Alocasia Amazonica (single plant – Medium sized)

The Alocasia amazonica, often called African Mask Plant or Elephant Ear Plant, is one of the most popular ornamental aroids prized for its dramatic foliage. Despite the name, it’s not from the Amazon rainforest—this hybrid was actually bred from Alocasia longiloba × Alocasia sanderiana.

🌿 Plant Overview

• Common Name: Alocasia Amazonica, African Mask Plant, Elephant Ear Plant

• Botanical Name: Alocasia × amazonica (hybrid)

• Family: Araceae

• Origin: Horticultural hybrid, not naturally occurring

• Type: Evergreen tropical perennial, usually grown as a houseplant

🍃 Appearance

• Leaves: Striking, arrow- or shield-shaped leaves, deep green with bold white to silvery veins.

• Texture: Glossy, leathery surface.

• Size: Typically 1–2 ft tall indoors; leaves reach 30–40 cm long.

• Growth Habit: Upright clumping from underground rhizomes.

🌞 Growing Conditions

• Light: Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight (scorches leaves).

• Soil: Well-draining, airy mix (peat, perlite, orchid bark). Slightly acidic to neutral.

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy. Allow top layer to dry slightly between waterings.

• Humidity: Needs 60%+ humidity. Ideal near a humidifier, pebble tray, or in bathrooms.

• Temperature: Warm (18–28°C). Very sensitive to cold and drafts.

✂️ Care & Maintenance

• Dormancy: May go semi-dormant in winter (yellow leaves, slower growth). Reduce watering, resume in spring.

• Fertilizer: Balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks in active growth (spring–summer).

• Pruning: Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain health.

• Pests: Can be prone to spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs in dry conditions.