Alocasia plants are stunningly beautiful and make a great addition to any home or garden. However, they can be tricky to care for — especially if you don’t know the basics!
Here, you’ll learn all about the proper growing conditions, watering techniques, fertilizing schedule, and more that your Alocasia plants need in order to thrive. With consistent care and attention, you’ll have a lush and vibrant plant in no time. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Alocasia Varieties
There are quite a few Alocasia varieties, including Alocasia Polly, Alocasia Cucullata, Alocasia Zebrina, and many others. Each variety has its own unique appearance and their care requirements should only differ slightly if at all from general Alocasia care.
Alocasia Polly is a popular variety that is known for its large, glossy leaves. It looks like it came straight from the African jungle, and its more common name is African Mask Plant. The leaves are dark green with bright white or neon yellow veins.
Alocasia Cucullata is another popular variety with distinctively shaped leaves. The leaves of the Cucullata are a medium-to-dark green and look almost like an elongated heart with gentle ripples where the veins of the leaf stretch to the outer edges of the leaf.
Alocasia Zebrina is a beautiful variety with striped leaves and stems. It’s hard to miss this plant, as the stripes will make it stand out among any other plant it sits next to.
There are many more varieties of the Alocasia plant, and each one of them are beautiful and unique. This is one of those plants that any variety will definitely stop a plant lover in their tracks when they see one at the local plant nursery.
Alocasia Placement
Choosing the right spot in your home for your Alocasia plant can be difficult, but keep a few things in mind before you decide on its permanent spot. First, these plants prefer bright indirect light. So, a spot near a window would be ideal. Secondly, Alocasias like to stay moist, so make sure to pick a spot where you can easily water them.
Lastly, these plants are sensitive to drafts, so avoid placing them near doors or windows where cold air can come in. With these factors in mind, find a spot in your home that meets all of these requirements and your Alocasia will be happy!
Soil
Alocasia plants are not particularly picky about the soil they live in. They will do well in a wide range of soils, as long as it is well-draining. A good potting mix for Alocasia plants should be rich in organic matter and have a slightly acidic pH. If you are unsure about the pH of your soil, you can test it with a simple soil test kit.
In terms of drainage, Alocasia plants prefer to be on the drier side. They do not like to sit in wet or soggy soils for extended periods of time. If your plant is sitting in waterlogged soil, its roots will start to rot and the plant will eventually die. To avoid this, make sure that the pot you are using has adequate drainage holes, that you are not over-watering your plant, and that the soil isn’t retaining too much moisture after watering.
Watering & Fertilizing
Your Alocasia will need regular watering, about once a week or so. Be sure to check the soil before watering, and only water if the top few inches are dry. Over-watering is one of the biggest problems with Alocasias, so err on the side of too little rather than too much. You can always use a moisture meter to ensure your Alocasia is getting the perfect amount of water every time.
When it comes to fertilizing, use a balanced fertilizer every other month during the growing season. Be sure to follow the directions on the package, and never fertilize a dry plant – always water first. To make fertilizing easier, you can opt to use an Indoor Plant Food instead and apply it each time you water your Alocasia.
Temperature and Humidity
Alocasia plants prefer to live in temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures that are slightly below or above that range, but not for too long. This plant also prefers fairly high humidity levels. They need a minimum of 60% humidity, but the higher humidity you can provide for them the better. To achieve this, place a humidifier near the plant and run it for most of the day.
Pruning
As with most plants, Alocasia benefits from regular pruning, but only prune dead leaves. Dead-heading does not work with an Alocasia, as each stem only produces one leaf and will not regrow a new one if pruned off.
To prune dead leaves from your Alocasia, simply cut the stems as close to the bottom of the plant as you can, using clean, sharp pruning shears. You can also remove any yellow or brown leaves, as these are likely to be dead or dying. Pruning is best done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Pests & Diseases
Many Alocasia plants are native to tropical regions where they are subject to a wide variety of pests and diseases. In the home, these plants are most often troubled by mealybugs, spider mites, scale, and aphids. These pests can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Alocasia plants are also susceptible to a number of fungal diseases, including root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. These diseases can be controlled with fungicidal sprays or by improving growing conditions. Plants that are stressed by too much or too little water are more likely to develop fungal diseases.
To prevent pests and diseases from becoming a problem in your Alocasia collection, it is important to inspect new plants carefully before adding them to your collection. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and wash off any insects that you see crawling on the plant. Quarantine new plants for a few weeks before adding them to your existing collection, and during that quarantine period, keep a close eye on the plant and the soil.
Alocasia Plant Care Final Thoughts
Alocasia plants are not difficult to care for, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Giving your Alocasia plant the right care will provide you with a beautiful and sturdy houseplant. One final important thing to note is that Alocasia plants are toxic to pets and children, so care should be taken to keep them out of reach.
With a little attention, your Alocasia plant will thrive and add a touch of tropical beauty to your home.
Houseplant Resources
Looking for more houseplant info? We highly recommend our super informative (and FREE!) Houseplants for Beginners Webinar. Check out our community of other plant lovers in our Facebook group. And if you’re looking for handy go-to reference for all your houseplant needs, check out our Houseplants for Millennials book.
