How to Grow Big Ears
Wikimedia Commons
Big Ears
Alocasia brisbanensis
shrubBig Ears is a striking tropical plant known for its enormous, heart-shaped leaves that can reach 2-3 feet in length. Part of the Alocasia genus, it's a dramatic foliage plant that creates bold architectural interest in gardens and indoor spaces. This robust plant thrives in warm, humid conditions and is prized for its dramatic appearance.
When should you plant Big Ears in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Big Ears timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Big Ears
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Big Ears
Around Apr 19≈ 2 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Big Ears dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10b-12; can be grown indoors or in containers in cooler zones
Sign up free to see if Big Ears grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Big Ears timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung plant with 2-4 small leaves emerging from rhizome; leaves may be narrow initially
Keep humidity high (mist regularly or use humidifier); maintain warm temperatures (65-80°F); don't fertilize heavily; ensure good air circulation
Vegetative Growth
2-4 monthsPlant develops multiple stems with progressively larger leaves; each new leaf emerges from a petiole (leaf stem)
Maintain consistent moisture and humidity; fertilize bi-weekly with balanced or high-nitrogen fertilizer; provide bright indirect light; stake or support if needed as plant gets larger
Maturation
Ongoing once maturePlant reaches full size with massive heart-shaped leaves; may develop 4-6 large leaves at a time; impressive architectural form achieved
Provide sturdy support structure as leaves become very heavy; wipe leaves monthly with damp cloth to remove dust and improve photosynthesis; maintain warmth and humidity
Flowering (Rare)
1-2 weeks if it occursProduces typical aroid flowers (spadix and spathe); pale yellow-green spathe; rarely flowers indoors outside tropical regions
Not cultivated for flowers; remove spent flowers to direct energy to foliage; continue standard care
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity, spray with neem oil, mist foliage regularly, isolate affected plants
-
Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, spray with insecticidal soap, repeat every 7-10 days
-
Manually remove with soft brush, apply horticultural oil, treat with neem oil spray
-
Improve drainage, reduce watering frequency, repot in fresh soil if severe, ensure pots have drainage holes
-
Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings, use sticky traps, apply mosquito dunks to soil
Uses
Indoor Tropical Décor
HouseholdBig Ears creates a striking statement plant in living rooms, entryways, and conservatories. Its massive leaves provide dramatic visual impact and can serve as a natural room divider. [source]
Air Purification
HouseholdLike other Alocasia species, Big Ears helps remove toxins from indoor air, contributing to healthier home environments. [source]
Dried Leaf Arrangements
CraftMature leaves can be carefully dried and used in floral arrangements, crafts, and botanical displays for their unique shape and texture. [source]
Tropical Garden Habitat
WildlifeIn outdoor tropical gardens, Big Ears provides shelter and shade for small creatures while creating lush, naturalistic landscapes. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not harvested for yield; grown ornamentally for foliage. Remove dead or yellowing outer leaves at the base to maintain appearance and plant health. Propagate by dividing rhizomes in spring—ensure each division has at least one growth eye.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Big Ears (Alocasia brisbanensis) produces some of the largest heart-shaped leaves in the plant world, with mature leaves often reaching 24-36 inches in length and 20-28 inches in width.
- 🌱 The plant's massive leaves have a unique textured appearance with prominent veining that makes them structurally strong enough to support their own considerable weight.
- 🌱 Alocasia plants are sometimes called 'elephant ears' due to their large leaf shape; they're not true elephant ears (which are Colocasia species) but are closely related members of the Araceae family.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Big Ears planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Big Ears seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Big Ears timeline →