Photo: Eduardo Chacón MadrigalCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Amazon Elephant Ear Plant Care
Lecointea amazonica Ducke
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's elongated, lance-shaped leaves are its standout visual feature, with a striking glossy green color and prominent veining. Originating from the Amazon rainforest, Lecointea amazonica is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and rarity in cultivation.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Amazon Elephant Ear?
Water Amazon Elephant Ear every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Amazon Elephant Ear?
Amazon Elephant Ear (Lecointea amazonica) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Lecointea genus. Amazon Elephant Ear is native to Brazil, Peru. Amazon Elephant Ear is also known as Lecointea huidobrensis.
Amazon Elephant Ear displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Amazon Elephant Ear produces small clusters of fragrant white or pink flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Amazon Elephant Ear?
Lecointea amazonica requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Amazon Elephant Ear Need?
Amazon Elephant Ear thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Amazon Elephant Ear in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Amazon Elephant Ear Prefer?
Lecointea amazonica grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Amazon Elephant Ear prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Amazon Elephant Ear?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Amazon Elephant Ear to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Amazon Elephant Ear?
Feed Amazon Elephant Ear every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Amazon Elephant Ear?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Amazon Elephant Ear?
Amazon Elephant Ear can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lecointea ovalifolia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Amazon Elephant Ear Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Amazon Elephant Ear, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Amazon Elephant Ear?
Amazon Elephant Ear is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Amazon Elephant Ear Need?
Amazon Elephant Ear grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Amazon Elephant Ear is native to Brazil, Peru. In cooler regions, grow Amazon Elephant Ear as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Amazon Elephant Ear is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Lecointea genus — compare its care with other Lecointea species on PlantoScan.
Lecointea is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Amazon Elephant Ear thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lecointea amazonica Ducke, family Fabaceae (first published in Arch. Jard. Bot. Rio de Janeiro 3: 129 (1922)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Amazon Elephant Ear, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Eduardo Chacón Madrigal, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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