How to Grow and Care for Alocasia Plants

Popular houseplants from the Araceae family [1] include aloe vera. Alocasia plants come in more than 70 different species, each with distinctive leaf size, color, and form. Alocasia amazonica (Polly), Alocasia macrorrhiza (Giant Taro), Alocasia reginula (Black Velvet), Alocasia zebrina (Zebra Plant), and Alocasia baginda are a few of the most popular types (Silver Dragon).

Large, glossy leaves on alocasia plants have the appearance of elephant ears or African masks. The leaves frequently feature contrasting veins or patterns and can be any color, from green to purple to silver. Long stalks that can be either simple or zebra-striped support the leaves as they grow.

Common Name	Alocasia, elephant's ear, African mask plant
Botanical Name	Alocasia spp.
Plant Type	Herbaceous perennial
Sun Exposure	Bright indirect light indoors; part shade outdoors
Mature Size	2–10 ft. tall, 2-10 ft. spread (depends on species and variety)
Soil pH	Slightly acidic (5.5 to 6.5)
Soil Type	Loose, well-draining potting mix or crumbly loam
Flower Color	Light butter-yellow (rarely flowers; not showy)
Toxicity	Toxic to dogs, cats, and humans [2]

Alocasia is a genus of perennial plants that have large, broad leaves with various shapes, colors and patterns. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australia, and some of them are cultivated as ornamental houseplants or edible crops. Here are some types of Alocasia and their characteristics:

• Alocasia macrorrhizos: Also known as giant taro, this is one of the largest Alocasia species, reaching up to 5 meters in height. It has green, heart-shaped leaves that can measure up to 1 meter in length. It is widely grown as a food crop in Southeast Asia, where its corms and stems are cooked and eaten.

• Alocasia infernalis: Commonly called black magic, this is a small Alocasia species that grows up to 60 cm tall. It has dark purple, almost black leaves that are shiny and have prominent green veins. It is native to Malaysia and prefers partial sunlight and high humidity.

• Alocasia amazonica: This is a hybrid Alocasia that was created by crossing Alocasia longiloba and Alocasia sanderiana. It has arrow-shaped leaves that are dark green with white veins and purple undersides. It is also known as Alocasia 'Polly' or African mask plant. It is a popular houseplant that needs bright indirect light and moist soil.

• Alocasia zebrina: This is a striking Alocasia species that has zebra-like patterns on its stems. Its leaves are green, lance-shaped and have wavy edges. It is native to the Philippines and likes warm and humid conditions. It is also called zebra plant or tiger alocasia.

• Alocasia reginula: This is a rare Alocasia species that has velvety, black-green leaves with silver veins. It is also known as Alocasia 'Black Velvet' or jewel alocasia. It is native to Borneo and requires low light and high humidity. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 30 cm in height.

• Alocasia wentii: This is an easy-to-grow Alocasia species that has green, shield-shaped leaves with purple undersides. It can grow up to 1 meter tall and produces yellow flowers in summer. It is native to New Guinea and likes moist soil and partial shade. It is also called hardy elephant ear or New Guinea shield.

Alocasia are simple to maintain, grow swiftly in the warm summer months, and produce a new leaf every week when given the correct conditions. The alocasia goes dormant in the winter, but make sure to keep them in a warm indoor space all year round because they enjoy high humidity and bright indirect light.

Depending on the species, alocasia can reach heights of eight to ten feet with adequate maintenance. They might not mature to the same heights if they were grown in a garden under ideal outdoor conditions if they were planted in a container inside.

Temperature and Humidity

Warm temperatures between 60°F and 82°F (15°C - 28°C) are preferred for aloesias. They cannot stand frost or cold drafts, which can harm their foliage. Keep them away from anything that could impact their temperature, such as heaters, air conditioners, doors, or windows.

Since alocasias are tropical plants, they prefer high humidity. Every day, mist their leaves with a spray bottle or put water on a tray of pebbles. Moreover, you might combine them with other plants that enjoy humidity or use a humidifier. Dry air will harm alocas, which may result in their leaves' tips or edges turning brown.

Soil

Alocasias need well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a potting mix designed for aroids or make your own by mixing equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and compost. Alocasias like slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

Water

Alocasias require damp soil, but not wet or flooded soil. Water them frequently to maintain a moist but not soggy soil. Before watering, check the top inch of the soil and make any necessary adjustments. Overwatering and underwatering can result in root rot or leaf drooping in alocasias, which are sensitive to both conditions.

Fertilizer

Alocasias are fast-growing plants that need regular feeding during the growing season (spring and summer). You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer [3] diluted to half-strength every two weeks. Avoid fertilizing in winter when the plant is dormant.

Light

Alocasias require six to eight hours per day of intense indirect light [4]. Avoid the sun's direct rays since they could burn the foliage. Alocasias can't survive in dim or gloomy areas, either.

Because it is so simple to divide roots, it is uncommon to reproduce this plant from seed. However, if you have an established plant with blooms and seed pods, you can remove the seeds from the dried pods and plant them in a rich potting soil made of peat. Place the seeds on the ground, then cover them with a thin coating of potting soil. Till they grow, keep the potting soil wet but not waterlogged.

But have patience, since growing seedlings into mature plants with their distinctively large leaves might take years.

Alocasia plants are tropical plants that have large, arrow-shaped leaves and thick stems. They are popular houseplants that can add a touch of exoticism to any indoor space. However, they also require some special care to thrive, especially when it comes to potting and repotting.

Potting and repotting alocasia plants is not a difficult task, but it does require some attention and preparation. Here are some tips to help you pot and repot your alocasia plants successfully:

• Choose the right pot size and material. Alocasia plants like to be slightly root-bound, so avoid choosing a pot that is too large for the plant. A pot that is about 2 inches larger than the root ball is ideal. Also, choose a pot that has drainage holes and is made of a porous material, such as terracotta or ceramic, to prevent waterlogging and root rot.

• Use the right potting mix. Alocasia plants prefer a well-draining, airy, and slightly acidic potting mix. You can use a commercial potting mix for tropical plants, or make your own by mixing equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark.

• Water the plant before repotting. This will help the roots to slide out of the old pot more easily and reduce the stress on the plant. Gently remove the plant from the old pot and shake off any excess soil from the roots.

• Trim any damaged or diseased roots. Use a sharp and sterile pair of scissors or pruners to cut off any roots that are brown, mushy, or rotten. This will prevent the spread of infection and promote healthy growth.

• Place the plant in the new pot and fill with potting mix. Center the plant in the new pot and gently spread the roots around. Fill the pot with fresh potting mix, leaving about an inch of space from the rim. Firmly press down the soil around the plant to eliminate any air pockets.

• Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a bright spot. Water the plant until water drains out of the bottom of the pot. Place the plant in a bright spot with indirect sunlight and high humidity. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.

Potting and repotting alocasia plants can help them grow healthy and beautiful. By following these steps, you can ensure that your alocasia plants will enjoy their new home and reward you with their stunning foliage.

Maladies do not frequently affect aloe plants. Alocasia species are generally susceptible to spider mites, though. Keep them in a protected spot, especially during storms, as their huge leaves are susceptible to being torn by strong winds.

Although aloe plants are cultivated more for their leaves than for their flowers, they do have spring blooms. Compared to immature plants, older mature plants are more likely to experience this. The flowers are not particularly impressive, but if you want to try to induce blooming for the sake of seeds, make sure your plants spend time outside in the spring and summer. They won't likely flower if maintained indoors all year.

Q: How often should I repot my alocasia plant? 

A: If your aloe plant outgrows its pot or gets root-bound, you should repot it every year or two. Choose a pot with drainage holes that is one size larger than the existing one. When the plant is actively growing in the spring, report.

Q: Why are my alocasia leaves turning yellow? 

A: Alocasia plants can develop yellow leaves for a variety of reasons, including overwatering, underwatering, inadequate light, low humidity, cold temperatures, nutrient shortages, pest infestations, and disease. You must provide your alocasia the proper circumstances and care, as described above, to avoid yellow leaves. Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, fungal spots, or root rot are a few examples of pests or illnesses that need to be treated as soon as possible using the proper techniques.

SOURCES

The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Araceae Family - Academia.edu

2. Alocasia - North Carolina State Extension.

3. Pros and cons of granular and liquid fertilizers - Michigan State University

4. Indirect Application of Intense Pulsed Light Induces Therapeutic Effects on Experimental Murine Meibomian Gland Dysfunction - National Center for Biotechnology Information