How to Grow Alocasia Plants

Light:

Place in a location that receives bright, indirect light, such as near an east- or west-facing window. Keep out of direct sunlight, which can scorch the foliage.

Temperature:

Native to tropical forests and jungles, Alocasia love greenhouse-like conditions, with room temperatures between 65° to 80° F. Keep away from cold drafts, and don’t expose plants to temperatures below 60° F. Also avoid placing near heating or cooling vents.

Humidity:

Like most tropical plants, Alocasia flourish in humid environments and prefer humidity levels of 50% or higher, which can be a challenge to maintain indoors. In drier areas of the home, keep your plants hydrated by using a humidifier, misting the leaves regularly, or setting them on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

Soil type:

Use a loose, well-draining potting mix that has good moisture retention, such as a soilless aroid potting mix. Or amend a regular potting mix by adding perlite to improve drainage, and ground coconut coir for moisture control.

Watering:

Alocasias are very finicky about their water requirements and don’t like soil that’s either too dry or too soggy. During the active growing season (spring through fall), water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, or whenever the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. During the winter, when plants are dormant, water less frequently.

Alocasias are also sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals and minerals in tap water, which can cause leaf spotting. Use distilled or filtered water, or let tap water sit overnight to allow the chemicals to evaporate.

Fertilizing:

Feed with a diluted liquid fertilizer for houseplants once or twice a month during the growing season (spring and summer), withholding fertilizer during the late fall and winter dormancy period. Resume your feeding schedule once your plant returns to life in spring.

Pruning:

Because elephant’s ears are fast-growing, it is normal for older leaves to turn brown and wither as new leaves appear. To keep your plants attractive, remove any dead or discolored foliage by cutting the leaf stalk at its base using a clean knife or hand pruners. Be sure to wear gloves to avoid skin contact with the sap from the cut stems.

Leaf care:

The large leaves of alocasia are great dust collectors. To keep them nice and healthy, clean them often with a damp cloth, which will improve their ability to absorb light. Misting the leaves will also help keep them free of dust buildup.

Repotting:

Alocasia prefers to be slightly rootbound, so repotting is only necessary when you notice the roots pushing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot or emerging from the soil surface. Choose a new pot about 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the original, preferably a nonporous plastic or ceramic container that won’t wick moisture out of the soil.

Even if you don’t need to repot, it’s a good idea replenish the soil every couple of years to improve plant health.

Propagation:

Because alocasias grow from tuberous rhizomes, the easiest way to propagate them is to divide the rhizomes into sections. Remove your plant from its pot, shake off the excess soil, and gently tease the roots apart to separate the offsets from the mother plant, taking care to leave the root system on each section intact. For the greatest success, propagate your elephant’s ear during the spring or early summer, when the plant is coming out of winter dormancy.

Pests and diseases:

Pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, and aphids. (See more on how to get rid of pests on houseplants.)

Alocasias are also prone to root rot if allowed to sit in soggy soil. Make sure there are sufficient drainage holes in the bottom of the pot so excess water will drain completely.

• Lopsided growth often means your alocasia is receiving uneven light. To give the leaves uniform light exposure, rotate the pot every time you water. Plants may also lean due to the weight of the oversized leaves. If necessary, use stakes to help keep them upright.
• Scorched leaves are likely the result of exposure to direct sunlight. Although alocasia needs plenty of bright light for healthy foliage growth, the leaves are very sensitive to the sun’s rays and burn easily, even after short-term exposure. One solution is to use a sheer curtain to shield your plant from direct sun.
• Plants may drop leaves when you first bring them home or whenever they are forced to acclimate to a new environment. It's also common for alocasias to drop leaves during their winter dormancy period. Don't panic. Plants usually recover quickly and can fully grow back as long as their root system remains healthy.
• Yellowing leaves can be due to a variety of factors, including improper watering, poor drainage, and lack of light. If you are growing plants in a poorly lit room, move them to a brighter location closer to a window. Also, hold off on watering your plants until the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feels dry.
• Brown leaf tips are usually a sign of insufficient humidity. Remedies include misting the leaves daily, placing your plants near a humidifier, or moving them to a steamy environment, like a brightly lit bathroom.
• If the leaves are drooping you may be underwatering. Give your plant a good drink to revive it and then keep the soil slightly moist, making sure it doesn’t go completely dry between waterings.