How to Care For Your Alocasia

A Good Fit for Experienced Plant Parents

There are quite a few beautiful varieties of Alocasia, all with their own colors, leaf shapes, and sizes. While Elephant Ear Plants — the common name for some of the largest kinds of Alocasias — have been popular outdoor plants for years, the smaller indoor varieties are just as striking and quickly gaining an avid following of their own. With more than beginner-level needs, Alocasias make a great addition to a seasoned plant parent’s collection or to the collection of a plant lover who’s looking to level up their plant knowledge.

Care For Your Alocasias

Priority No. 1 when caring for any Alocasia: don’t overwater. Alocasias are prone to fungal infections when their roots or foliage stay wet for too long. It’s helpful to add perlite to your alocasia’s potting soil and ensure its planter has plenty of drainage. Because of their tropical beginnings, Alocasias love a humid environment. Since misting increases the potential for water sitting on their sensitive leaves, give them the humidity they crave without the extra labor for yourself: place them near a humidifier or in more naturally humid areas, like a bathroom where they can bask in the shower steam. When they’re younger (i.e. smaller), they also thrive in terrariums, where a consistent level of moisture can be maintained.

Tips for Caring for Your Alocasia

Although plant parents tend to have their own parenting style and each plant’s needs are different, our plant experts have a few suggestions they’ve found to be helpful overall:

Light

Alocasias thrive in bright, indirect light.

Water

Water evenly, and only when top two to three inches of soil are completely dry.

Temperature

Alocasia plants do best in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees; colder temperatures will stunt or stop their growth.

Fertilizer

Fertilize every two to three weeks from the end of March through early September.

For more advice on how to care for your Alocasia, check out our plant care guide.

Fun Facts About Alocasias

1. Pretty But Poisonous: Alocasia plants are toxic if eaten, so don’t let little ones or house pets be drawn in by their beauty.
2. So Many Sizes: Alocasia plants can stay small — from a few inches high to three feet tall — but can also grow to the size of a small tree. It just depends on the variety you choose and its growing conditions.
3. Happy Hibernation:Try not to be jealous, but your Alocasia will go dormant in the fall and winter months. During its break from putting out new growth, you can cut back on watering and fertilizing.