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Alocasia California

About Alocasia California

Alocasias, commonly known as Elephant Ears, are some of the most common houseplants although their leaves can reach enormous sizes when grown outdoors! 🐘 They typically only support a few leaves at a time (more, when they get more sun!) so don't be concerned if you see an old leaf begin to retire after a new one emerges. They grow out of underground corms which are similar to bulbs, so next time you repot keep an eye out for baby Alocasias! They contain calcium oxalate crystals so be sure to keep them out of reach if you have children or pets! ⚠️

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Alocasia gageana 'Variegata'

Genus

Alocasia

Family

Araceae

Order

Alismatales

Also known as

variegata alocasia gageana

How to care for Alocasia California

💦 Water

How often to water your Alocasia California

Alocasia California needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

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Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Alocasia California in your home

Alocasia California may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.

Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Alocasia California in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Alocasia California

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Alocasia California: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Alocasia California after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #Alocasia

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Alocasia California prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Alocasia California Water Frequency →

Alocasia California Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Alocasia California may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Alocasia California Light Requirements →

Alocasia California Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Alocasia California is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Alocasia California is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.

Is Alocasia California Edible? →

Alocasia California Toxicity to Cats →

Alocasia California Toxicity to Dogs →

💨 Humidity

Alocasia California prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.

Alocasia California Humidity Needs →

🪴 Soil

Alocasia California is very sensitive to dry soil, so choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil will still drain well and contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir or sphagnum moss.

Best Soil Mix for Alocasia California →

Best Pots for Alocasia California →

When and How to Successfully Repot Alocasia California →

What Are Healthy Alocasia California Roots →

💩 Fertilizer

Alocasia California is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.

How Much and When to Fertilize Alocasia California →

❄️ Dormancy

It’s common for Alocasia California to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.

🌎 Native Region

Alocasia California is native to tropical and subtropical Asia and Eastern Australia.

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Alocasia California can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9b-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Alocasia California Temperature Tolerance →

Alocasia California Hardiness Zones →

Landscaping Ideas with Alocasia California →

When to Plant Alocasia California →

How to Plant Alocasia California →

Where to Plant Alocasia California →

Winter Care for Alocasia California →

Best Companion Plants for Alocasia California →

Is Alocasia California a Weed? →

🍂 Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Alocasia California, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.