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.
As a proud plant parent of a beautiful Alocasia Polly, ensuring she gets the right amount of light is critical for her health and growth. I used to stress about whether I was giving Polly too much or too little sunlight. But after months of trial and error (and a few crispy leaves!), I’ve cracked the code on the optimal light levels for these stunning houseplants.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Alocasia light requirements. I’ll share how much light Alocasia Polly and other popular Alocasia varieties need signs your plant isn’t getting enough light, and tips for providing the perfect lighting conditions in your home. Let’s shed some light on growing vibrant thriving Alocasias!
Alocasias are tropical plants that originated in the dense rainforests of Asia and Australia Although they thrive in warm, humid environments, many Alocasia varieties have become popular houseplants. The most common indoor species include
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Alocasia Polly – Also called African mask plant. Features dark green leaves with contrasting white veining.
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Alocasia Amazonica – Large, shiny leaves that can grow over 3 feet long!
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Alocasia Frydek – Velvety, green leaves with pronounced white veins.
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Alocasia Zebrina – Known for its striped foliage in shades of dark green, silver, and purple.
While these plants have slightly different appearances and origins, they share similar light requirements. Here’s a quick overview:
- Medium to bright, indirect light is ideal. Some morning or late afternoon sun is fine.
- Low light will cause leggy, weak growth. Leaves may lose their color.
- Direct sunlight will scorch and damage the leaves.
So bright, indirect light is the sweet spot for Alocasias. But what exactly does that mean? Let’s explore…
Defining Bright, Indirect Light
I used to stress over what constitutes “bright, indirect light.” Is a room too dark? Too bright? Here are some tips for identifying the perfect lighting conditions:
- Bright indirect light is found a few feet away from a sunny window. Some dappled sun may hit the plant.
- The plant receives bright, filtered light but no direct sun beams.
- You can comfortably read a book in the spot for hours without eye strain.
- If you hold your hand a foot above the plant, you should be able to see a faint shadow on your palm.
Rooms like sunrooms, conservatories, and greenhouses offer ideal bright, indirect light. East or west-facing windows also tend to provide great lighting.
Southern windows can work if you place the Alocasia a few feet back and use sheers to filter the light. Just watch for signs of too much direct sun (see next section).
Signs Your Alocasia Needs More Light
If your Alocasia isn’t getting sufficient sunlight, you may notice these issues:
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Leggy growth: The stems and leaves are far apart. Leaves may be smaller.
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Loss of color: Foliage lacks vibrancy and turns more solid green. Unique patterns fade.
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Leaf drop: Lower leaves turn yellow and fall off since the plant cannibalizes them for energy.
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Flopping: Weak stems cause the leaves to droop and flop over.
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Slow growth: Very little new leaves emerge over time.
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Reaching: Leaves point toward nearby windows and light sources.
If you notice these signs, gradually move your Alocasia to a brighter spot and see if its health improves. Increase light levels incrementally to avoid shocking or burning the plant.
Warning Signs of Too Much Direct Sunlight
While Alocasias crave bright, indirect light they absolutely cannot tolerate direct sunlight beating down on their sensitive leaves. Too much harsh light will cause:
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Brown, crispy spots and edges: Sun-scorched areas appear, usually on exposed upper leaves.
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Light green and yellow patches: Chlorosis or bleaching occurs on leaves getting too much sunlight.
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Wilting: Leaves droop from excess transpiration.
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Curling leaves: Foliage curls inward to minimize sun exposure.
If you notice these issues, immediately move your Alocasia to a shadier spot. Damaged portions won’t recover, but new leaves should grow in healthier.
Providing the Perfect Indirect Light At Home
Creating bright yet indirect lighting conditions can be tricky indoors. Here are some tips:
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Place the Alocasia a few feet back from an east or west window. South-facing windows may need more distance or sheer curtains.
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Add supplemental lighting with grow lights. Position them off to the side rather than overhead.
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Rotate the plant periodically so all sides get equal light exposure.
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Move outdoor Alocasias to shadier spots in peak summer when sunlight is most intense.
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If your plant seems to be getting too much light, add a sheer curtain, move it back further, or provide shade with other plants.
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To increase light, remove obstructions, place reflective surfaces nearby, or move the plant closer to the window (gradually!).
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Consider adding a humidifier nearby since the heat from bright windows can dry out the air.
With the right balance of bright yet indirect sunlight, your Alocasia will reward you with healthy, vibrant growth. Adjusting the lighting may take some observation and tweaks, but soon you’ll be an expert at providing just what your plant needs to shine!
Common Lighting Issues (And Solutions!) For Alocasia Plants
Growing Alocasia in optimal lighting conditions prevents common problems like:
Leggy Growth
If an Alocasia isn’t getting enough light, the stems will become elongated and spindly as the plant “reaches” for light. The leaves will be spaced far apart on the leggy stems.
Solution: Gradually move the Alocasia closer to a bright window or provide supplemental lighting. Support the plant with pruning and staking until new, compact growth emerges. Remove any overly leggy stems.
Loss of Color
Insufficient light causes many Alocasia varieties to lose their beautiful variegated patterns and coloration. The leaves will turn a boring, solid green.
Solution: Give your plant more light! Color and vibrancy will return with bright, indirect light. Remove any drab leaves to focus the plant’s energy on new growth.
Drooping Leaves
When light is too low, the stems become weak and unable to support the heavy Alocasia leaves, causing them to flop over and droop.
Solution: Move the plant to a brighter location. Remove excess leaves to reduce the burden on the stems. Stake drooping stems until they become sturdier.
Tip Burn
If an Alocasia gets too much direct sunlight, you may notice brown, crispy edges or spots on the most exposed leaves.
Solution: Immediately move the plant away from the harsh light. Cut off damaged portions and give it optimal bright, indirect light instead.
Bleached Coloration
An over-lit Alocasia will develop strange yellowed splotches or patterns from too much light bleaching the leaves.
Solution: Filter the intense light or move the plant further away from the light source. The discolored areas won’t recover but new growth should be vibrant.
Let There Be Light! Ideal Alocasia Light Setups
Here are some specific tips for providing great light in various indoor conditions:
Sunny Windows
Place Alocasia 2-4 feet back from an eastern or western window. Use sheer curtains on southern windows and move further away, around 4-6 feet back. Keep an eye out for signs of too much afternoon sun from western exposures.
Low Light Rooms
Boost lighting with an adjustable gooseneck grow light placed to the side of the Alocasia. Use the highest light intensity and keep the light 12-18 inches away. Rotate the plant for even coverage.
Greenhouses and Sunrooms
These bright spaces usually provide great ambient lighting. Place Alocasia out of direct sun and rotate periodically. Monitor for signs of photoburn from intense overhead light in midsummer.
Balconies and Patios
Choose a shaded spot, keep Alocasia out of direct sun, and rotate frequently. Partially close patio umbrellas to filter sunlight. Move plants under eaves or overhangs if needed.
Grow Lights
Use full spectrum grow bulbs 6500-7000K. Position lights off to the side of plants, not overhead. Place lights 12-18 inches above plants and set a timer for 14-16 hours per day. Adjust intensity and duration to prevent leaf burn.
Light Level Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions plant parents have about providing proper lighting for their Alocasia:
How far from a window should an Alocasia be?
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 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.