ALOCASIA CARE GUIDE - Jungle Fever

🌿 Alocasia Plant Care Guide

Complete care tips for Alocasia Cuculatta, Alocasia Gageana, and other Alocasia species

Alocasias — often called “Elephant Ear” plants — are known for their bold, dramatic leaves that can be arrow-shaped, shield-like, or patterned with striking veins. Native to tropical Asia and Eastern Australia, they are statement plants that thrive when given warm, humid, and bright conditions.

Whether you have the classic Alocasia Cuculatta, the striped Alocasia zebrina, or a rare collector’s variety, this guide will help you keep your Alocasia healthy and thriving indoors.

☀️ Light Requirements for Alocasia

Place your Alocasia in bright, indirect light.
Too much direct sunlight can scorch delicate leaves, while too little light can cause leaf drop.
They enjoy a few hours of soft morning sun but avoid harsh midday rays.

💡 Best practice: Position near an east-facing window or slightly back from a bright south/west-facing window with sheer curtains.

🌡️ Best Temperature for Alocasia

Ideal range: 20–28°C (68–82°F).
Avoid temperatures below 15°C (59°F) — Alocasias are sensitive to cold and may go dormant if chilled.
Keep away from draughts, cold windows, and sudden temperature changes.

💧 How to Water an Alocasia Plant

Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season (spring–summer), but not waterlogged.
Water when the top 2–3cm (1 inch) of soil feels dry.
In autumn and winter, reduce watering as growth slows — some Alocasias naturally shed leaves or enter a light dormancy.
Always use pots with drainage holes and empty excess water from saucers.

🚫 Avoid letting the soil fully dry out for long periods, as this can stress the plant and cause leaf loss.

🌬️ Humidity Needs for Alocasia

Alocasias thrive in high humidity — ideally 60–80%.
In dry homes, boost humidity by:
- Using a humidifier
- Grouping plants together
- Placing on a pebble tray with water

🍽️ Feeding Your Alocasia

Feed every 2–4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength.
Stop feeding during dormancy or when growth slows in winter.
Regular feeding encourages strong stems and vibrant leaf colour.

🪴 Additional Alocasia Care Tips

Leaf changes are normal: Older leaves naturally yellow and die as new ones emerge.
Pests: Keep an eye out for spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs — wipe leaves and treat early if spotted.
Repotting: Every 1–2 years in spring, or when roots fill the pot. Use a loose, airy, and well-draining mix (equal parts potting mix, perlite, and orchid bark works well).

🌱 Common Alocasia Problems & Solutions

Problem	Cause	Fix
Yellow leaves	Natural leaf cycle or overwatering	Remove old leaves, adjust watering
Brown edges	Low humidity or underwatering	Increase humidity, water consistently
Drooping leaves	Cold, thirst, or root stress	Warm up location, check moisture
Leaf spots	Over-misting or fungal infection	Reduce wetting leaves, improve airflow

✅ Quick Alocasia Care Summary

Light: Bright, indirect
Water: Keep evenly moist; reduce in winter
Temp: 20–28°C
Humidity: 60–80% preferred
Feed: Every 2–4 weeks in growing season
Soil: Loose, airy, well-draining mix

💚 Final Note: Alocasias may be a little fussier than some tropicals, but when happy, they’ll reward you with stunning foliage that transforms your indoor jungle into something truly exotic.