Alocasia (Elephant's Ear) – Architectural Evergreen Houseplant (12cm Pot)

The Alocasia 'Polly' (Elephant's Ear) is a striking tropical houseplant, prized for its bold, glossy dark green leaves marked with dramatic pale veins and gently scalloped edges. A compact member of the elephant ear family, it brings an architectural, exotic look to any room.

It arrives as an established plant in a 1L nursery pot, ready to display on a shelf, desk or windowsill. Alocasia needs bright, indirect light and does best out of direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. It likes consistently moist, well draining compost and appreciates extra humidity, so misting the leaves or standing the pot on a pebble tray helps it thrive.

It is not a plant for a cold room, keep it above 15C and away from draughts, and expect it to lose some leaves and rest over winter rather than grow. All parts of the plant are toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so keep it well out of reach of pets.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Elephant's Ear, African Mask Plant
• Botanical Name: Alocasia
• Growth Habit: Compact, upright, clump forming
• Foliage: Bold, glossy dark green leaves with pale contrasting veins
• Planting Position: Bright or medium indirect light, no direct sun
• Hardiness: Tender houseplant, rated H1a, needs a minimum of around 15C
• Maintenance: Keep compost moist but not waterlogged, mist regularly for humidity
• Type: Tropical evergreen perennial, indoor only