Species Highlight: Alocasia

Alocasia is a species of plant that belongs to the family of plants known as Araceae. This family of flowering plants produces flowers through inflorescence. Alocasias are a subtropical species that is common throughout Southern Asia, Indonesia, and parts of Australia. There are roughly 90 accepted species of Alocasia, but different cultivars (hybrids) are common as many cultivators have bred unique ornamental variations. Other species are spontaneous mutations that have been classified as unique cultivars, such as the Alocasia Venom. The Venom is actually a mutation of the cross between A. sanderiana and A. longiloba ‘Watsoniana’ that was developed at Amazon Nursery in Miami in the 1950s. The mutation was discovered by Mason Lee, who recognized it in 2019 as something distinct enough to name and cultivate separately. Mutation is extremely rare and unpredictable, which is why these cultivars are more expensive than your typical hybrids. They cannot be easily reproduced at scale through various means. They need to be grown via corms from stable mutated plants. Similar to variegation, it must derive from the mutated plant to maintain the genetic mutation. It cannot be bred into the plant.

Alocasia's are a tuberous plant species, which grow from and produce corms. These are small bulbs similar to that of tulips, except they extend from the tuber and will begin to grow roots until a 'pup' is formed. These pups can be separated and grown as new plants, or corms can be collected and grown into new plants.

Being a subtropical species, they require bright indirect or filtered light, high humidity, higher than average watering, and fertilization. Alocasias are notoriously thirsty and hungry plants, which require watering every 5-10 days depending on their climate, and fertilization every other watering during the growing season. As with all indoor plants, they should be in chunkier mix with good drainage, thoroughly watered, and allowed to drain. Despite their desire for excess moisture, they do not appreciate sitting in waterlogged soil as this can lead to root rot and withering. Alocasias are one of the plant species that can acclimate and do quite well in hydroponic setups, but often this also requires an acclimation period, where established roots may die off, and new hydroponic roots grow. I personally haven't had the best luck with hydroponics and Alocasias, but have had a lot of success with sphagnum moss. I find that moss will retain the moisture they like without waterlogging the roots.

Indoors, Alocasia are known to go into dormancy periods that align with the seasons. They will drop their leaves, roots will disappear leaving just the tuber. Don't throw it away! Just like all other tuberous plants, it will come back! Most people don't realize that their Alocasia didn't actually die and may have tossed them. Unless the tuber goes moldy, soft, or squishy, it's still good!

These are beautiful but temperamental plants. The best way to keep Alocasia is in a climate-controlled area. This could be a terrarium, grow tent, greenhouse, plant cabinet, or an old aquarium with a lid. Anything that will maintain a consistent temperature and humidity will be the best for these plants. Humidity is a strong factor in the success of these plants, as they need it to maintain their leaves. Notorious for dropping leaves, it’s not always a bad sign. Never cut off an Alocasia leaf as it starts to wither and yellow. This is actually a unique way of retaining nutrients and growing new leaves. Leaf dropping often occurs prior to new leaves emerging, but not always. If you notice leaves dropping without new growth emerging, there is more than likely an issue with the roots. In order to have a bushy Alocasia, you'll need to provide it with the conditions that most closely resemble its native range.