Alocasia care: watering, light and repotting
Also called elephant ear, alocasia amazonica, alocasia polly · Alocasia × amazonica · Araceae family
9 d in winter
How often to water the alocasia?
Allow about 5 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 9 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
May go dormant in winter and lose leaves: water less then, and it will grow back in spring.
Misting every 2 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The alocasia likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 3 weeks is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 16–32 in (40–80 cm).
Toxic to pets and children. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Leaves yellowing one by one
Cause: Winter dormancy or too much water. What to do: Water less in winter; it's often normal.
Yellow specks and webbing
Cause: Spider mites. What to do: Shower the leaves and raise the humidity.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the alocasia?
About every 5 days in spring and summer, and every 9 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the alocasia?
The alocasia likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the alocasia?
Yes, misting every 2 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the alocasia?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the alocasia safe?
The alocasia is toxic to pets and to children if eaten. Keep the plant out of reach and, if it's eaten, call a vet or a poison control centre.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Rather for experienced growers: it's demanding about watering, light or humidity. Some experience helps.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.