Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Move the plant closer to a bright window.
- Check if the plant is leaning toward the light.
- Assess if the plant has been in the same soil for over a year.
Likely causes
Insufficient Light
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems are very long and thin, and the plant leans heavily toward the nearest light source. The leaves may also be smaller than usual.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with brighter, indirect light. Rotate the pot a quarter turn every week to ensure all sides get even exposure.
Lack of Fertilizer
PossibleHow to tell: It is less common for this plant, but slow growth and thin stems can happen if the plant is hungry. The leaves might look pale or lose their deep color.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season. Do not fertilize during the winter months when growth naturally slows.
Find out what's wrong with your elephant ear
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
It is normal for older leaves to eventually die off as the plant grows taller. If the new growth is consistently thin and weak, it is time to adjust the light.
Stopping it coming back
Provide consistent bright, indirect light throughout the year. Rotate your plant regularly to encourage sturdy, upright growth.
Elephant Ear: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your elephant ear and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Should I prune the leggy stems?
- You can trim off the oldest, weakest stems at the base to tidy up the plant. This encourages the plant to put energy into new, stronger growth.
- Will the stems get shorter if I move it?
- The existing stems will not shrink, but new leaves will grow with shorter, sturdier stems. Over time, the plant will look much fuller.
More problems with Elephant Ear
- Why are my Elephant Ear leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Elephant Ear leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my Elephant Ear drooping?
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- Why is my Colocasia looking mushy and sad?
- Why is my Colocasia dropping its leaves?
- What are these spots on my Elephant Ear leaves?
- Why are my Colocasia leaves curling?
Back to the Elephant Ear guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.