The Alocasia Amazonica, also known as the ‘Amazon Elephant Ear’, is an exquisite, unique and rare tropical plant native to coastal Southeast Asia. This stunning and eye-catching plant is an evergreen perennial belonging to a family of plants called Araceae.
It is a popular house plant that produces dramatic foliage with long, heart-shaped green leaves with white veins and boasts deep, wavy edges along their length. What’s more, Alocasia Amazonica is incredibly easy to maintain. Given the right conditions and some TLC, it will bring life and elegance to any home or garden.
Tips for caring for your Alocasia amazonica
Light
The plant also requires plenty of light to create its beautiful foliage. A bright but indirect and airy spot near a window is perfect for the Alocasia Amazonica, but be sure to avoid placing it too close to the panes and drafts, which can harm the plant.
Temperature
The Alocasia Amazonica thrives in a warm location with temperatures between 18-30° Celsius (64-86° Fahrenheit). Although the plant can tolerate a light frost in the winter, exposure to frosted temperatures that linger can cause permanent damage.
Soil type and drainage
To keep your Alocasia Amazonica looking its best, picking the right soil is essential, ensuring you choose rich and well-draining soil. The soil should have at least a pH of 5.0-7.5, with a moderate amount of compost added for extra nourishment. Be sure to add some compost to the bottom of your pot to help with drainage.
Humidity
The Amazon Elephant Ear also enjoys humidity, so you may want to mist it often with a gentle spray of water. Alternatively, to regular misting, you can place the pot onto a wet pebbled tray. The water will evaporate and provide the plant with the humidity required.
Watering
Watering the Alocasia Amazonica is just as important as the soil it’s planted in. Depending on the environment where the plant is situated, you should water the plant to a point where the soil is slightly damp but not wet. During the cold winter months, it’s best to cut down on watering, but when temperatures warm up in the spring, be sure to water your Alocasia Amazonica more regularly.
Toxicity
The Alocasia Amazonica isn’t considered toxic, so you’ll be pleased to know this plant can safely coexist with pets and children in the home.
Fertiliser
Suppose you want to give your Alocasia Amazonica a boost of nutrients. In that case, a variety of organic, slow-release fertilisers can be applied around the base of the plant every few months.
Troubleshooting pests, diseases and common problems
Troubleshooting common problems such as pests, diseases, and other issues is essential in keeping your plant looking its best. Get to know the signs of damage so that any problems can be identified quickly and treated promptly. Mealybugs, Thrips, and Scale insects can all cause harm to this beautiful plant. You can use natural insecticides or wash them away with a damp cloth if you notice them.
Propagation
When it comes time to propagate your Alocasia Amazonica, you’ll be pleased to know it is a straightforward process. Remove the rhizomes from the parent plant and plant them in a new potting mix. The rhizomes will then sprout and produce beautiful, new foliage.
Final Thoughts
The Alocasia Amazonica is a captivating, exuberant and exotic plant that can add an eye-catching and rare feature to any home or garden. Not only is it great for those searching for a tropical and lush indoor plant, but it is also incredibly easy to maintain and, if looked after, can live a long and happy life.
