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Alocasia cucullata

Buddha's Hand

Typical UK price

£8

Verified

Price by size

Sold, 90 days
5
Middle half
£7 to £8
Last sold
27 Sep 2026
On record
11
Cutting/cormEstimate
7cm5 sold
12cm2 sold
MatureEstimate
  • Sale
  • Typical
  • Middle half
  • Estimate
for a 7cm pot
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About Alocasia cucullata

Alocasia cucullata, commonly known as Buddha's Hand or Chinese Taro, is a highly respected species traditionally grown in Buddhist temples across Asia. It features broadly ovate-cordate, heart-shaped leaves that are highly glossy and bright green. The leaf margins are slightly wavy, and the pointed tips curve gracefully downwards. Slender green petioles support the dense clumping foliage, which arises from thick upright stems.

Native range

Native to tropical forest edges and wet valleys of Indo-China and Southern China.

China

Classification

Genus
Alocasia
Family
Araceae
Type
Wild
Growth habit
Upright, clumping, rhizomatous

Morphology

Leaf shape
Broadly ovate-cordate, heart-shaped
Leaf length
20-30cm
Leaf width
15-25cm
Petiole colour
Slender light-to-medium green
Venation
Radiating green primary veins
Texture
Smooth, highly glossy, leathery
Variegation
None
Growth habit
Upright clumping

Recent UK sales

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For sale in the UK

UK shops

ShopStockPrice
House of Kojo established plantSold out£13
Conservatory Archives 19cm potSold out£28

Current listings on eBay UK

By month

MonthMedianSold
Sep 2026£82
Aug 2026£73
Jul 2026£73
Jun 2026£52
Apr 2026£101

Before you buy

  • Widely available and inexpensive for the plain green species, so be cautious of collector-level pricing
  • For Variegated or Mint forms, confirm the variegation pattern in listing photos, since these command notably higher prices than the base plant and mislabelling occurs
  • Check the stem base is firm and upright; this species grows from thick rhizomatous stems, not a bare corm
  • Leaves should be highly glossy with a slight wave to the margin; dull or matte foliage may indicate poor growing conditions rather than a different form

Alocasia cucullata care

Substrate
A well-aerated, chunky aroid mix containing orchid bark, perlite, and a portion of standard potting compost provides the necessary drainage for this rhizomatous species. The dense clumping habit requires a stable base that does not remain completely waterlogged.
Watering
Allow the top third of the soil to dry out between waterings. Alocasia cucullata stores moisture in its thick upright stems and rhizomes, making it susceptible to rot if kept constantly wet.
Humidity
Maintain ambient humidity between 50% and 75% to prevent the glossy, heart-shaped leaves from developing dry edges. Standard household levels are often adequate, but supplemental humidity is beneficial during winter months.
Feeding
Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength every two to four weeks during the active growing season. Reduce feeding significantly over winter when growth naturally slows.
Repotting
Repot every one to two years, or when the thick clumping stems begin to stretch beyond the container edges. Select a pot one size larger to accommodate the root system without trapping excess moisture in unused soil.

Common problems

  • Root and rhizome rot

    Cause: Substrate that remains waterlogged, typically due to poor drainage or a pot without adequate holes.

    Fix: Unpot the plant to trim away any soft, mushy roots, and replant immediately into a looser aroid mix.

  • Spider mite infestations

    Cause: Warm, dry indoor conditions that encourage pest proliferation on the broad foliage.

    Fix: Wipe the smooth leaves regularly with a damp cloth and apply a horticultural soap or targeted miticide.

  • Yellowing lower leaves

    Cause: Natural senescence of older foliage, or a sign of prolonged moisture stress.

    Fix: Assess the watering schedule to ensure the soil is not completely desiccated between waterings, and cleanly remove spent leaves at the base.

Gear for this plant

How to propagate Alocasia cucullata

Methods
Division, Rhizome separation. Step-by-step guide
Difficulty
Easy. Forgiving of missed waterings, average home humidity, and imperfect light. A solid pick for beginners or low-fuss collections.
Time to establish
3-6 months
True from cuttings
Yes. Cuttings keep the cultivar's character.
Notes
This clumping species naturally produces offshoots, making division the most practical propagation method. Separate smaller offsets from the main rhizome cluster during repotting, ensuring each division has an established root system and at least one active growth point. Plant the separated sections in a chunky substrate and keep lightly moist until new growth appears.

In the wild