You can choose between indoor and outdoor varieties. If you’re planning to grow alocasias, be sure to pick one that has a good light level. Alocasias will do well in a wide range of light levels, but they are most vigorous when they receive bright indirect light. If you’re planting alocasias outdoors, make sure you plant them in partial shade. Direct sunlight can burn their leaves.
This tropical plant needs moist conditions and frequent watering. As Alocasias grow slowly during the winter, you don’t have to worry about fertilization. If you’re concerned about a plant not growing leaves in six months, you may need to reduce water or move it to a warmer location. Generally, the leaves of Alocasias are more important than their flowers, so you don’t have to worry about over-watering.
The Alocasia plant grows three to four feet tall and three to four feet wide at maturity. Its leaves are sword-like, with coppery purple undersides. The foliage grows 2 to three feet long and is a little wider than a hand. Some Alocasia varieties are more upright than others. Some Alocasia varieties can reach up to three feet tall and four feet wide. If you have limited space, choose the Alocasia Silver Dragon, which rarely exceeds three feet.
When growing an Alocasia indoors, make sure to keep its humidity between 50% and 60%. If you find the air in your home is dry, it’s best to use a room humidifier to help regulate the humidity. If you can’t afford to add a room humidifier, you can also place its pot on a pebble tray filled with water. Remember not to mist the leaves, as this may lead to fungal infections. Misting your Alocasia plant every morning may result in fungal infections, so you should mist it only in the morning before you bring it inside.
Alocasias need moist soil to thrive. They are susceptible to root rot if not watered frequently. To help keep the soil moist, choose a well-draining potting mix and place your plant in it. Alocasias should be watered when twenty to fifty percent of its soil volume is dry, but never let it dry out completely. Always remember to water through the drainage hole in your pot.
Allocacia plants prefer moist conditions. If the temperature is too high or too low, the plant will go dormant and lose its leaves. You should avoid placing alocasias near drafty doors or single-pane windows, as they are sensitive to cold. Alocasias thrive in USDA zones 10 through 12.
Some species of Alocasia can be invasive. If planted near water bodies, they can take over entire lawns. While most types of Alocasia do fine in shade, some prefer full sun and some thrive in bright filtered light. You should be cautious with small children and pets, however, since they may ingest their leaves. So, choose carefully. If you want to grow this tropical plant in your yard, be sure to read up on the plant and its requirements before planting.