A for Alocasia: the Plants Etc. A-Z guide
Alocasias are ideal for bright living rooms, home offices, kitchens, bathrooms or bedrooms with ample natural or artificial light.
In the North of Scotland, Alocasias thrive indoors, but they do need a little extra care. With proper attention, your Alocasia can be one of the most dramatic and impressive of your foliage plants – and they are well worth the effort!
Read our detailed guide to all things Alocasia below…
Caring for your Alocasia in Scotland...
Light
In nature, Alocasias grow in dappled shade. In our northern Scottish homes where sunlight is limited, they need a bright location – preferably with good indirect sunlight.
An east- or west-facing window is best. If your window faces south, sit your Alocasia slightly back from the glass to avoid the harsh midday summer sun.
Note: North-facing windows can suit, but you may need to move the plant to a brighter spot during winter to ensure it has enough sunlight.
Temperature
Alocasias like to be warm and they love a stable environment. If possible, keep the temperature 16°C or over.
Avoid sudden temperature drops or changes, such as hot or cold draughts from radiators, wood burners or doorways.
Feeding
Alocasia can be vigorous and hungry. It is important to feed them with a balanced liquid fertilizer, following the manufacturer’s dose recommendations in spring and summer.
Reduce feeding in autumn and winter. See: Dormancy
Watering
If possible, keep your Alocasia’s soil consistently moist. These plants do not like to dry out or be consistently waterlogged. Allow for the top inch of soil to dry out before rewatering.
Alocasias are susceptible to root rot, so use a well-draining potting mix to prevent water sitting in the pot. If they are in cache pots, ensure drained water is removed after watering.
Humidity
Alocasia’s native home is in the tropics, where it is very humid. This means they can struggle with the dry air in our homes, especially during winter when our heating is on. Your Alocasia will thank you for a more humid environment like a bright, warm kitchen or bathroom.
You can also increase humidity by grouping plants together – which will create a micro-climate – or buy using pebble trays and/or a humidifier. Saying that, I have happy Alocasias in my centrally heated cottage, without artificially raised humidity.
Dormancy
In winter, especially in the North of Scotland, dry air and cooler temperatures can slow your Alocasia’s growth, and even stop it altogether.
Your plant may shed some leaves or even retreat into the pot entirely. If this happens, allow foliage to die completely before removing it, stop feeding the plant, and keep it dry. The corm (underground plant stem) will resume growth in the spring when conditions improve.
Toxicity
Be cautious of Alocasia toxicity. Its sap, like many houseplants, can be irritating to the skin and toxic if ingested. Keep this plant away from curious pets and children.
