by Jessica Hill

I’m a sucker for big leaves. In my opinion it’s ‘the bigger the better.’ And I’m not the only one with this mentality. Lots of people across the globe are adding large leaved plants to their indoor jungles.

Sure, I love the huge, holey leaves of the Monstera Deliciosa. You’ll also hear me raving about my 4ft Peace Lily. But for some reason it’s the Elephant Ear that always catches my eye.

The broad, heart-shaped leaves of the Elephant Ear will transform any space into a tropical oasis. Native to Asia and India, this plant’s leaves are designed to catch the maximum amount of light as they fight for space on the swampy, rainforest floor.

Because these guys come from constantly wet environments they need a lot of humidity. But don’t worry; they’re not hard to care for. Simply spray your plant’s leaves with a mist of water each day. You can also hose it down in the shower and leave it in there while you’re at work.

Depending on where you live, you might need to find your plant a warmer spot during winter. If it’s cold enough to frost or snow keep your plant away from doors and drafts. If you’ve got the heater blasting, it’s a good idea to stand your plant on a tray of pebbles and water to keep things humid.

Position this plant in bright, indirect sunlight. It’s also especially important to wipe down the leaves of your Elephant Ear with a damp cloth because they’re the perfect dust collectors.

There’s actually four different species of plant dubbed the ‘Elephant Ear’ because, you guessed it: they all have leaves shaped like an elephant’s ear. My favourite is the Colocasia, but the Caladium, Alocasia and Xanthosoma can all be cared for in the same way.

Take it from me. There’s nothing quite like relaxing at home surrounded by lush, green foliage. Because who doesn’t enjoy feeling like they’re on a tropical holiday? #itsplantporn

Jessica Hill is a freelance journalist who is interested in the relationship between plants and people. Follow her on Instagram @plantsunknown.

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