Alocasia
High humidity is essential for pristine leaves — most UK homes are too dry, so grouping plants together, a pebble tray, or a humidifier make a real difference. If the plant loses most of its leaves in winter, don't assume it's dead — many Alocasia species naturally die back to a dormant rhizome and regrow from it in spring, provided it's kept just barely moist (not bone dry) and warm.
Care
Never intense direct sun, which scorches the dramatic foliage.
Consistently moist compost through the growing season, but many species have a winter resting period with much-reduced watering — see the establishment note.
Chunky, free-draining aroid mix (with bark and perlite); likes humidity but dislikes waterlogging.
Remove yellowing or dead leaves at the base; otherwise needs very little pruning.
A balanced feed at half strength every two to three weeks while it is in active growth, and nothing at all once it slows. A plant that has dropped its leaves is dormant, not starving — feeding a dormant tuber rots it.
Divide the corms at repotting in spring: small offset tubers form round the parent and each will grow if potted shallowly in warm, barely moist compost. Patience is required — they can sit for weeks before shooting.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- MarchFeed as growth resumes and new leaves start to unfurl. how ›
- AprilRepot if needed, now that growth is resuming. how ›
- OctoberCut back watering significantly — the plant may enter winter dormancy and drop leaves, which is normal for many species, not a sign of failure. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchFeed as growth resumes and new leaves start to unfurl. how ›
- AprilRepot if needed, now that growth is resuming. how ›
- OctoberCut back watering significantly — the plant may enter winter dormancy and drop leaves, which is normal for many species, not a sign of failure. how ›
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchFeed as growth resumes and new leaves start to unfurl. how ›
- AprilRepot if needed, now that growth is resuming. how ›
- OctoberCut back watering significantly — the plant may enter winter dormancy and drop leaves, which is normal for many species, not a sign of failure. how ›
Months based on climate: Central Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchFeed as growth resumes and new leaves start to unfurl. how ›
- AprilRepot if needed, now that growth is resuming. how ›
- OctoberCut back watering significantly — the plant may enter winter dormancy and drop leaves, which is normal for many species, not a sign of failure. how ›
Months based on climate: Southern Italy and islands. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Leaves yellow and drop in low light, cool winter conditions.
What to do. Often a natural winter dormancy for many species — keep the rhizome just barely moist and warm, don't discard it; growth usually resumes in spring.
How to spot it. From low ambient humidity.
What to do. Increase humidity, e.g. with a pebble tray or humidifier.
Questions
Alocasia: is it hardy?
H1a: True houseplant, needs above 15°C. It survives heated glasshouse.
Can it grow in a pot?
Grown exclusively in pots in the UK climate.
Alocasia: when do you prune it?
Remove yellowing or dead leaves at the base; otherwise needs very little pruning.
When do you feed it?
A balanced feed at half strength every two to three weeks while it is in active growth, and nothing at all once it slows. A plant that has dropped its leaves is dormant, not starving — feeding a dormant tuber rots it. Feeding months, UK: April–September.