Discover how to grow the elephant ear succulent and ensure vibrant and healthy leaves in your garden or decor
Submitted at Feb 18, 2026, 4:00 PM
Suculenta Orelha de Elefantes. (Guia das Suculentas/Divulgação)
The elephant ear succulent is one of those plants that catches attention at first glance. With wide, thick, and slightly wavy leaves, it creates a sculptural effect that enhances pots, stone gardens, balconies, and even well-lit indoor arrangements. Its exotic look matches contemporary, tropical, and even minimalist projects, serving as a focal point in decoration.
Suculenta Orelha de Elefantes. (Cobasi/Divulgação)
Despite its imposing appearance, this species is resilient and relatively easy to maintain, as long as it receives the right conditions of light and drainage. Like all succulents, it stores water in its leaves, making it adaptable to short periods of drought. Still, some specific care makes a big difference in keeping the plant healthy and growing balanced.
The elephant ear succulent is the common name for Kalanchoe luciae, a plant native to the southern region of South Africa. In its natural habitat, it grows in dry climate regions, with high solar incidence and poor soils, which explains its great resistance to drought.
Suculenta Orelha de Elefante. (Cobasi/Divulgação)
Its main attraction is the fleshy, wide, and rounded leaves that overlap to form a compact rosette. The coloration is usually greenish-gray, but when exposed to full sun, especially in cooler periods, the edges of the leaves take on reddish or purplish tones, an effect highly valued in landscaping.
Suculenta Orelha de Elefante. (Planta Sonya/Divulgação)
The plant has a slow to moderate growth rate and can reach between 30 and 60 cm in height, depending on the cultivation conditions. In pots, it tends to remain more compact; however, in the garden, it can develop with more vigor. Flowering usually occurs in winter, with tall stems that produce small yellowish flowers, although the main ornamental value lies in the leaves.
[/caption>Although it is resilient, the elephant ear succulent requires some basic care to develop healthily. Here are the main points:
The soil should be light, sandy, and very well-drained. Ideally, use a substrate designed for succulents and cacti, which usually contains coarse sand, perlite, or gravel in its composition. If you prepare the mix at home, combine potting soil with washed construction sand and a little organic matter.
Drainage is essential. Pots should have holes at the bottom and, preferably, a layer of expanded clay or gravel before the substrate. Excess moisture is one of the main causes of root rot.
Lighting is one of the most important factors for success in cultivation. The elephant ear succulent enjoys intense light and can receive direct sunlight for a few hours a day, especially in the morning.
In projects, it should be placed near well-lit windows. A lack of light causes etiolation — when the plant grows elongated and fragile, with excessive spacing between the leaves. In very shaded areas, the coloration may lose intensity.
By storing water in its leaves, watering should be moderate. Ideally, water only when the substrate is completely dry. Generally, this means watering once a week in hot periods and reducing the frequency in winter.
Avoid wetting the leaves frequently, especially in poorly ventilated projects. Water accumulation on the surface can favor the emergence of fungi.
It adapts well to both pot planting and planting directly in the garden. In outdoor beds, choose a location with good sunlight and well-drained soil. In pots, opt for containers proportional to the size of the plant, allowing space for root growth.
Suculenta Orelha de Elefante. (Gardenia/Divulgação)
Even being a resilient plant, some care helps keep the elephant ear succulent always beautiful and vigorous.
Pruning is not mandatory, but it can be done to control size or remove damaged leaves. Always use clean tools to avoid contamination. If the plant grows too much, you can prune the top and use the removed part for propagation.
Fertilization should be light and spaced out. Use fertilizers suitable for succulents or well-matured organic compost, applying every two to three months during spring and summer, which are the most active growth periods.
Avoid excess: too many nutrients can make the plant more sensitive and compromise its structure.
Although not very susceptible, it can be attacked by mealybugs and aphids. Periodic inspection of the leaves helps identify the problem early. If necessary, cleaning with cotton soaked in alcohol or using natural solutions based on diluted neutral soap tends to be effective.
As it is native to warm climates, the elephant ear succulent does not tolerate frost. In areas with harsh winters, it is best to cultivate it in pots, making protection easier during intense cold periods. Extremely low temperatures can cause spots and damage to the leaves.
Multiplication can be done through stem cuttings. After cutting, let the removed part heal for a few days before planting it in dry substrate. This process reduces the risk of rot. Over time, new roots will form, giving rise to another plant.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by the Technology team of CASACOR based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.
