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Care at a Glance

⭐ Difficulty: Moderate–Hard
☀️ Light: Bright indirect
💧 Water: Every 1 week
🌡️ Temp: 65–85°F
🐾 Pet Safe: No ⚠️
🌫️ Humidity: High (60%+)

Alocasia Care Guide

Alocasia polly

By Learn Plant Care·Toxicity verified via ASPCA
Alocasia (Alocasia polly)
Alocasia (Alocasia polly) · Via Wikimedia Commons (CC)

Quick Answer

Alocasia needs watering every 1 week in summer and every 1–2 weeks in winter. It thrives in bright indirect and temperatures of 6585°F. Difficulty: Moderate–Hard. ⚠️ Toxic to pets — keep away from cats and dogs.

Difficulty

Moderate–Hard

☀️Light

Bright indirect

💧Watering

Every 1 week

🌫️Humidity

High (60%+)

🌡️Temperature

65–85°F

📈Growth Rate

Moderate

Toxicity

⚠️ Toxic to Cats⚠️ Toxic to Dogs Safe for Humans

Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control

Watering

Summer

Every 1 week

Winter

Every 1–2 weeks

Method: Keep slightly moist; never soggy

Light Requirements

Bright indirect

Needs bright indirect light. Very sensitive to low light.

Soil & Potting

Soil: Well-draining aroid mix (perlite + bark + potting mix)

Pot: Pot with drainage; not too large

Temperature & Humidity

Temperature: 6585°F (1829°C)

Humidity: High (60%+)

Fertilizing

Frequency: Monthly spring/summer; skip winter

Type: Balanced fertilizer, half strength

Common Problems

Yellow leaves → Overwatering or nutrient deficiency.

Drooping → Underwatering or too much direct sun.

Leaf drop in winter → Dormancy. Normal — will return in spring.

Brown edges → Low humidity. Increase humidity significantly.

Propagation

Division of corms/offsets

Seasonal Care Calendar

🌸 Spring

If dormant, restart watering gradually as temperatures warm. Resume fertilizing.

☀️ Summer

Peak growth. Water weekly. High humidity essential. Watch for spider mites and thrips.

🍂 Fall

Begin reducing water. Plant may start dropping leaves — this is dormancy starting, not death.

❄️ Winter

Minimal water. If leaves die back completely, keep corm slightly moist and wait for spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my alocasia dropping leaves?
Often dormancy (especially in winter) or a stress response to temperature, light change, or overwatering.
How often should I water an alocasia?
Weekly in summer; less in winter. Keep slightly moist but never waterlogged — root rot is common.
Does alocasia go dormant?
Yes — in winter or low-light conditions, alocasia may drop all leaves. Keep the corm slightly moist and it will regrow.
Why are my alocasia leaves drooping?
Usually underwatering or too much direct sun. Check soil and move away from harsh light.
Is alocasia toxic to pets?
Yes — toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. Causes severe oral irritation (ASPCA).