Grow this exotic-looking tropical plant with eye-catching foliage indoors as a houseplant or outdoors during warmer weather.
Check here to see if your Local Garden Center or The Home Depot® is carrying leafjoy™.
Alocasia is an ornamental plant grown for the large heart- or arrow-shaped foliage that resembles elephant ears, hence the common name. Also known as African mask plant, alocasia is most commonly grown indoors as a houseplant, though it can also be grown outside during warmer months in beds, borders and containers. Alocasia varieties occur in many different leaf colors, sizes and shapes.
Native to tropical regions of the South Pacific, Asia and eastern Australia, these captivating tropical plants can reach 10 feet tall, though will remain smaller as an indoor houseplant. Alocasia grows from tubers or rhizomes and goes dormant in winter. Though alocasia can be somewhat finicky, it will thrive indoors when given the right growing conditions.
Alocasia, also known as elephant ear plants, are stunning tropical plants known for their beautifully colored, heart-shaped leaves With their exotic looks, alocasia makes for an eye-catching addition to any outdoor garden However, growing these tropical beauties outdoors does require some special care and attention.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide tips and tricks for successfully growing alocasia plants in your garden and cultivating a gorgeous, tropical oasis outdoors.
Choosing the Right Location
When growing alocasia outdoors, choosing the right location is key Here are some important factors to consider
-
Light requirements – Alocasia prefer bright, filtered sunlight. Too much direct sun will scorch their leaves. Choose a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
-
Hardiness zone – Check your USDA hardiness zone. Alocasia are tropical plants suited for zones 8-11 If you live in a colder zone, you may need to bring them indoors over winter
-
Soil drainage – Alocasia require well-draining soil. Heavy, compacted soil that retains too much moisture will cause root rot.
-
Wind protection – Protect alocasia from strong winds, which can shred their large leaves. Site them in a sheltered spot.
Preparing the Right Soil
Creating the ideal soil environment gives your alocasia the best chance to thrive. Here’s what to do:
-
Loosen native soil and mix in compost and peat moss to improve drainage.
-
Consider creating a raised bed for better drainage.
-
Alocasia prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5-6.5. Test soil pH and amend if needed.
-
Work in a slow-release granular fertilizer at planting time to provide nutrients.
Planting Alocasia Outdoors
Once you’ve prepped the ideal site, it’s time to plant. Follow these tips:
-
Plant alocasia rhizomes or bulbs in spring once night temps stay above 50°F.
-
Dig holes 12-18 inches deep and 12-18 inches wide. Space plants 3-5 feet apart.
-
Place rhizome or bulb in hole with the top slightly exposed and the roots facing down.
-
Backfill the hole with your amended soil mixture. Water deeply after planting.
-
Consider spreading a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture.
Caring for Alocasia Outdoors
With the right care, your alocasia will thrive outdoors. Here’s what they need:
-
Watering – Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water whenever top few inches become dry.
-
Fertilizing – Feed every 2-3 weeks during growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
-
Pruning – Remove damaged leaves and spent flower stems to keep plant looking tidy.
-
Pest control – Inspect regularly for pests like aphids and spider mites. Control with insecticidal soap.
-
Winter care – In cold zones, dig up rhizomes in fall and store dormant over winter indoors.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with the best care, issues can sometimes arise. Here are some common problems and fixes:
-
Yellow leaves – Usually a sign of overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
-
Burnt leaves – Indicates too much direct sun. Move to a shadier spot.
-
Leggy growth – Needs more sunlight. Gradually expose to more sun.
-
Failure to bloom – Lack of sun can prevent flowering. Increase sunlight exposure.
-
Pest infestations – Use organic insecticidal soap to control bugs. Remove severely infested leaves.
Tips for Maximizing Success
Follow these tips to ensure your alocasia thrives in your outdoor garden:
-
Select larger, more established plants or rhizomes when buying. Younger plants struggle with harsh outdoor conditions.
-
Provide consistent moisture, especially in hot weather. Consider installing a drip irrigation system.
-
Shelter plants from wind, which shreds their leaves. Use trellises, walls, or plant groups as windbreaks.
-
Apply a thick layer of mulch around plants to maintain soil moisture and temperature.
-
Stake tall varieties like Alocasia macrorrhiza to prevent toppling.
Enjoying Alocasia’s Dramatic Foliage
One of the best parts of growing alocasia is their incredibly unique, artistic leaves. Here are some ways to highlight them:
-
Use as striking background plants in flower beds and borders. Their huge leaves beautifully contrast smaller plants in front.
-
Plant in containers on patios and decks for an instant tropical feel.
-
Grow as pond or water garden plants. They’ll lean over water and make a big visual impact.
-
Place in filtered light indoor spaces for an exotic houseplant. Rotate position to highlight their sculptural shapes.
Top Varieties for Outdoors
With over 70 species available, there are many alocasia varieties to choose from. Here are some top outdoor performers:
-
Alocasia macrorrhiza – Extra large leaves can reach 5 feet tall! Often called giant taro.
-
Alocasia plumbea ‘Metallica’ – Dark purple black leaves have an iridescent sheen. Stunning.
-
Alocasia zebrina – Known for its distinct zebra-striped stems and leaves. Very unique.
-
Alocasia baginda ‘Dragon Scale’ – Features green leaves with raised grayish white veining.
-
Alocasia melo – Compact variety good for containers. Leaves have pretty yellow veins.
Transform Your Garden with Alocasia
Adding alocasia to your outdoor garden brings a bold, tropical vibe. With their huge, colorful leaves in varied shapes and their sculptural forms, they instantly create drama. By following the tips above and giving them the warm, humid environment they prefer, you can successfully grow these tropical beauties outside. Alocasia help you easily transform any outdoor space into an exotic paradise.
How poisonous is Alocasia?
Alocasia contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are mildly to severely toxic for animals and humans if any part of the plant is ingested. Keep plants out of reach of pets and small children, and wear gloves when directly handling plants to prevent possible skin irritation.
ALOCASIA CARE & PLANTING
How to plant: Plants prefer to be slightly pot bound. Wait to transplant until roots are visible in the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. Repot in spring when plants begin putting on new growth.
- Choose a pot that is 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter and slightly deeper than the previous pot.
- Remove the plant from its current pot and check for any signs of root rot. Tease out roots if compacted and cut out any visibly rotted or damaged sections. Divide rhizomes as needed and plant extra rhizomes in separate containers.
- Place fresh potting soil in the bottom of the new pot.
- Set rhizomes in the pot at the same level as they were in the previous container.
- Add fresh potting medium around the sides of the root ball up to the base of the stem.
- Press down soil gently to remove air pockets and water well. Avoid fertilizing for the next 3 months.
Light: Alocasia plants grow natively under a dense rainforest canopy with bright shade or dappled sunlight. Place indoor plants in a location that receives bright indirect light such as a window with eastern or western exposure. Outdoors, grow in a spot that receives open shade. Avoid direct sun exposure to prevent leaf scorch. Alocasia light needs can be supplemented with artificial grow lights.
Temperature: Alocasia does best in temperatures between 60 to 85 degrees F. Don’t allow temperatures to drop below 60 degrees F. Keep plants away from cold drafts and heating vents, and avoid any sudden change in temperature.
Humidity: Alocasia is accustomed to high humidity in its native habitat. Plants can be grown in a bathroom, kitchen or other humid environments. To increase the humidity around the plant, use a room humidifier or place plants on a pebble tray filled with water. To prevent root rot, don’t allow the bottom of the pot to sit in water.
Soil: Grow in a well-draining potting mix that retains moisture. Use a potting mix specially formulated for alocasia, or a high-quality all-purpose potting mix with additional amendments to improve drainage such as orchid bark, perlite, peat moss, vermiculite or coco coir.
Watering: Keep alocasia soil evenly moist. Dry or soggy soil can cause plant stress. Water when the top 2 to 3 inches of the soil is dry to the touch. Allow water to flow into the pot until you see liquid coming out of the drainage hole. As plants are susceptible to root rot, discard any standing water in the saucer beneath the pot. Reduce alocasia watering in fall and winter when plants go dormant, keeping the soil slightly moist. Plants may be sensitive to tap water that contains excess minerals or chlorine. If plants develop spots on the leaves, switch to distilled water or allow tap water to stand for 24 hours before using.
Fertilizing: Feed once or twice a month during the growing season with a liquid fertilizer formulated for houseplants diluted to half strength, or use a slow-release fertilizer.
Pruning: Trim off any yellow, damaged or diseased leaves as needed. Wear gloves when pruning alocasia to avoid possible skin irritation.
Additional care: Alocasia plants will likely go dormant during winter months. Keep plants in a warm place and cease fertilizing. Reduce watering but don’t allow the container to completely dry out. Resume normal feeding and watering when plants begin to show new growth in spring.
The Secret to Growing Alocasia | The Barefooted Gardener
FAQ
Do Alocasia do well outside?
How to encourage Alocasia growth?
How to care for Alocasia outdoor?
Where is the best place to put Alocasia?