Hello, I was recently given this plant as a gift with little to no explanation on care. I am not sure if it needs sunlight or if it prefers shade. I also have no idea how often I am supposed to water it. Any information is appreciated. The plant doesn't look very healthy to me and I am curious as to what it may need. Thank you!

Hi mip, Welcome to All Things Plants! I'm not certain but your plant looks like "Elephant Ears", either Colocasia or Alocasia and the amount of light and water needed would probably depend on where you live. Hopefully some of our knowledgeable growers will be along soon and be able to give you a more exact ID.

Hi and @mip. Your plant appears to be an Alocasia and might be an Upright Elephant Ear (Alocasia macrorrhizos) Will you be growing it as a houseplant year round? Ideally they enjoy warm, humid conditions with indoor temperatures above 70F (21C). Where I live I put the smaller Mac group Alocasia in the sunniest window I can find. When I can't give them enough light they go into a smaller pot. Regardless the potting soil should be very well draining.

Welcome to ATP mip and I agree with Evan your plant looks like one of the upright elephant ears Alocasias. First of all the yellowing leaves are a sign of not enough light or too much water or both. That pot doesn't look like it has any drain holes. And as Evan stated Alocasias need well draining soil. Try letting soil dry out abit between watering and give it morre sun. Im no expert by far but hate to see anyone lose a plant. Keep us updated on how it's going.