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Alocasia zebrina, also known as arrow leaf or elephant ear because of the shape and size of its leaves, is an attractive houseplant. In order for the alocasia to grow vigorously and thrive, it needs the right location and special care.
In a nutshell
- bright but not directly sunny location
- at least five hours of sun a day
- no midday sun
- Keep substrate slightly moist, high humidity
- fertilize weekly with green plant fertilizer
location
Alocasia zebrina is native to the subtropical and tropical rain forests of Southeast Asia and is found primarily in the Philippines. It is therefore a forest plant that feels most comfortable in a bright but not directly sunny location. You can place them by a window, but not exactly by a south-facing window or at least 15 centimeters away. In particular, the very intense midday sun in summer should be avoided, as this causes leaf burns and unsightly brown spots.
- optimally on an east or west facing window
- about five hours of sun exposure per day
- Shade at lunchtime if necessary
- Penumbra, no shade
Source: Photo by David J. Stang, Alocasia zebrina 4zz, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Notice: With the right pot size and good care, the Alocasia zebrina grow up to two meters high in room culture. So give it enough space for growth, for example with a place on the ground or a plant stool.
temperature
As a tropical plant, the alocasia does not tolerate cold temperatures, which you should bear in mind when caring for it. During the vegetation period between April and October, 20 to 25 °C is ideal, but it can be a little cooler in winter. During this time, the plant should be allowed to go into hibernation, especially since the light exposure in Central Europe is often insufficient.
- not cooler than 18°C in winter quarters
- good winter quarters: bright stairwell, little heated living rooms
- alternatively also warm room culture with plant light
- not over or near a heater in winter
Tip: A good place for wintering is, for example, the bedroom, as this is not heated much. However, this only applies if it is not oriented to the north and is therefore too dark. With good care, the bathroom is also a suitable location for the Alocasia zebrina.
humidity
The need for high humidity is also characteristic of tropical rainforest plants. In order for the large leaves of the alocasia to develop vigorously, you should spray and care for the plant daily with lime-free water. Use rainwater or stagnant tap water, otherwise there will be unsightly limescale on the leaves. The spray water should also be at room temperature and never cold. You can also give the arrow head a good shower with lukewarm water once a week. This acts like a natural rain shower and also has the effect that the large leaves are freed from dust deposits.
Source: Rohit Naniwadekar, Plant Alocasia zebrina spadix P1110645 02, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Notice: A high level of humidity should be maintained, especially during the winter heating period, otherwise the plant will quickly be attacked by spider mites due to the weakening.
substrate
A loose, nutrient-rich indoor plant substrate is ideal for the alocasia. If you choose a pre-fertilized product, you will save on fertilizing in the first year after potting. So that waterlogging, which the plant cannot tolerate at all, cannot develop in the first place, the plant pot needs a drainage hole on the bottom. In addition, a few centimeters of expanded clay balls come in as the bottom layer, only then do you fill the soil. Mix this with some pine bark or granite rock dust to lower the pH. Alocasia prefer slightly acidic soil.
pour
Since the large leaves are constantly giving off water, the Alocasia zebrina has a high water requirement, which you should bear in mind when caring for it. The substrate should always be kept slightly moist and only allowed to dry. You should definitely avoid drying out. However, do not water too much to avoid waterlogging. If the leaves develop yellowish-brown edges, water less in the future. We cannot give you specific watering recommendations, as the water requirement depends on the individual plant, its location, the ambient humidity and temperature. It is best to proceed as follows:
- do finger tests regularly
Is the substrate:
- moist: do not water
- dried: give a small amount of water
- after two days dry: water a little more
- still damp after a week: water less next time
Source: Photo by David J. Stang, Alocasia zebrina 3zz, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
In this way, you gradually approach the optimal amount of water for your arrow blade and get a feel for how much water the plant actually needs. There is an urgent need for water when the stems are no longer upright. In winter, on the other hand, the alocasia needs less water, but it must not dry out. Alocasia are very suitable for hydroponics. Alternatively, you can use clay cones (e.g. Blumat) or another watering aid to ensure optimal water balance.
Tip: Always place alocasia on a waterproof surface and not necessarily on the expensive wooden living room wall, as a good water supply will always cause some water to drip from the leaves. This is perfectly normal and cannot be avoided.
Fertilize
A healthy Alocasia zebrina, with good care, is characterized by vigorous growth, which is why you should fertilize it weekly during the growth period between April and October. A liquid fertilizer for green plants is ideal, which you dilute with the irrigation water according to the manufacturer's instructions and give to the plant. Fertilization is not necessary between October and March. Even after repotting in fresh, pre-fertilized substrate, there is no need to fertilize.
Source: Photo by David J. Stang, Alocasia zebrina 5zz, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
To cut
Over time, the lower leaves of the alocasia will turn brown, which is also perfectly normal. Older leaves are no longer cared for by the plant as it puts its energy into growing new leaves. Therefore, the old foliage dies off and should be cut off. The same applies to leaves that died or were badly discolored during the hibernation, as well as diseased leaves. Don't worry, the alocasia is constantly developing new leaves so that it doesn't become bare. You can therefore remove particularly wide leaves even if the plant has grown too big. However, a shape cut is not necessary.
repot
Since the Alocasia zebrina grows quite quickly, you should move it to fresh substrate and a larger pot every two to three years. To do this, simply lift the plant out of the old pot, carefully remove the old soil and plant the alocasia in the prepared, new plant pot. This should be about two sizes larger than the previous one. Be careful not to damage the roots when transplanting. It also makes sense to place the plant pot in the cachepot on an insert so that the roots do not stand in excess water.
frequently asked Questions
Why is my Alocasia zebrina getting yellow leaves?Various, sometimes even contradictory, reasons can lead to the alocasia getting yellow leaves. For example, both too much and too little water cause discolouration, which is why you should always pay attention to the moisture of the substrate - if it is wet and the leaves are yellow, it is probably due to waterlogging. But a lack of nutrients, for example due to insufficient fertilization or because the plant has not been repotted for too long, can also be the cause.
Is the alocasia poisonous?The Alocasia zebrina is harmless to humans, after all its roots are even cooked and eaten as a vegetable in Southeast Asia. Nevertheless, caution is advised, because the plant sap has an irritating effect on the skin and mucous membranes. Also, neither you nor your pets should consume raw parts of the plant as it can cause an upset stomach.
How can I propagate the Alocasia zebrina myself?The Alocasia zebrina is easy to propagate with offshoots that grow in pots of sufficient size. As soon as these daughter plants have at least four leaves, you can separate them from the mother plant and plant them separately. It is best to take this step the next time you repot in spring.