Alocasia
Large sculptural leaves, arrow- or heart-shaped, often purple underneath. Our Alocasia, and the guide to keeping them in shape all year.
- 40 DH delivery, whatever the city
- Cash on delivery
- Damaged plant: replaced
- Studio in Rabat · Tue–Sat 10:00–18:00
New
The Instant T range
Four steps to healthy plants
Step 1 · SoilSignature Potting MixA potting mix for repotting, with compost and biochar instead of peat.2 L · 5 L · د.م. 39,00 – د.م. 59,00Price range: د.م. 39,00 through د.م. 59,00→
Step 2 · NutritionRoot feed — compost teaA concentrated compost tea to feed the roots and the life in the soil: one bottle makes 20 litres of watering.200 ml · د.م. 99,00→
Step 3 · FoliageFoliar feed — seaweedA seaweed extract to support the foliage, sprayed on.200 ml · د.م. 89,00→
Step 4 · ProtectionBlack soap for plantsA ready-to-use black soap that cleans the foliage and helps protect it against pests and diseases.200 ml · د.م. 45,00→Where to start?
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Not sure? Find your plant in 5 questions or ask for advice on WhatsApp.
Alocasia, a plant that lives by the seasons
The genus Alocasia, in the aroid family, includes more than 90 species native to tropical Asia and eastern Australia. They grow from a thick rhizome that stores water and reserves. That explains their behaviour: rapid growth when it's warm and bright, then sometimes a slowdown in winter, when the plant loses a few leaves. It isn't the end: treated well, it starts again in spring.
Growing passport
Ease of care
Light needs
Water needs
Air humidity
Temperature18 to 28 °C, never below 15 °C
Cats, dogsToxic if chewed
Species and varieties
| Species or variety | What sets it apart |
|---|---|
| Alocasia wentii | Large dark green leaves with purple undersides. One of the most tolerant. |
| Alocasia macrorrhizos | The giant elephant ear: huge leaves, up to 2 m tall. |
| Alocasia ‘Polly’ (× amazonica) | Dark green arrow-shaped leaves with white veins. Compact, prone to spider mites. |
| Alocasia zebrina | Tiger-striped yellow and black stems, arrow-shaped leaves. |
| Alocasia cuprea, baginda ‘Dragon Scale’ | Collectors' species with metallic or textured leaves. |
Caring for them in Morocco
- Light: bright and filtered; direct sun burns the leaves.
- Watering: when the top few centimetres are dry in the warm season; much less in winter, when it slows down.
- Humidity: high: mist around it with a fine mist sprayer, especially in summer and under air conditioning.
- Potting mix: airy but moist: our Signature Potting Mix was designed with them in mind.
Reading the symptoms
- A leaf yellows when a new one appears: normal: the plant often keeps a fixed number of leaves.
- Leaves dropping in winter: dormancy: water less, keep it warm, and it will start again in spring.
- Speckled leaves, fine webs: spider mites, its main enemy: shower it and treat with black soap.
- Soft base: overwatering, especially in winter: let it dry and check the rhizome.
A plant you're worried about? Send a photo to the Plant Doctor.
Sources: Plants of the World Online (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) for names and origin; Royal Horticultural Society for cultivation; ASPCA for toxicity; and our own practice at the Rabat studio. Growing guidelines are averages: the light and air in your home matter more than anything.
Delivery anywhere in Morocco for 40 DH, cash on delivery, or collection from the studio, 6 Rue Zemmour, Aviation district, Rabat.
Frequently asked questions
My Alocasia is losing its leaves — is it dead?
Rarely. Lightly scratch the rhizome at the base: if it's firm and green, the plant is alive. Water sparingly, keep it warm and bright: it will grow new leaves.
Why are there water droplets at the leaf tips?
It's guttation: the plant is releasing excess water. A sign that the soil is quite moist.