Alocasia – Care for a Tropical Plant

Alocasia is a A tropical houseplant that has become popular for its unique leaves and variations. With the right care, it can become a really nice ornamental plant at home. However, some Alocasia varieties may require a little extra care.

Alocasia has earned a reputation as something of a diva among indoor plants, but don't worry. Here we'll walk you through how to avoid the drama and instead enjoy this unique houseplant.

Alocasia baginda 'dragon scale' is from the Borneo rainforest and has leaves that resemble dragon scales.

How do I best care for my Alocasia?

Alocasia thrives best in a warm, humid environment. Place the plant in indirect light. It can tolerate darker conditions, but it still needs a bright spot to grow well, especially in winter.

Alocasia is very sensitive to both overwatering and drought, the goal is to keep the soil slightly moist at all times. To succeed in this without causing root rot, an airy and well-drained soil is needed. Plants purchased online are often grown with bottom watering. This means that almost all the roots are at the bottom of the pot and then it is best to continue watering from the bottom.

Choice of culture medium

Feel free to use a mixture of pumice and perlite if you want to grow semi-hydroponically. We find that Alocasia thrives very well in a mixture of sphagnum moss with perlite or our own peat-free planting soil Aroid & Orchid Soil.

Alocasia zebrina (Zebra shield), from the Philippines and is known for its striped stems.

How to propagate Alocasia?

Alocasia reproduces via small tubers, called corms, which form around the roots. These can be planted in their own growing pots and an airy soil mixture. With the right care, they quickly grow into cute little plants.

Amazon shield, Alocasia amazonica (Polly): A classic variety with sharp veins on the shiny leaves

Popular Alocasia varieties

There are many exciting Alocasia varieties to choose from, from those with large leaves to those with more slender and elegant shapes.

• Alocasia frydek: A popular plant with dark, almost velvety leaves and contrasting white veins.
• Alocasia jacklyn: A lobed and unusual Alocasia from Sulawesi in Southeast Asia.
• Alocasia cuprea red: Known for its metallic, reddish leaves.
• Alocasia Brancifolia: One Green plant with long, narrow leaves that give an exotic impression.
• Alocasia Scalprum: One of the more unusual plants in the collection that has leathery arrow-shaped leaves.

Is Alocasia difficult to care for?

Many people consider Alocasia to be a A difficult plant to care for, but with the right soil and watering it is manageable. For those who like to experiment, it can also be grown in orchid pots, where the roots can breathe better.

Alocasia frydek variegata : A rarer variety with white, variegated colors in the leaves.

Shop Alocasia and accessories online

We offer a wide range of plants, including Alocasia and other green plants online. Here you will also find orchid pots, peat-free soil and other accessories for your Alocasia. Alocasia is an exotic flower and a nice addition for those who like tropical plants.