Caring For and Maintaining Your Alocasia

Alocasia is a large genus with roughly 80 species native to subtropical Asia. Alocasia are known for their large beautiful foliage with their distinctly light-colored leaf veins. The leaves can become top heavy and sag due to their thin stems. Stake the leaves and correct the issue by modifying soil, lighting, and watering conditions. The leaves will eventually right themselves. Alocasia are toxic to pets and people.

Sunlight: Alocasia prefer medium to bright indirect light. Do not place your Alocasia in direct sunlight, especially for prolonged periods—direct sunlight will burn the leaves. Alocasia does not fare well in lower light conditions, so make sure you place your Alocasia where it can bask in medium to bright light.

Water: Alocasia enjoy drier soil but thrive in high humidity. Water your Alocasia when the top 2-3” of soil is dry—and be sure to avoid letting your Alocasia sit in soggy soil. During the winter Alocasia become dormant, so they will not need much water—water only every 2-3 weeks in wintertime.

Humidity: Colorado is a dry state with humidity levels much lower than the native environments in which Alocasia inhabit. To help create a more humid environment for your Alocasia, consider adding a fine mist humidifier to the room(s) in which you have your Alocasia. You can also place trays filled with stones and water nearby your Alocasia to increase local humidity. Misting your Alocasia with a hand sprayer will also help raise the local humidity level. Although the more humidity the better, a constant relative humidity of 50-55% will promote your Alocasia’s growth and health.

Temperature: Like most houseplants, Alocasia prefer temperatures in the range of 65-85 degrees F (18-30 degrees C). Avoid having your Alocasia experience temperatures below 60 degrees F (15 degrees C).

Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. We recommend either Fertilome or Fox Farm Potting mix.