Collection: Alocasia Plants: Shop & Learn How to Care for Them

Alocasia plants are popular for their stunning foliage and tropical charm. To ensure their healthy growth and maintenance, understanding their light requirements is crucial.

Light Requirements for Alocasia plants

Alocasia plants need bright indirect sunlight to grow strong. Placing them 2 to 3 feet from a window will give them enough to grow big and strong.

Be sure that direct sunlight does not come in contact with the leaves, as this could burn the leaves. In the wild, alocasia plants live on the forest floor and receive diffused sunlight, so it's best to recreate that in our homes.

Watering an Alocasia plant

Alocasia plants need their soil to stay moist, which is unlike other tropical house plants. They react poorly to overwatering and having their soil dry out completely. You will find that balance over time.

Your watering frequency depends on multiple factors such as plant size, humidity, and environmental conditions. Checking the moisture level by feeling the top inch of soil helps determine when to water.

How to water your plant

1. Press your finger an inch into the soil
• If the soil feels dry at that depth, it is time to add water.
• If any soil is stuck to your finger, your plant has moisture and does not need watering
2. Use lukewarm water, as it soaks into the soil much faster
3. Soak and saturate your plant until water flows out of the drainage holes
4. Let your plant stop dripping before putting it back in its decorative pot

You may use tap water to water your plant, however you must leave it out for 24 hours beforehand.

PLANT TIP: Leaving your plant in standing water creates root rot. Use a well-draining potting mix and plastic growers pot to keep proper moisture in the soil.

Alocasia Humidity and Temperature

Alocasia plants thrive in warm environments between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). They can tolerate cooler temperatures, but you should protect them from drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Maintaining humidity levels of around 50% to 60% is beneficial for their growth, but normal house humidity (about 30% to 40% in Canada) is fine, and they should adapt. Using a humidifier or placing the plant on a tray of water with pebbles can help increase humidity.

One trick plant experts use is to place it close to other plants so they can create and share humidity amongst themselves.

Alocasia General Information

Alocasia is a broad-leaved perennial from the family Araceae. These plants are native to tropical and subtropical Asia and eastern Australia. Many growers around the world cultivate a range of Alocasia hybrids and cultivars as ornamental plants.

Alocasia are becoming more popular as houseplants. They can tolerate dim light and cannot withstand direct sunlight. They should be cared for as any other tropical plant: weekly cleaning of the leaves, frequent fertilization and medium to high humidity.

Conclusion

Understanding the light, watering, temperature, and humidity needs of Alocasia plants will help you grow a wonderful plant.

Remember to adjust these care practices based on the specific requirements of your Alocasia variety. With proper care and attention, your Alocasia plant will flourish and bring tropical beauty to your space.