Alocasia cucullata

dwarf elephant ear
Heart-shaped leaves come to a fine point on fleshy green stems. Try a bright spot indoors or outside. Tolerates wet soils. Regrows from frost. Suckering.
height 2–3ft
width 2–3ft
tolerates Moist Soil, Pots
water
needs
Moderate – High
water
info
Appreciates water, and can even grow in marginal pond areas or pots placed in a water feature. A sparse crown or drooping leaves are signs of underwatering.

Elephant ears express a fascinating plant trait called guttation. This is when excess water within the plant is pushed through pores at the ends (or sides) of the leaves, most frequently at night. This isn’t a sign of distress, but may be problematic over hardwood floors and should be monitored. This will usually soon after watering.
hardy
to
23F
exposure Moderate Indirect – Partial Direct
indoor
outdoor
Indoor
drainage In Ground: Planting Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil, Tolerates Heavy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose
origin Asia
california
native
Yes
sunset
zones
8, 9, 12–23

Sunset Zones Map

Indoor Exposure Guide

INDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Direct Sun
Beams of light hitting the plant near a window four or more hours a day. The most intense light. If you're in a direct sun spot, you can feel the warmth of the sun on your skin.

Partial Direct
Occurs when you have a plant that is in less intense direct sunlight. This happens when a plant is in a few hours of direct morning sun, or an hour or less of direct afternoon sun. It also happens when a plant is in direct sun, but more than six feet from a window, where the light is diffused.

Bright Indirect
This is just beyond the direct beam of light (or through cracked blinds or a sheer curtain filtering direct sun). Bright indirect areas are characterized by a place where you can sit and read a novel comfortably without artificial light.

Moderate Indirect
Beyond the bright indirect light. In these areas you wouldn't turn on a light walking through the room, but if you were hanging out there you would probably have the lights on, even during the day.

Low Light
Dim spots, usually the backs of rooms or hallways where you would always turn lights on, even if just walking in to grab something.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Protect from wind, or high traffic areas as leaves are particularly sensitive to unsightly damage. Older leaves can be removed if damaged.
If you choose to grow this plant in a water feature be sure to add extra drainage, planting in equal parts cactus mix and pumice.

Special Interest

This species is of known ancestry and only found in historic human cultivation.