How to Grow and Care for Alocasia

Alocasia, commonly known as elephant's ear, is a striking tropical plant that needs warm, humid conditions, and is usually grown as a houseplant. It is prized for its large heart-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves and the foliage of some varieties has prominent veins or variegation. In the summer, alocasia grows quickly, producing a new leaf every week. However, it's important to know that the plant is toxic to humans and pets.

Read on to learn more on how to take care of alocasia, so your plant flourishes.

Warning

Some alocasia speciesare considered invasive especially along the Gulf Coast of the United States. Consult with your local municipality before planting them outdoors.

Alocasia Care

Beginner Tips for Alocasia

• Where to Put It: Keep alocasia in a warm indoor location with high humidity and bright indirect light.
• Which Soil to Use: Plant in a slightly acidic, well-draining potting mix.
• When to Water It: Keep the soil evenly moist but scale back in the winter during dormancy.
• When to Fertilize It: Feed with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Light

Alocasia generally thrives in bright indirect light indoors or partial shade outdoors, which prevents their leaves from scorching. The light intensity and length depend on the species or cultivar. Some large varieties tolerate full direct sunlight, and their leaf color tends to be more defined.

Generally, a location in or near a window with an eastern or western exposure offers the filtered light many species require. Some alocasia will tolerate a shadier spot in your home, but the leaf growth might be slower and less impressive.

Soil

Plant alocasia in a loose, well-drained potting mix. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Use a standard all-purpose peat-based potting mix or special potting mix for aroids.

If necessary, improve the soil drainage by amending the mix with orchid bark or perlite.

Water

Alocasias are water-loving plants but allow the top few inches of soil to become nearly dry before watering. This will help keep the soil evenly moist. Soggy soil makes the plant susceptible to fungal infections and root rot.

They require less water during the winter months when the plant is dormant.

Temperature and Humidity

Alocasia does not tolerate temperatures below 60°F and requiresvery humid environments. To raise the humidity around your plant, place it on a tray filled with pebbles and add water until it rises to just below the pebble surface. Keep the plant away from cold drafts from windows, doors, and air conditioning.

Fertilizer

Especially larger specimens are heavy feeders. During the growing season, use a balanced houseplant fertilizer, such as 20-20-20, either in liquid form diluted to half-strength, once or twice a month, or in granular slow-release form every six weeks to two months.

Stop feeding your alocasia during its dormant phase in the winter.

Is This the Right Plant for You?

AN ALOCASIA PLANT IS A GOOD CHOICE IF:

• You don't have pets (or have a secure spot high up away from pets' reach) since this plant is toxic.
• You have an east-facing window where this plant can get the bright, indirect light it needs.
• You're looking for a well-known houseplant that grows pretty quickly during peak growing season.

Types of Alocasia

There are nearly 100 species of alocasia, and a surprisingly large number are used as houseplants. Here are some favorite species and cultivars:

• Alocasia cuprea 'Red Secret': This is a three-foot-tall plant with metallic bronze-red leaves.
• Amazonian elephant's ear (Alocasia x amazonica): A popular compact hybrid, this variety has deep green leaves and striking white or light green veins. Alocasia Polly is a cultivar whose ruffled leaves have creamy white veins.
• zebrina Alocasia: A finicky but fabulous species, it grows up to three feet tall. It's the zebra-striped stems that make this plant stand out.
• 'Black VelvetAlocasia reginula': This type is a striking dark green plant with white veins. It is a compact plant that generally stays under 18 inches.
  
• Alocasia 'Tiny Dancer': This variety has graceful stems in a dancer-like silhouette and tiny leaves. It may shed its leaves during winter dormancy.

Get What Your Alocasia Needs

• Alocasias can benefit from having a small plant humidifier nearby to keep humidity levels up.
• A moisture meter will help you keep track of when your Alocasia needs more water.
• Planting your alocasia in a self-watering planter can also keep it hydrated with minimal effort.

Pruning

Only prune your alocasia to remove damaged, dying, or dead foliage. Use sterile, sharp pruning shears or scissors to cut the stem of the flawed foliage at the base of the plant. It's best to prune your alocasia when it is actively growing in the spring or summer.

Pruning Tip

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Propagating Alocasia

Most alocasia plants are easy to propagate by clump orrhizome division in the spring.

1. Gently take the plant out of its pot and remove any excess potting soil from the rhizomes.
2. Use sterile pruning shears or scissors to divide a clump of rhizomes from the central stem of the mother plant.
3. Plant the rhizomes in a well-draining, evenly moist potting mix.
4. Place the pot in bright indirect light and keep the potting mix consistently moist. New growth usually begins within a couple of weeks but the growth rate depends on the variety.

Tip

Because of the toxicity of alocasia, always wear gloves whenhandling the plant.

Potting and Repotting Alocasia

It is key to use a pot with large drainage holes for alocasia. There are pros and cons to using a porous or nonporous container for your alocasia. Clay pots allow decent airflow to the roots and soil, but nonporous plastics or glazed ceramics help maintain the even moisture these plants appreciate. Using a heavier material, like clay, helps weigh a tall plant down so it is less likely to get toppled over by a playful pet or toddler.

These fast-growing plants don't mind being slightly root-bound but need repotting when visibly outgrowing the pots. Repotting should be done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. frequency depends on the type:

• Smaller varieties might need repotting every year to 18 months. Select a pot that is one to two inches larger in diameter than the current pot.
• Larger floor plants will likely only need repotting every 18 months to two years. Choose a pot that is two to four inches larger in diameter than the existing pot.
  

Get Your Repotting Gear

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Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Alocasiaplants are not commonly victims of disease. However, most alocasiaspecies are prone to spider mites.

Alocasia Bloom

Alocasiaare grown primarily for their foliage. The plants only bloom when they reach maturity and their flowers are unremarkable. Indoor plants rarely bloom. If alocasia does bloom outside, many gardeners remove the flowers to let the plant focus its energy on the foliage.

Common Problems With Alocasia

Alocasia are easy plants to grow but the following problems may occur:

Yellowing Leaves

There are several reasons why your alocasia leaves have yellowed. It's likely a watering issue—too much, or possibly too little, causes leaves to discolor this way. Alocasia needs several inches of water a week.

They also need a good amount of filtered light, and if they're receiving less than the desired amount, this often causes leaf yellowing. Their leaves can also turn yellow if they're growing in a pot that is too small. Repotting might be the answer.

Tips for Buying In-Store

• Check for pests. Look underneath leaves and along the stem to make sure no critters follow you home.
• Avoid plants with brown spots on leaves.
• Read the plant label. Make sure that this plant works for you, your lifestyle, and your space.

Shriveled or Drooping leaves

If your alocasia suffers from drooping leaves, watering, light, or fertilization might not be adequate. These plants need even moisture, so change your watering habits if the soil is soggy or too dry. Move your plant to a spot with brighter indirect light if it is located in a shady corner, and consider feeding more regularly.

From: thespruce