The Plont plant library
Chinese Banyan (Ficus Bonsai) vs Elephant Ear
Compare Ficus microcarpa with Alocasia macrorrhizos. Both appear in the indoor category of Plont’s catalog. Use their recorded differences to prepare questions for your nursery.
Growing conditions side by side
Swipe across the table to compare both plants.
| Catalog field | Chinese Banyan (Ficus Bonsai) | Elephant Ear |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Ficus microcarpa | Alocasia macrorrhizos |
| Hindi name (draft) | चाइनीज़ बरगद | एलिफैंट इयर |
| Other catalog names | ficus ginseng, ficus bonsai, indian laurel | giant taro, man kachu, alocasia |
| Light starting point | Bright indirect light | Medium indirect light |
| Approximate growing range | 13–35°C | 15–35°C |
| Catalog care estimate | Moderate | Moderate |
What differs for your space?
Chinese Banyan (Ficus Bonsai) is listed for bright indirect light, while Elephant Ear is listed for medium indirect light. Record how many hours of direct sun your intended spot receives and confirm the match locally.
Chinese Banyan (Ficus Bonsai) has a recorded range of 13–35°C; Elephant Ear is listed at 15–35°C. The recorded ranges overlap from 15 to 35°C. That overlap compares the draft entries; it is not proof that either plant will suit the spot.
Both are marked moderate in the catalog. This shared estimate does not mean identical care.
Make the next care decision at the pot.
A comparison cannot set a watering date. Check moisture first: pot size, growing mix and current weather change how quickly a container dries. Record what you notice and decide when to check again.
Read the RHS guide to watering containers for general container advice, or use Plont’s plant observation checklist. The RHS source supports this general advice; it does not verify the species-specific draft values above.
Keep exploring
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