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Alocasia

Alocasia is a Southeast Asian and Australasian genus grown for shield-shaped (sagittate to peltate) leaves, ranging from small, dark 'jewel' species under 30cm to trunked giants over 2m tall. Many of the most collected forms are variegated sports — spontaneous white or cream sectoring that arose in tissue culture and is propagated as a distinct, unstable line from the plain-leaf parent.

Species & Cultivars

98

Price Range

£5 – £300

Median Price

£18

Most Traded Alocasia

Alocasia 'Sarian' Albo →

Care Notes

  • Most Alocasia are semi-dormant through winter in UK conditions — reduced watering and some leaf drop during this period is normal, not a sign of a sick plant.
  • Jewel species (under 30cm) generally want higher humidity than the large-leaved giants, which tolerate drier indoor air better.
  • Variegated forms are less vigorous than their plain-leaf parent and more prone to reverting or losing the variegated line entirely if stressed.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Most Alocasia go through a semi-dormant period over the darker months, especially under UK indoor light levels, and will often shed one or more leaves before resuming growth in spring. This is expected and not necessarily a sign of root or care problems.

An informal collector term for small, dark-leafed Alocasia species (under roughly 30cm), such as A. reginula and A. azlanii, as distinct from the genus's large-leaved giants like A. macrorrhizos and A. portei.

Generally yes — the white or cream sectors lack chlorophyll, so a variegated leaf photosynthesises less per unit area than an equivalent plain leaf, and the plant is more prone to stress-related leaf loss and reversion.

Alocasia grow from an underground corm, and dormant or leafless corms are sometimes sold separately from rooted, leafed specimens — a corm is cheaper but carries more risk of failing to sprout than an established plant.