Jan 16, 2026

Alocasia Care Guide: Dramatic Leaves with Big Tropical Energy

If you love bold foliage that looks straight out of a rainforest, Alocasias are hard to beat. Known for their striking leaf shapes, high-contrast veins, and upright growth, these tropical showstoppers instantly elevate any indoor plant collection. They are dramatic, yes, but with the right care, they are also deeply rewarding.

Often called Elephant Ears, Alocasias belong to the Araceae family and include dozens of stunning species and hybrids. From velvety, dark-leaved varieties to glossy, architectural types, Alocasias have become must-haves for plant collectors and foliage lovers alike.

In this complete grower’s guide, we’ll walk through how to care for Alocasias indoors, with special attention to one of the most loved foliage varieties, Alocasia Frydek.

Featured Variety: Alocasia Frydek

Alocasia micholitziana ‘Frydek’, commonly known as Green Velvet Alocasia, is prized for its deep green, velvety leaves and striking white veins. The arrow-shaped foliage has a soft, matte texture that gives the plant a rich, almost luxurious appearance.

Compared to some larger Alocasia varieties, Frydek stays relatively compact and works beautifully as a statement plant indoors. It thrives in bright, indirect light with consistent humidity and careful watering. While it is not the most forgiving plant for beginners, growers who enjoy hands-on care will find Frydek incredibly rewarding.

Pro tip: Stable humidity and evenly moist soil are the keys to long-term success with Alocasia Frydek.

Alocasia Care Tips

Light

Alocasias prefer bright, indirect light that mimics the filtered sunlight of the jungle understory.

Best light conditions:

Place near an east or north-facing window.
Use a sheer curtain if placing in a south or west-facing window.
Consider supplemental grow lights during winter or in low-light homes.

Avoid:

Direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves
Low light, which slows growth, can lead to smaller or dropped leaves, and may trigger dormancy

Quick Tip: If your Alocasia begins leaning or producing elongated stems, it is likely asking for more light.

Water

Alocasias like consistently moist soil, but soggy conditions quickly lead to root problems.

Watering tips:

Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry
Use pots with excellent drainage
Empty saucers after watering
Reduce watering frequency during winter dormancy

Signs of overwatering:

Overwatered Alocasias often show yellowing leaves, soft or mushy stems, and roots and rhizomes that begin rotting below the soil line. Leaves may collapse suddenly or develop dark, water-soaked patches. If overwatering is suspected, allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings and consider repotting into a well-draining aroid mix to restore airflow around the roots.

Signs of underwatering:

Underwatered Alocasias typically develop drooping leaves with crisp brown edges, especially along the margins and tips. Growth may slow or stop altogether as the plant conserves energy. If this occurs, water thoroughly, increase humidity, and aim for more consistent moisture rather than allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Quick Tip: Consistency matters more than frequency. Large swings between dry and soaked soil often cause leaf loss.

Soil

Alocasias thrive in airy, well-draining aroid soil that holds moisture without becoming compacted.

Ideal mix:

50% high-quality potting mix - Serves as the base, providing essential structure and some moisture retention.
25% perlite - This lightweight, porous material creates air pockets and drastically improves drainage.
15% orchid bark - Adds chunkiness and mimics the natural detritus Alocasias root into in the wild.
10% coco coir or peat moss - Improves soil by enhancing water retention, aeration, and drainage while preventing compaction

You can also add activated charcoal for odor control and root health.

This type of mix closely mimics the loose, organic soil Alocasias experience in their native tropical environments. Our Orange Lake Nursery perlite added to a quality potting mix with a coco or peat base is ideal.

Humidity & Temperature

Humidity plays a major role in Alocasia health. These tropical plants require 60-80% humidity and benefit from a stable environment.

Some common methods of increasing humidity are using a humidifier, placing plants in trays filled with pebbles and water, and grouping plants together to create a microclimate.

Temperature range: 65–85°F (18–29°C)
Avoid cold drafts and temps below 60°F—Alocasias will go dormant or die back quickly.

Fertilizer

Alocasias are moderate feeders during active growth.

Fertilizing tips:

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) every 2 to 4 weeks in spring and summer
Reduce or stop feeding in fall and winter if growth slows or stops

Overfertilizing can cause leaf and root burn, so restraint is important; dilute to half-strength when in doubt

Dormancy in Alocasias

Alocasias naturally go through periods of dormancy, especially during fall and winter when light levels drop and growth slows. During this time, it is normal for the plant to stop producing new leaves and, in some cases, shed one or more older leaves. This can look alarming, but it does not mean the plant is dying.

As Alocasias enter dormancy, their water and nutrient needs decrease. Continuing to water or fertilize at the same rate as the growing season often leads to root problems. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings and pause fertilizing until signs of active growth return in spring.

Some Alocasias may lose all visible foliage and rest as underground corms. As long as the corm remains firm and healthy, the plant is still alive and will regrow when conditions improve. Keep the soil lightly moist, maintain warm temperatures and high humidity, and be patient. When days lengthen and light increases, new growth typically emerges on its own.

Understanding dormancy helps prevent over care, which is one of the most common issues with Alocasias. Less attention during this phase is often exactly what they need to come back stronger.

Repotting Alocasias

Repot every 12–18 months, ideally in spring or early summer.

How to repot:

Choose a pot 1 to 2 inches larger with drainage holes
Gently remove the plant, inspect rhizomes for rot or pups, and loosen the roots
Trim any dead or rotting roots
Repot in fresh soil and water thoroughly

Quick Tip: Many Alocasias grow from rhizomes, so slight root crowding is normal. Severe root binding, however, can slow growth. Rhizomes can be separated during repotting.

Propagation Methods

Alocasias are most commonly propagated through division.

Corm or rhizome division:

Remove the plant from its pot
Locate small corms or offsets
Separate gently using clean hands or a sterile tool ensuring each division has roots attached
Pot each division into its own container with fresh soil and water lightly

Quick Tip: Corms can also be sprouted in moist sphagnum moss for growers who enjoy experimenting. Propagation through leaf cuttings is rare and less reliable.

Common Pests

Alocasias can attract pests due to their soft foliage and high humidity needs.

Common pests include:

Spider mites, seen as fine webbing and speckled leaves
Thrips, which cause silvery streaking and distorted growth
Mealybugs, appearing as white cottony clusters
Fungus gnats, usually from damp soil

Treatment tips:

Wipe leaves regularly to remove dust and wipe with diluted alcohol to remove pests
Use neem oil or insecticidal soap spray (weekly treatments)
Increase humidity and airflow but allow soil to dry out to control gnats

Healthy plants are far more resistant to infestations.

Styling & Display Tips

Let Alocasias shine as statement pieces in minimalist rooms.
Use modern ceramic or matte black pots for contrast.
Group with ferns or calatheas for a tropical vibe.
Avoid placing near AC vents or doorways with drafts.

Final Thoughts

Alocasias bring bold structure, dramatic foliage, and unmistakable tropical energy into indoor spaces. Their sculptural leaves and striking veins make them true statement plants, whether styled alone or layered into a larger plant collection. While they do ask for consistency with light, moisture, and humidity, the reward is strong, healthy growth that feels deeply satisfying to nurture.

For plant lovers who enjoy being hands-on and learning their plants’ rhythms, Alocasias offer a deeply satisfying growing experience. Understanding their seasonal growth patterns, including periods of dormancy, helps take the guesswork out of care and builds long-term success. With the right environment and a little patience, Alocasias can thrive and continue to put on show-stopping foliage year after year.

Bonus tip: Alocasia Frydek grows especially well under grow lights, making it ideal for collectors in low-light climates.

Alocasia Care Guide: Dramatic Leaves with Big Tropical Energy

Featured Variety: Alocasia Frydek