Plant Care Guides / Indoor / Advanced Care
Alocasias are the show-stoppers of the indoor plant world. Their large, dramatic, arrow-shaped or shield-shaped leaves, often with bold veins and metallic sheens, look almost too exotic to be real. The Dragon Scale variety takes it further, with thick, heavily textured leaves that look like they belong in a fantasy film. They are stunning plants, but they are not beginners' territory. They need consistent warmth, humidity and attention to stay looking their best.
Alocasias grow from underground bulbs or corms, and it is normal for older leaves to die back as new ones emerge. A healthy plant typically holds three to five leaves at a time, with the oldest dropping as a new one unfurls. In winter, growth can stall completely and the plant may lose most of its leaves. This dormancy is normal, not death. Keep the soil barely moist, do not overwater, and the plant will push new growth when the warmth returns in spring.
Bright, indirect light. They need good light to produce those large, dramatic leaves, but direct sun burns them. A spot near a window with filtered light is ideal.
Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. They do not tolerate drying out completely, and they do not tolerate sitting in water. Finding the middle ground is the skill. Use a well-draining mix so you can water regularly without drowning the roots. Humidity is essential. They come from tropical forest floors and need moisture in the air. Mist daily, use a humidifier, or keep them in a bathroom with natural light. In dry air, the leaf edges brown and new leaves come out smaller.
Feed every two weeks through spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Stop in winter when growth slows or dormancy kicks in.
Repot in spring if the plant has outgrown its pot. Use a chunky, well-draining mix: potting soil, perlite and orchid bark in roughly equal parts. The roots need air, so heavy, compacted soil is a recipe for rot.
Ask about availability. We keep a changing range of indoor plants. WhatsApp us to see what is in store, or pop in and we will help you choose.
