Alocasia cucullata

Alocasia cucullata is an Araceae family flowering plant valued for its unique ‘elephant ear’ leaves. It is native to East Asia and makes a superb houseplant that can withstand a broad range of growth conditions.

Care

Use a well-draining soil mix (see aroid soil) that has been modified with a more moisture-retentive potting mix than other Aroids and water thoroughly, allowing excess to drain. Alocasia prefers more consistent moisture than most Aroids, although soggy soil causes root rot. Alocasia is especially sensitive to low indoor temperatures. They can enter a dormant state in winter due to limited light and low temperatures near windows. Therefore it is better to avoid placing them in an unheated area or near a chilly window. Dormancy is characterized by the plant losing all of its leaves and surviving as an underground corm. When you press your finger into the dirt and feel the underground corm, it should be solid and not mushy.

Fertilizing

Improve soil fertility while the plant is actively developing by scraping some compost into two soil without disturbing the plant’s roots. Then, every two weeks, feed the plant a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, such as fertilizer For Growing, diluted at a rate of 1 teaspoon/litre of water.