Alocasia Care Guide
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Alocasia Varieties
I feel like I’m in the presence of an exotic creature when I care for alocasia. The soft mysteries of the black velvet, the fossilization of the dragon scale, and the manta ray effect of the giant taro. Who needs pets when you have a plant zoo?
Anywho, alocasia are easily mistaken with colocasia. Both are in the Araeae family, but the line is fine when differentiating. For example, the giant taro is an alocasia but colocasia are known for their edible tubers, called taro (don’t eat these raw). So, how to tell the difference? According to the encyclopedia of plant lovers worldwide, Plantopedia, “Colocasia can be identified by their horizontal or downwards-drooping leaves (as opposed to the upward-pointing leaves of Alocasia).”
Think of pointy, arrowhead-shaped leaves (alocasia) versus rounded, downward-pointed leaves (colocasia). Colocasia are also referred to as elephant ears. See popular alocasia plants below for more identification.
Popular alocasia
There are 80 “accepted” species of alocasia. Here are a few of the most popular ones to keep in your home:
Black velvet
Zebrina
Dragon scale
Regal shield
Green shield
Sanderiana (kris)
Giant taro
Origin
It’s important to know the basics of your plants, like the origin, because you can replicate it’s home as best as you can in your own space. During my services, most of my clients don’t even know the names of their plants! This is why I’m here to help them and you, discover the best alocasia care as close to its origins as possible.
These beauties came from tropical Asia and eastern Australia. They are accustomed to tropical rainforests which means high humidity and intermittent light. The Alocasia California was first discovered in 1879 by Henry Nicholas Ridley, who named it Alocasia macrorrhiza (referring to the plant’s big roots).
Alocasia Care
Water
Once per week in summer, once every 2 weeks in winter. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. The best alocasia plant care means knowing the watering schedule of your plant, so being careful not to over or underwater. It’s best to use a moisture meter, but when in doubt, feel the top 2 inches of soil. Dry? Water. Wet? Don’t water.
Light
Bright, indirect. This means INDOORS. Direct light is when there is nothing in the way of you and the sun. Indirect means there is something the light has to go through, such as a window. Alocasia care indoor requires indirect light and bright, especially a West or South facing window if you’re in the Western hemisphere.
Humidity
The air is humid in a tropical location, right? You betcha. Alocasia love warmth, so be sure to keep it near humidity. Here are some options:
shower
kitchen sink
bowls with water
pebble tray
Soil
Well-draining, indoor potting soil. I use Fox Farm Ocean Forest because it’s rich in nutrients and I mix in a little perlite for aeration! If you’re repotting your plant, you’ll want to wet the soil mixture first before adding it to the pot.
Toxicity
Unfortunately, yes, your alocasia is really toxic and it’s not recommended to keep them near pets or children. If you’re interested in the edible taro, you’ll want to look up a recipe…
Alocasia Propagation
Alocasia has a central root system. For new leaves, you’ll see off-shoots coming from the base of the system. You’ll want to gently unravel these off-shoots with your hands from the other roots and stick them in water or soil.
Your official and quick alocasia care guide is complete! Enjoy your exotic creatures!
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Thanks for reading!
