Alocasia ranks as one of those dependable houseplants, but that doesn’t mean it is short on style.
Alocasia ranks as one of those dependable houseplants, but that doesn’t mean it is short on style. This tropical plant holds another common name: the elephant ear plant.
While a common indoor plant, the name alocasia refers to many diverse specimens. The alocasia jewel is a rarer species with chocolate-colored leaves. In contrast, the alocasia polly features distinctive leaves that houseplant fans will be very familiar with. Strikingly designed heart-shaped or arrowhead-shaped leaves help indicate that this plant is an alocasia.
There is so much to explore with the easy-to-find houseplant alocasia. Read on to learn all about how to care for an alocasia, from choosing the proper temperature, soil, humidity, and watering schedule for your happy plant.
The alocasia family of plants features a vast spectrum of sizes, colors, and textures within its diverse assortment of species. If you consider bringing home an alocasia, dive deeper into the needs and characteristics of the specific species that catches your eye.
While their appearances vary widely, each of these plants thrives in a tropical environment indoors or outdoors. These plants originated in tropical rainforests from China to India, the South Pacific, and Eastern Australia. If you choose to plant an alocasia outdoors, make sure you live in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 10b to 12a.
How big do alocasia get? This isn’t a simple question. The Black Velvet species of alocasia is popular for its dark foliage and compact size. However, the Golden Lutea can reach eight to 10 feet in height with neon yellow leaves! There are more than 80 species of alocasia.
Think of the dappled sunlight which naturally occurs in a rainforest when you consider where to place your alocasia indoors. Bright, indirect light provides the best fuel for your alocasia to achieve its rapid growth.
If you choose a location with too much direct light, your alocasia may suffer from scorched leaves. Scorched leaves may appear as a targeted brown spot on leaves or an overall orange tinge to foliage.
An alocasia kept in a room with too little light may be the answer to the common question, why is my alocasia drooping?
Alocasias planted outdoors thrive in part sun. Choose a spot with direct morning sun and a break from the heat in the afternoon.
An alocasia’s robust rhizome root system can get soggy with too much water. If about one-quarter to one-half of the soil is dry, your elephant ear plant is due for watering. Tap your finger lightly on the top of the soil. If the soil does not stick to your finger, consider watering your alocasia.
Water until liquid flows out of the drainage hole at the bottom of your plant’s pot. This is a clear indicator you have watered your alocasia enough. Clear away any excess water collecting in the saucer underneath the drain.
Try to mimic a rainforest climate for your alocasia. If you live in a dry place, use a humidifier or trays of water to increase the humidity in the air around your tropical plant.
Consider placing your alocasia in a room with higher humidity. Bathrooms and laundry rooms foster a consistently humid environment for happy alocasias.
Proper humidity leaves help promote the best environment for your alocasia. Low humidity results in stunted plants which fail to grow new leaves.
Maintain a temperature above 60 F for your elephant ear. Avoid placing this plant near drafty environments, exterior doors, or other places with temperature fluctuations.
If you choose to move your alocasia outdoors in warm temperatures, bring them indoors for the winter. Alocasia does not tolerate frost and should come inside even before temperatures drop below 50 F.
Well-drained soil provides the best growing environment for alocasia. Slightly acidic soil, which makes up the majority of mass-produced, peat-based potting soils available, supports the growth of elephant ears. You can’t go wrong with any ordinary potting soil, but make sure your planting pot contains a drainage hole.
Alocasia ranks as a plant with a straightforward care routine and contains very few common problems. Being able to identify some of these issues will help you learn how to care for an alocasia.
With their dramatically large arrowhead-shaped leaves, Alocasia plants like the Alocasia California add serious tropical flair to indoor and outdoor spaces. But just how tall can these statement plants grow under the right conditions? In this article, we’ll look at the factors that affect Alocasia height potential to help you make the most of these stunning tropicals.
Getting to Know the Alocasia California
The Alocasia California is a popular large-leaved Alocasia variety renowned for its slender upright form and deeply lobed leaves. Like others in the Alocasia genus, it boasts leaves that point upward rather than outwards. New leaves emerge with a striking red underside before maturing to a deep green.
While most homegrown Alocasia California plants reach about 3-5 feet tall this hybrid can grow even bigger when provided optimal care. Let’s explore what affects its lofty height potential.
Factors That Influence Maximum Height
Several key factors play a role in helping Alocasia Californias achieve their full stature:
Light
Like most tropical foliage plants Alocasia thrives in bright, indirect light. More light energizes growth and helps the plant grow taller more quickly. Outdoor plants in partly shaded tropical locales can reach imposing heights. Indoors place these plants near sunny windows.
Moisture
Alocasia prefers consistently moist soil. Dry spells hinder growth and cause leaves to yellow and crisp. Water thoroughly whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Increase watering frequency in hotter weather.
Nutrients
Feed regularly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. This fuels strong growth and larger mature sizes.
Room to Grow
Give Alocasia California’s roots ample space to expand for faster growth. Re-pot into larger containers as needed. In the ground, space plants 3-5 feet apart.
Warmth
Alocasia grows best in warm conditions between 70-85°F. Cooler temps slow growth. Move pots nearer heat vents in winter. Outdoor plants grow larger in frost-free climates.
Humidity
High humidity mimicking the tropics prevents leaf tip burn and supports lush growth. Misting leaves, using a pebble tray, or grouping plants helps boost humidity.
Average Indoor vs. Outdoor Heights
On average, Alocasia California reaches the following heights based on growing conditions:
- Indoors in containers – About 3-4 feet tall
- Outdoors in landscape beds – 5-8 feet or taller
Outdoor plants have the advantage of unrestricted root space, ample moisture, warmth, and humidity. But even indoor Alocasias can grow quite large in spacious containers and bright windows.
Caring for Mature Giant Alocasias
A few tips for caring for full-grown Alocasia Californias:
-
Stake tall stems to prevent toppling.
-
Prune old leaves at the stem to encourage new growth.
-
Divide overcrowded bulbs to rejuvenate plants.
-
Overwinter outdoor plants in frost-free areas or move pots indoors.
-
Rotate pots so all sides get equal sunlight exposure.
Achieving Max Height Takes Patience!
It can take Alocasia Californias 3-5 years to reach their full imposing stature. But with the proper growing conditions, these tropicals will transform into showstopping statement plants. Their lush, oversized leaves never fail to impress as focal points in gardens and indoor spaces.
So give your Alocasia California plenty of bright indirect light, frequent watering, humidity, warmth, and nutrients. And most importantly – give it time and space to grow. Before you know it, you’ll have a towering specimen with leaves unlike any other plant.
Why Is My Alocasia Drooping?
A drooping alocasia can be a reaction to several things. First, move your alocasia to a location with more light to reverse drooping. If that doesn’t work, adjust your watering routine. Both too much and too little water can promote drooping. Your alocasia may need fertilizer if the previous two remedies do not help.
Does Alocasia Attract Pests?
Pests like aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs can appear on alocasias. Help prevent infestations by wiping down leaves and not overwatering your plants. An insecticidal soap effectively ends infestations of these common pests.
Why Your Alocasia Only EVER Has 3 Leaves
FAQ
What is the maximum height of Alocasia?
|
Unit
|
1 gallon, 3 gallon, 7 gallon, 15 gallon
|
|
Growth Rate
|
Slow Growth Rate
|
|
Sunlight
|
Part sun to part shade
|
|
Mature Height
|
5′ – 9′
|
|
Mature Width
|
5′ – 9′
|
How tall do California Alocasia get?
How do I make my Alocasia grow bigger?
Why is my Alocasia so tall?