Know if The elephant ear plant is indoor or outdoor This is one of the first questions we need to answer in order to know how to care for it, because incorrect placement can mean the death of our plant.
Let's learn more about Alocasia spp. and evaluate in which cases we can have it as an indoor variety in our home or workplace, and in which cases we can make it the star of an outdoor garden.
An impressive plant
The elephant ear plant has a spectacular appearance and does not go unnoticed in any case. Although it can have some problemsThe truth is that it is not too complicated to care for.
If you are wondering whether the elephant ear plant is indoor or outdoor, it is important to keep in mind that this is a fictitious classification. Because, in reality, all plants are outdoor, since They are living beings accustomed to a certain natural environment.
The thing is that there are species that are accustomed to very warm habitats and, precisely for this reason, we can also grow them at home. These are what we know as indoor plants.
In the case of the elephant ear, Alocasia is native to the tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia and Oceania. That is to say, it is more than accustomed to warm climates with high ambient temperatures.
Is the elephant ear plant indoor or outdoor?
So what do we do with it, where do we plant it? The answer is that you can plant it both inside and outside the house, although you should take into account some considerations.
Indoor cultivation of the elephant ear plant
Indoors, it is easier for us to control factors such as temperature, humidity and light to which our plants are exposed. For this reason, it is most common to grow this variety as an indoor plant.
If you decide to keep an indoor elephant ear plant, keep these factors in mind:
- Light. It needs several hours of bright but indirect light a day, so in winter you may need to supplement natural light with some artificial light.
- Temperature. It is particularly sensitive to extreme temperatures, so try to keep it in an environment where these range between 18º and 27º C. As far as possible, do not expose the Alocasia to drafts or place it near radiators, because you could generate thermal stress to your plant. If the temperature falls below 15º C, the elephant ear will lose its leaves and reduce its rhizomes, but everything will return to normal when the temperature recovers.
- Humidity. This plant grows best in humid environments, so it is advisable to spray its leaves with water periodically or use a humidifier in the room.
- Irrigation. We need to keep the substrate slightly moist. When the top layer of the substrate is dry to the touch, then it is time to add more water.
- Substratum. The most suitable soil for this plant is one that has good drainage capacity. If you want to guarantee a good result, use a substrate for tropical or indoor plants, which you can find at any garden centre.
- Fertilization. To keep the leaves big and beautiful, apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the spring and summer months.
As an indoor plant, the elephant's foot is perfect for creating a tropical atmosphere, because its large leaves provide an exotic and very striking touch.
Growing Elephant Ear Plant Outdoors
If you live in an area with temperatures that remain warm for most of the year and where there is a high level of humidity, then you can grow this variety outdoors without any problem. In fact, it is outdoors and exposed to the right conditions that Alocasia can reach its maximum size and display all its beauty.
When growing outdoors, pay attention to these factors:
- Location. If you live in a warm area but the temperature can drop below 10º C during the winter, it is better to grow the plant in a pot, so you can move it to a more sheltered place when the cold weather arrives.
- Light. To ensure that the plant receives the hours of light it needs and at the same time protect its leaves from excessive sunlight that can burn them, place the plant in an area where it is protected from direct sunlight, such as under larger trees.
- Irrigation. This plant needs more frequent watering when it is outdoors than when it is grown indoors, especially during the summer. However, it should remain moderate and without flooding.
- Winter protection. You can protect your plant from the cold by applying a layer of mulch over the substrate. This protects the roots from low temperatures and helps retain moisture.
- Fertilizer. As with indoor cultivation, it will benefit from a moderate dose of balanced fertilizer during the active growing season.
What is the best environment for the elephant ear plant?
Depending on the climate in the area where you live, it may be more advisable to grow Alocasia as an indoor or outdoor plant. In the case of Spain, it is most common to have it as an indoor plant, since winters tend to be cold in much of the country.
Whether inside or outside the home, the elephant ear plant has the potential to become the star of the space in which it is located, because it stands out for its bearing and beauty. All you need to do is apply the care it needs, so that you can enjoy an environment as similar as possible to that found in your natural habitat.
Now you know that, in case of doubt about whether the elephant ear plant is for indoor or outdoor use, the answer is that it can be grown both inside and outside. With proper care, it becomes an impressive ornamental plant that adds beauty to your garden or any corner of your home.