Araceae
Alocasia gageana (Dwarf Elephant Ear)
Alocasia gageana
Give it strong indirect light, well-draining soil, and high humidity. It is sensitive to overwatering, so let the topsoil dry before watering again. Feed every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
16° - 30°C
50% - 70%
Categories
What is Dwarf Upright Elephant Ear?
Dwarf Upright Elephant Ear (Alocasia gageana) is a medium-care plant from the Araceae family. Alocasia gageana, commonly known as the dwarf upright elephant ear, is a perennial aroid native to the tropical rainforests of Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and southern China. Its emerald-green, arrow-shaped leaves have deeply etched veins and gently scalloped edges, growing up to 50 cm across. Despite...
Dwarf Upright Elephant Ear grows up to 1.0m, spread of 80cm, watering every 7 days, 16°C – 30°C, 50–70% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Dwarf Upright Elephant Ear?
TLDR: Dwarf Upright Elephant Ear needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 16-30°C with 50-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Dwarf Upright Elephant Ear?
Let the top 5-8 cm of soil dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot, and never let water sit in the saucer, since excess moisture invites root rot.
How Much Light Does Dwarf Upright Elephant Ear Need?
Provide bright, filtered light near a window (within about 1 m), but avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves. Too little light causes leggy, weak growth.
What Is the Best Soil for Dwarf Upright Elephant Ear?
Use a light, organically rich aroid mix with coco coir, orchid bark, and perlite, keeping pH between 5.5 and 6.5 for good drainage and root aeration.
What Pot Should You Use for Dwarf Upright Elephant Ear?
A pot with multiple drainage holes, ideally unglazed terracotta or ceramic, which helps balance substrate moisture.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 21 days
Misting
Every 3 days
What Is Dwarf Upright Elephant Ear and Where Does It Come From?
Alocasia gageana, commonly known as the dwarf upright elephant ear, is a perennial aroid native to the tropical rainforests of Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and southern China. Its emerald-green, arrow-shaped leaves have deeply etched veins and gently scalloped edges, growing up to 50 cm across. Despite its common name, it is not truly tiny; it can reach up to 1 m tall with good care.
How to Propagate Dwarf Upright Elephant Ear?
Rhizome/Tuber Division
Always use sterilized tools to prevent contamination, and avoid overwatering until the new division roots in.
- 1 Remove the plant from its pot during repotting and locate the rhizomes/tubers.
- 2 Separate healthy sections that already have roots and at least one growth bud, using a clean, sharp knife.
- 3 Let the cut surfaces callous for a few hours in a dry spot before replanting.
- 4 Plant each section in a light, well-draining mix, keeping it lightly moist until new leaves appear.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Dwarf Upright Elephant Ear Grow?
TLDR: Dwarf Upright Elephant Ear can reach up to 1.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
1.0m
Spread
80cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Dwarf Upright Elephant Ear?
TLDR: Dwarf Upright Elephant Ear is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Bacterial Soft Rot
Bacterial soft rot is a destructive plant disease caused primarily by bacteria from the genera Pectobacterium (formerly Erwinia) and Dickeya. These bacteria produce enzymes that break down plant cell walls, causing rapid and foul-smelling tissue decomposition. It mainly affects succulent tissues such as tubers, fruits, stems, and bulbs, being especially problematic in warm and humid conditions.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Fun Facts
Recent botanical classifications place it as the sole species of the genus Englerarum, though it is still widely sold as Alocasia gageana.
Despite the "dwarf" name, it can reach up to 1 meter tall under good conditions.
It produces small white or pale pink blooms followed by vivid red berries.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alocasia gageana toxic to cats and dogs?
How often should I water my dwarf elephant ear?
Why are the leaf tips on my Alocasia gageana turning brown?
How do you propagate Alocasia gageana?
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