Alocasia Care Guide
Alocasia are bold, dramatic houseplants with striking leaves and a little bit of attitude. They love warmth, bright indirect light, and a careful watering routine.
Light
Bright, indirect light is best. Avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Water
Keep lightly moist during active growth, but never soggy. Let the top layer dry slightly first.
Soil
Use a chunky, airy aroid mix that drains well while holding gentle moisture.
Best Position
Place your Alocasia somewhere warm with bright, filtered light. Avoid cold windowsills, draughts, and strong direct sun.
Watering Routine
- Check the soil before watering.
- Water when the top few centimetres begin to dry.
- Water thoroughly, then let excess drain away.
- Do not leave the pot sitting in water.
- Reduce watering if growth slows in winter.
Humidity & Temperature
Alocasia prefer warm rooms and higher humidity. They can sulk if kept too cold, too dry, or near radiators and draughts.
Crispy edges are often a sign of dry air, inconsistent watering, or stress from temperature changes.
Dormancy
Alocasia can slow down or lose leaves during colder months. This does not always mean the plant has died. Keep it warm, reduce watering, and wait for new growth when conditions improve.
Feeding
Feed lightly during spring and summer using a balanced houseplant fertiliser. Avoid feeding heavily when the plant is resting or not actively growing.
Common Problems
- Yellow leaves: often linked to overwatering, cold conditions, or natural older leaf loss.
- Crispy edges: usually dry air, underwatering, or inconsistent watering.
- Drooping leaves: check watering, warmth, light, and root health.
- Leaf loss: can happen during stress or winter dormancy.
Repotting
Repot when roots are crowded or the plant dries out very quickly after watering. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
A breathable aroid mix helps prevent the roots sitting in dense, wet compost.
Quick Care Checklist
- Bright indirect light
- Warm, stable temperature
- Higher humidity where possible
- Chunky, airy soil
- Water carefully — moist, not soggy