Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of all leaves with a flashlight.
- Look for fine webbing between the stems.
- Check the new growth for clusters of small insects.
Likely causes
Spider Mites
Most likelyHow to tell: You will notice tiny, fine webbing between the stems or leaves. The foliage may also look speckled or dusty.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: These small, soft bodied insects cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.
What to do: Blast the aphids off with a steady stream of water from your sink or hose. Follow up by applying insecticidal soap to the affected areas every 5 days.
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
It is serious if the leaves start yellowing or curling rapidly due to sap loss. A few stray bugs are normal, but a full infestation requires immediate action.
Stopping it coming back
Wipe your plant leaves with a damp cloth every 2 weeks to keep them clean and dust free. Keep the plant well hydrated to discourage spider mites.
Elephant Ear: pests? 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
- Can I use dish soap to kill the bugs?
- You can use a very mild, non-detergent soap mixed with water. Avoid harsh degreasers as they can burn the delicate foliage of your Elephant Ear.
- Will these bugs spread to my other plants?
- Yes, pests move quickly between plants that are touching. Isolate your Colocasia in a separate room until you are sure the infestation is gone.
Guides to these causes
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?
- Why is my Colocasia looking mushy and sad?
- Why is my Colocasia growing tall and thin?
- 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.