Alocasia
Alocasia — The Dramatic Leaf Showpiece
Light
Medium to bright indirect — needs more light than most commercial staples. Direct sun scorches leaves; too little light causes leggy stems and small leaves.
Water
Highly sensitive to overwatering — root rot is the primary killer in commercial settings. Drooping leaves usually mean underwatering; yellow leaves mean overwatering.
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity. Leaf edges brown in dry winter heating.
Temperature
18–27°C (65–80°F). Keep away from cold drafts and heating vents.
Difficulty
Advanced
Sizes
Tabletop · Mid-floor · Floor specimen
Elephant Ear has an upright habit with large, arrow or shield-shaped leaves on long stems, giving it a dramatic, sculptural presence. Varieties range from the compact Alocasia Polly with bold white veins to the taller, zebra-striped Alocasia Zebrina and the velvety, purple-backed Alocasia Regal Shields.
In the Office
It needs more light than most commercial staples — medium to bright indirect, with direct sun scorching the leaves and too little light causing leggy growth. It's also highly sensitive to overwatering, which is the main cause of failure in commercial settings, so a careful watering routine matters. Be aware it can go dormant over winter, losing most of its leaves between November and March in offices with low humidity — this is normal for the plant, not a sign it's dying.
Why Choose This Plant
Benefits for Your Office
- Large, dramatic arrow or shield-shaped leaves give real sculptural presence in a space
- Several varieties available, from the compact Polly to the taller, patterned Zebrina, so there's some flexibility in scale and look
- Distinct look with bold veining or zebra-striped stems that few other office plants offer
- Pushes new growth from the centre continuously, so the plant keeps regenerating even as older leaves are removed
Where to Place It
Office Placement Ideas
- 1
Spots with medium to bright indirect light, away from direct sun — this plant needs more light than most office staples
- 2
Statement corners in lobbies or lounges where its sculptural, arrow-shaped leaves can stand out
- 3
Rooms with decent humidity year-round — it's more likely to hold its leaves through winter there than in a dry, low-humidity office
How to Care for It
Care Tips for Office Environments
- Cut spent leaves at the base of the stem — older leaves yellow naturally as new growth comes in
- Don't be alarmed by leaf drop from the centre outward; it's normal as new growth pushes through
- Check the undersides of the large leaves for spider mites at every visit
- Avoid letting water sit in the leaf crown or soil stay soggy — both lead to crown rot
Want Alocasia in your office?
Our team will recommend the right variety and size for your space, deliver and install it, and keep it thriving with ongoing care.