Elephants Ear - Cucullata

Scientific name: Alocasia Cucullata
Synonym: Chinese taro, Chinese ape, Buddha's hand, and hooded dwarf elephant ear

• Good luck charm
• Heart-shaped glossy foliage
• Statuesque vintage vibe
• Jungle Vibes
• Plant level: Intermediate

The Elephants Ear Cucullata is a well known and common Elephants ear with lovely deep green heart-shaped leaves on tall slender stems and is often called Buddha's hand. You will find this gorgeous plant lining Buddhist temples across Thailand and Laos as a symbol of good luck.

These are some of the easiest Elephants Ears to care for. The Cucullata is general does not require excessive care, although they are sensitive to humidity and temperature making them a little more advanced for beginners.

They appreciate warm brightly lit locations but be sure not to expose this heart-shaped beauty to direct sunlight as this will damage the glossy leaves. This good luck charm is also very fond of high humidity, so if you have a warm bright bathroom, this will be a great location for the Alocasia Cucullata, however, it can handle drier conditions as long as you pay attention to your plant’s needs. Watering is also crucial to keeping this houseplant thriving, Alocasias, in general, prefer moist soil with a brief drying-out period between watering, yet prolonged dryness can be fatal. 

Another important note is that these are deciduous plants, meaning that during dormancy it is common for them to shed their leaves. If this does happen place your plant in a warm bright spot and water sparingly until new shoots appear and resume with regular watering.

Elephant Ears dominated living rooms throughout the 50s and have made a comeback with a graceful stride, adding that little extra statuesque vintage vibe to any indoor jungle. So, pair your Elephants Ear with a bold planter to draw attention to its stunning foliage. Place larger specimens at floor level or on a stand for extra height and smaller plants will look graceful as a tabletop centrepiece. 

Please note: Alocasia are toxic to pets and humans.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Follow these instructions to keep your Elephants Ear healthy and happy.

Water: Keep soil evenly moist, but not saturated, so ensure that the drainage is good. Waterless often in winter.
Light: Bright, indirect light, keep away from direct sunlight.
Humidity: Enjoys a humid environment and good airflow. Normal room humidity should be fine but will enjoy a bright bathroom.
Fertilize: Diluted balanced feed every two weeks, Spring to Autumn, reducing to monthly in Winter.