Importing Alocasias: US & UK Regulations, Risks & Tips [2025 Guide]

Close-up of hand inspecting an exotic Alocasia leaf, illustrating the risks and process of importing alocasias.

Hey fellow plant parents! Alex here. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably scrolled through Instagram or Pinterest and felt that pang of longing for a truly stunning, rare Alocasia – one you just can’t find at your local nursery. The allure of importing unique varieties directly from growers overseas, perhaps in Southeast Asia where … Read more

Can You Grow Alocasia from Seed? A Viability Guide

Tiny Alocasia seedlings emerging from soil, illustrating how to grow Alocasia from seed.

Hello fellow Alocasia enthusiasts! It’s Alex here, your friendly guide in the often-wondrous, sometimes-challenging world of these jungle jewels. We all marvel at the stunning leaves of our Alocasias, from the velvety depths of a ‘Black Velvet’ to the striking veins of a ‘Polly’. And sometimes, that admiration sparks a curious question: can you actually … Read more

Why Is My Alocasia Growing So Slowly? Tips to Encourage Growth

Healthy Alocasia plant in an indoor setting highlighting leaf details relevant to diagnosing alocasia slow growth.

Hello fellow plant lovers! Isn’t bringing an Alocasia into your home exciting? With their striking, often dramatic foliage, these beauties truly live up to the name “Jewel Alocasias.” But sometimes, these gems can be a little… perplexing. One of the most common questions I hear is, “Why is my Alocasia growing so slowly?” It can … Read more

Coco Coir for Alocasia Soil: The Ultimate Guide (Benefits & Prep)

Close-up of hands holding fluffy, damp coco coir alocasia soil mix ready for potting.

Hey there, fellow Alocasia enthusiasts! We all adore these stunning plants with their dramatic foliage, but let’s be honest – they can be a little bit picky sometimes, right? If you’ve ever battled yellowing leaves or the dreaded mushy stems, you know that keeping an Alocasia happy often comes down to what’s happening beneath the … Read more

Best Soil Moisture Meter for Alocasia: Accurate Watering Guide & Picks

Hand using the best moisture meter for Alocasia 'Black Velvet' plant soil to check water levels.

Hello fellow Alocasia enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you adore these stunning plants – the velvety leaves of a ‘Black Velvet’, the striking veins of a ‘Polly’, the architectural elegance of a ‘Zebrina’. But let’s be honest, keeping them perfectly happy, especially with watering, can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. That’s where a … Read more

Alocasia Polly vs Bambino: 3 Easy Ways to Tell Them Apart

Side-by-side comparison showing the distinct size and leaf shape difference in an Alocasia Polly vs Bambino setup.

Hello fellow plant enthusiasts! If you’re diving into the wonderful world of Alocasias, you’ve likely been captivated by the stunning, arrowhead-shaped leaves and striking veins of varieties like ‘Polly’ and ‘Bambino’. These ‘jewel’ Alocasias bring such a touch of the exotic indoors. But wait… do they look a little too similar sometimes? You’re not alone! … Read more

Alocasia Black Velvet vs Frydek: Stunning Velvet Leaf Comparison & Care Guide

Close-up comparison image showing Alocasia Black Velvet vs Frydek leaves side-by-side, highlighting their distinct colors and shapes.

Hello fellow plant enthusiasts! If you’re drawn to the dramatic, luxurious look of Alocasias, chances are you’ve encountered the stunning ‘velvet leaf’ varieties. Among the most popular stars are Alocasia Black Velvet and Alocasia Frydek. They both boast that incredible, touchable texture, but they bring quite different vibes to the indoor jungle. Often, growers find … Read more

Alocasia vs Colocasia vs Xanthosoma: Easy ID Guide

Close-up of three distinct elephant ear leaves highlighting the visual differences for Alocasia vs Colocasia vs Xanthosoma identification.

Hey fellow plant enthusiasts! Ever gaze upon those gorgeous, lush plants with huge leaves often called “Elephant Ears” and wonder… which one do I actually have? If you’ve ever felt a bit puzzled trying to tell an Alocasia from a Colocasia, or wondered where Xanthosoma fits in, you’re definitely not alone! It’s a common point … Read more

Alocasia Toxicity: Is Your Plant Poisonous to Cats, Dogs, and Humans?

Detailed closeup of a stunning Alocasia leaf highlighting awareness of alocasia toxicity.

Hello fellow plant lovers! There’s no denying the magnetic pull of Alocasia plants. With their striking foliage, ranging from the deep, velvety leaves of ‘Black Velvet’ to the striped stems of ‘Zebrina’ or the dramatic presence of an ‘Elephant Ear’, they truly are jewels of the plant world. Many of us proudly display them in … Read more

Can Alocasias Live Outdoors? (Your Zone Guide & Essential Care Tips)

Lush potted Alocasia Zebrina thriving alocasia outdoors in dappled patio shade.

Hello fellow Alocasia enthusiasts! Isn’t there something magical about these plants? Those stunning leaves, the architectural shapes… they truly are jewels of the plant world. And naturally, as we watch them thrive indoors, many of us start dreaming: could my beautiful Alocasia live outdoors? Imagine those lush leaves catching the sunlight in the garden or … Read more