorating your patio is the stuff of tropical dreams. But just when you least expect it, you peer at those majestic leaves only to find.bugs?! Before you panic, arm yourself with knowledge. Let’s explore the usual suspects of creepy-crawlies that plague Elephant Ear plants and how to evict them for good.
Meet the Mini-Marauders
Spider Mites – These tiny vampires pierce plant cells and suck out the sap Leaves become speckled or stippled. Fine webbing often appears on the undersides of leaves or where they meet the stem.
Mealybugs – Fluffy white cotton-like masses lurk in leaf axils and stems. These sap-sucking scale insects leave a sticky honeydew residue.
Aphids – Colonies of green yellow brown or black pear-shaped insects cluster on tender new growth. Their sap-feeding distorts leaves and stunts plant growth.
Scale Insects – Waxy armored bumps attach themselves to stems and leaves, gradually weakening the plant as they feed.
Whiteflies – Clouds of tiny white flies take flight when disturbed. They extract sap, causing leaves to yellow and wilt.
Thrips – Minuscule winged pests rasp leaves, resulting in silver-white scarring. Leaves may curl and distort from their feeding.
DIY Defense Strategies
Small invaders demand prompt action before they destroy your Elephant Ear. Arm yourself with these organic, non-toxic remedies:
Powerblast bugs away – Grab the hose and powerblast bugs off leaves with a strong jet of water. Repeat often to disrupt their life cycles.
Rubbing alcohol – Dip a cotton swab in alcohol and dot bugs to destroy them on contact.
Insecticidal soap – Spray leaves thoroughly with this non-toxic solution, especially the undersides, to suffocate and kill soft-bodied insects.
Neem oil – Smother both sucking and chewing insects while deterring new arrivals with this organic neem oil application.
Horticultural oils – Coat scales, mites, whiteflies, and other sap-sucking insects in these oils to block their breathing and starve them.
Sticky traps – Lure adult whiteflies and other flying bugs to their doom on yellow sticky traps.
Beneficial insects – Welcome aphid-eating ladybugs and mealybug-munching lacewings into your garden to control pests naturally.
Starve the Invasion
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of pest eradication. Fortify your Elephant Ear to resist infestations:
- Allow soil to dry between waterings – excessive moisture invites pests
- Provide good air circulation – stagnant air enables bugs to thrive
- Remove and destroy infected leaves – isolates pests from spreading
- Apply fertilizer – healthy, vigorous plants better withstand attacks
- Check new plants closely – quarantine if bugs are present
- Clean debris around plants – eliminate pest hiding places
When All Else Fails…
If you’ve tried every natural remedy and those blasted bugs persist, it may be time to escalate measures before your Elephant Ear succumbs. Consult your local garden center for the least toxic chemical control methods permitted in your area. Systemic insecticides, miticides, and pesticidal soaps offer spot-treatment options.
But avoid overusing harsh chemicals – they can damage beneficial insects too. Rotate treatments monthly to prevent pests from developing resistance. Always follow label directions exactly.
While bugs are an inevitable gardening nuisance, don’t surrender your Elephant Ear to their assault. Implement integrated pest management by combining preventative care, organic control, and monitored use of conventional chemicals only when essential. With persistence and care, you can defend your plant’s health and reclaim your patio paradise.
Elephant Ear (Alocasia) Common Symptoms
- Brown leaves: Brown leaves on the Elephants Ear could be caused by two problems: Overwatering or the cold. Check your watering approach and ensure that the soil is moist and not soggy. Also, check that the plant is placed in an area where it is warm enough, 15°C or more.
- Leaves are dry or crispy: Dry, crispy leaves are often caused by low humidity. Increase humidity by either spritzing regularly or placing your plant on a pebble tray to address this. Also ensure that your plant is not standing in a cool breeze. If this is the case, relocate.
- Crown, leaf spot, and stem or root rot: These diseases are caused by overwatering and usually appear as dark brown or black spots on the leaves surrounded by a yellowish rim. To prevent this, avoid over-watering, keep the leaves dry, and provide it with good air circulation. If your plant does get infected, immediately remove the infected and damaged leaves. Treat it with an Organic Fungicide.
- Pale/Patchy brown leaves: This is caused by too much light, usually direct sunlight. This may also occur if you have moved the plant from a dark area to a very bright area too quickly causing the foliage to bleach. The plant may have been unable to adapt to its new surroundings sufficiently, it is best to relocate your Alocasia gradually.
- Pests: It is best to keep your plant in its optimal conditionsto prevent an invasion of Mealy Bugs, Scale, Aphids or Spider Mites. Consider spraying your plant with room temperature soapy water every few weeks, as a preventative measure. This would also keep the large leaves dust free. If you do find that you have an infestation of pests, spray the plant with an ultra-fine insecticidal oil, such as Neem Oil or Pyrol. This will kill the pests as well as the egg. Read up more on Pest Prevention here.
TIPS FOR GROWING ELEPHANT EARS IN POTS
FAQ
What can I put on elephant ears to keep bugs away?
How to treat spider mites on elephant ears?