Difficulty Level: Hard

Alocasias need bright, but indirect light. This is due to the plant's natural habitat, on the forest floor beneath the tree canopy. Direct sun will cause the leaves to burn, so avoid placing your Alocasia in a spot where it'll be exposed to direct sun for a prolonged period. This plant is not tolerant of lower light conditions though, so make sure the space you're placing yours in feels very bright. Alocasias are native to — and grow best — in humid environments, so avoid placing yours near to an A/C or a heater if possible.

Nope. Afraid not 😕

• Alocasias need bright, but indirect light. This is due to the plant's natural habitat, on the forest floor beneath the tree canopy.

• Direct sun will cause the leaves to burn, so avoid placing your Alocasia in a spot where it'll be exposed to direct sun for a prolonged period.

• This plant is not tolerant of lower light conditions, though, so make sure the space you're placing yours in feels very bright.

• Here's the thing about Alocasias: They like soil a little on the drier side, but require high humidity to prosper. Counter-intuitive, we know! For your plant's optimal comfort, we recommend placing a pebble tray or humidifier beneath your Alocasia.

• For watering, allow the top 2-3" to dry between watering to ensure the plant isn't sitting in soil that's too wet.

• During the winter, Alocasias will undergo a dormancy period and require less frequent waterings, as the soil will take longer to dry.

• Alocasias can be susceptible to root rot and fungal infections if their soil doesn't have proper drainage and becomes waterlogged. We always advise potting these plants in a vessel with a drainage hole or in a planter that maximizes air exchange to the roots.

• Alocasia prefer temperatures between 60°-80° F.

• These plants become dormant with prolonged exposure to temperatures below 60° F.

• Alocasias are native to — and grow best — in humid environments, so avoid placing yours near an A/C or a heater if possible.

• These plants grow best in a humid environment and humidity can also help combat some of the Alocasia's most common pest, spider mites.

• Placing a pebble tray nearby is a good way to increase the humidity around the plant consistently, and frequent misting is encouraged too.

• When misting, try not to get the leaves too wet as sitting water can damage the leaves and weigh the stems down.

From our experience, many plants can be brought back to complete health after a few days of routine waterings and care.

If the plant arrives slightly damaged or limp, this may be a result of the plant being deprived of light and water.

It's always best to send us a photo, so we can help you identify and fix the little treasure.

• Droopy leaves are often caused by over or under watering, pests, insufficient light, or insufficient nutrients in the soil.

• The Alocasia likes its soil to be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.

• Next, consider the light it receives in its location. Is it bright? Are the seasons changing? You may need to move it closer to the light source. If none of these seem to be the issue, it may've outgrown its pot.

• Alocasias can grow very quickly through the summer and like to have space, so consider increasing the size of the pot it's in and refreshing the soil.

• As any Alocasia collector will tell you, Alocasias are extremely prone to spider mites, and dealing with spider mites is a routine part of parenting this unique plant.

• Firstly, isolate the plant from the rest of your collection. Rinse the leaves and the stems with soapy water, and follow this by wiping the plant with Neem oil.

• Lastly, increase the humidity around your Alocasia upon placing it back in its original spot.

• Spider mites thrive in dry conditions, so regular misting and a nearby pebble tray can help prevent the bugs from coming back.

• Alocasias can be sensitive to salts, minerals, and chlorine in tap water, which causes spotting.

• Let the water sit for 24 hours in a bucket or your watering can before giving it to the plant. This will allow for some of the unwanted materials to evaporate. Alternately, use distilled water.

• There's still hope! Unlike many other low-light tropical plants, Alocasias can bounce back, even if they have lost all their leaves. This is due to the reserve energy they store in their thick tubers.

• If your Alocasia is looking worse for wear, we recommend placing it outdoors in a shaded area during the spring or summer.