Alocasia Care: Moisture, Humidity and Leaf Drop
Alocasias, often called elephant ears, have large, textured, arrow-shaped leaves with metallic or dark veining. They are striking and also sensitive to water and humidity. Get the moisture right and an alocasia grows fast. Get it wrong and the leaves drop.
Light
Bright, indirect light. An east or west window works well. Direct sun can scorch thin-leaved types, and dim light slows growth.
Water
Keep the soil moist but never soggy. Let the top inch or two dry before watering thoroughly, then empty the saucer. Soggy soil rots the rhizome, the thick stem that feeds new growth.
Humidity and temperature
High humidity and warm rooms, around 70°F or above. A humidifier helps far more than misting. Keep it away from cold drafts.
Soil and feeding
A loose, well-draining aroid mix with bark or perlite. Feed every few weeks in spring and summer at half strength, and stop in fall and winter.
Why are alocasia leaves dropping?
Leaf drop is the most common complaint. The usual causes are overwatering, a cold draft, low humidity, or a sudden change in light. Check the soil first, then the location. Most alocasias push out new leaves once conditions settle.
Winter and propagation
Some alocasias slow down in winter and may drop leaves as they rest. Reduce watering then, keep the plant warm, and resume regular watering when new growth appears in spring. Alocasias are usually divided at repotting: separate the offsets that have their own roots, and pot each one.
Common problems
Overwatering, a draft, or low humidity. Check soil first.
Overwatering and rot.
Too dry. Give a thorough drink.
Alocasias at Palma
We grow 'Jacklyn', 'Pink Dragon', 'Scalprum', 'Black Velvet', 'Frydek' and 'Polly'. The thinner-leaved and darker-veined types need more humidity. Care is otherwise the same.
