Alocasia (Elephant’s ear) is a genus of tropical plants, with large, heart-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves, often with intricate patterns. Native to the tropics and subtropics of Asia and Eastern Australia, they grow from large rhizomes or tubers. They make exotic house plants in the UK, where their large, dramatic leaves take centre stage.
Several alocasia species are popular house plants, including Alocasia amazonica (sometimes known as Alocasia ‘Polly’), Alocasia zebrina, Alocasia reginula ‘Black Velvet’ and Alocasia wentii. Their leaves vary from slender, arrow-head shapes to wide heart-shaped leaves. Some have colourful veins and may be waxy, furry or glossy to touch.
Bear in mind that all plants in the Alocasia genus are toxic when ingested, so be mindful if you have children or pets.
With their huge colorful leaves and tropical vibe alocasia plants are increasingly popular for indoor and outdoor settings. Once you add one of these statement-making beauties to your home, you’ll enjoy watching it progress through different stages of growth.
Understanding the alocasia life cycle helps you provide the right care at each phase. In this article, we’ll explore the various stages of alocasia plant growth so you can support healthy development.
Seedling Stage
An alocasia’s life begins as a seed. Once sown, it will germinate and emerge with its first tiny leaves – the seedling stage.
In this phase, the baby alocasia is establishing its root system and starting to gather energy from light. It needs very bright, filtered light at this point but cannot tolerate direct sun, which will burn the leaves.
Keep the soil moist during this stage, taking care not to overwater. Let the top inch dry out between waterings. Air circulation is also important to prevent fungal issues in seedlings
As the seedling stage progresses, the plant will gain more leaves and the first signs of its signature heart shape will emerge. Provide optimal conditions now for a strong start.
Juvenile Phase
Once the alocasia has 3-4 true leaves, it enters the juvenile phase, gaining size and maturing. You’ll notice the leaves getting progressively larger and more distinctly shaped.
At this stage you can move the alocasia to a brighter location with a few hours of direct morning or late afternoon sun. The plant needs the increased light to power rapid leaf growth.
Give the alocasia plenty of water and nutrition in this phase but don’t overdo it. Stick your finger in the soil to water when the top few inches feel dry. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
As it exits the juvenile stage, the plant will take on a more mature look with full, substantial leaves. Now it’s ready for the next stage of life!
Adolescent Period
The adolescent period is when your alocasia really starts to show off its large, uniquely shaped leaves. Leaf size expands rapidly in this phase.
An adolescent alocasia needs bright light to fuel growth. Provide at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. Turn the plant periodically to ensure even sun exposure.
Increase water and nutrients to match the plant’s needs in this phase. Check soil regularly and water deeply when the top few inches are dry. Fertilize every 2 weeks during the growing season.
You may need to repot in this phase if roots start emerging from the drainage holes. Choose a pot one size larger and use fresh, nutrient-rich potting mix.
As it exits adolescence, the plant will reach its maximum leaf size and height. Now it’s ready for its prime as a mature specimen.
Mature Stage
Your alocasia has hit its stride now as a mature plant. Growth slows, and the plant focuses energy on sustaining itself vs. rapid development.
In terms of care, your mature alocasia prefers bright, indirect light. A few hours of morning sun is beneficial but avoid hot afternoon sun which can scorch leaves.
Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Mature plants are very drought sensitive and decline if too dry for too long.
Feed every 3-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer, tapering off in winter. Wipe leaves periodically to keep them dust-free.
This is when your alocasia will really shine with its uniquely shaped, vivid leaves on display. Enjoy its exotic tropical beauty!
Flowering
Mature alocasia plants will occasionally flower when conditions are right, typically in mid to late summer. The plant sends up a long stalk called a spadix from the center.
The spadix is enclosed in a hoodlike structure called a spathe, which protect the tiny flowers blooming on the spadix. Spathes come in white, green, or shades of yellow or pink.
This is an exciting stage to witness! But keep in mind flowering takes a lot of energy, so the plant may rest afterwards with reduced leaf growth.
Keep watering and nutrition consistent during flowering. Add phosphorus fertilizer to fuel the blooms. Removing spent flowers helps redirect energy to leaves.
Dormancy Period
Alocasias are tropical plants that prefer warm conditions year-round. When temperatures cool in fall, the plant enters dormancy.
Growth pauses as the plant withdraws energy from the leaves back into the corms and roots. Leaves yellow and die back. Don’t remove them unless fully brown and crispy.
Water sparingly in this stage, keeping the soil just moist enough to prevent full drying. Stop fertilizing. Give the plant a rest period of around 2 months.
In early spring, as light levels increase, new leaves will emerge from the corms. Your alocasia is reawakened!
Propagating Young Plants
To create new baby alocasia plants, remove pups or suckers that form off the mother plant rhizomes. These are mini versions of the parent.
You can also take stem cuttings or divide mature plants. Care for new propagules like seedlings until well established. Then enjoy watching your babies grow!
Signs of Age
Alocasia plants can live 5 years or more with proper care. As plants age, their vigor slowly declines. Growth slows, leaves become smaller, and the plant is more susceptible to disease.
If your plant is more than 3 years old, it may benefit from division to rejuvenate. Repotting in fresh soil can also help aging plants.
Knowing the different stages of your alocasia’s development helps you provide tailored care as needed. While individual plants vary, understanding the key phases allows you to support healthy growth long term.
Here’s to enjoying your alocasia at every stage of its life cycle!
How to plant Alocasia
Most alocasias will grow well in the pots you bought them in for a couple of years. However, if you want to repot an Alocasia, use a slightly larger pot and add a peat-free house plant compost mixed with a handful of peat-free ericaceous compost. Water the plant in its original pot about an hour before repotting, so its roots are moist and it comes out of the pot more easily. Gently remove it from the pot, untangle any roots and plant it at the same depth in the new pot. Backfill with compost and firm gently, then water well, allowing the water to drain.
How to care for Alocasia
If you provide good levels of humidity and light, and water regularly so that the compost remains moist but is never waterlogged, you should have great success. Alocasias are fast-growing in summer – some can produce a new leaf per week – however they stop growing when they become dormant in winter, and may even die down and lose their leaves. Feed with liquid fertilizer once or twice a month in summer.
Alocasia leaves shrivel and die occasionally – this is perfectly normal. Simply remove shrivelled leaves as they appear.
Step-By-Step BEST Way to Propagate Alocasia from Corms | Propagating Alocasia Bulbs (Corms)
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