How-to Guide
Alocasia Care
The short answer
Alocasia is the arrowhead-leaved elephant ear commonly sold as a houseplant (for example Alocasia x amazonica and its 'Polly' form). The Missouri Botanical Garden grows it in part shade or bright indirect light, in consistently moist, organically rich, well-drained soil, in high humidity, with air temperatures that should not dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is a distinct genus from the outdoor elephant ear you plant from tubers in the garden (see how-to-grow-elephant-ears, which is Colocasia): alocasia is typically grown indoors year-round, colocasia is a tender outdoor bulb. Alocasias often slow, pause, or drop leaves as light and warmth fall in winter, which is usually a normal rest rather than death; keep watering minimal and wait for spring.
For pets: the ASPCA lists Alocasia as toxic to cats and dogs, with insoluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle.
Light, water, soil, warmth
The Missouri Botanical Garden grows Alocasia x amazonica in part shade, filtered sun, or bright indirect light, and warns that direct sun causes leaf burn and pale foliage. An east window or a few feet back from a brighter one suits it.
Keep the soil consistently moist (a medium water requirement) in a rich, well-drained mix; a soil-based potting mix holds moisture better than a soilless one. It is a warmth lover: the Missouri Botanical Garden says air temperatures should not dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, ideally 60 to 65 for overwintering. Pair that with high humidity (see how-to-increase-humidity-for-houseplants) and see watering-houseplants for keeping it evenly moist without waterlogging, which rots the roots.
The winter slump is usually normal
Alocasias commonly slow down or drop leaves as day length, warmth, and humidity fall in winter. Container plants are brought inside to overwinter and watering should be reduced during that period. A plant that loses leaves in winter is often just resting, not dead, provided you keep it warm (above 60 degrees), go easy on water, and wait for new growth to push in spring.
Because overwatering a barely-growing winter plant is a fast route to rot, cut back water when growth stalls and only resume normal watering as new leaves appear.
Alocasia vs colocasia: not the same plant
These get conflated constantly. Alocasia is a distinct genus, usually grown indoors year-round as a houseplant, with upward-held arrowhead leaves. Colocasia, the classic outdoor elephant ear grown from tubers as a tender summer bulb, is covered separately in how-to-grow-elephant-ears.
The two want different things: your indoor alocasia stays a warm, bright-indirect houseplant, while colocasia is planted out for the season and lifted or treated as an annual in cold climates. Don't apply outdoor elephant-ear advice to your potted alocasia.
Toxicity: keep away from pets
The ASPCA lists Alocasia (common names Alocasia, Elephant's Ear) as toxic to both cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalates, and reported clinical signs include oral irritation; pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips; excessive drooling; vomiting; and difficulty swallowing.
Keep the plant out of reach of pets that chew foliage. If you suspect ingestion, the ASPCA directs owners to contact their veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder — Alocasia x amazonica — Grow in part shade, filtered sun, or bright indirect light (direct sun causes leaf burn and pale foliage); medium water, keep consistently moist in organically rich, well-drained soil; soil-based mix retains moisture better than soilless; air temperatures should not dip below 60 F, ideally 60-65 F for overwintering; may be grown indoors year round as a houseplant; container plants brought inside to overwinter with reduced watering
- ASPCA — Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Alocasia — Alocasia (Elephant's Ear, Alocasia spp., family Araceae) is toxic to cats and dogs; toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalates; clinical signs include oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth/tongue/lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing