Alocasias are dramatic, sculptural plants with arrow-shaped leaves and bold veins. They have a reputation for being fussy, but once you understand their rhythm they are very rewarding.
Light
Give your Alocasia bright, indirect light. A spot near an east window or a few steps back from a south window works well. Too little light causes long, leggy stems.
Watering
Keep the soil lightly moist in the growing season, but never soggy. Let the top 3 cm dry out between waterings. Use lukewarm water, because cold water can shock the roots.
Humidity and warmth
Alocasias love humidity above 50 percent and temperatures between 18 and 27 degrees Celsius. Keep them away from cold windows and heaters.
Understanding dormancy
When temperatures and light drop in autumn, many Alocasias lose leaves or go dormant. This is normal. Reduce watering, keep the corm in its pot and wait. New growth returns in spring.
Soil
Use a chunky, airy mix with bark and perlite. Alocasia roots rot quickly in dense soil.
Pests
Check the underside of leaves for spider mites. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to keep them clean.
Browse our Alocasia collection.