After years of growing a variety of plants, I’ve formed specific relationships with different types. I have had – and continue to have - a great relationship with my Aglaonemas and Dracaenas. We get along remarkably well, and everyone is happy. Right before the holidays, I added some Philodendrons to my collection, plants that fall all over themselves to please you. I never realized how terrific they are. What took me so long to bring some home?

My Dieffenbachias and I have an amicable relationship ever since we came to an understanding. I understand their needs and apply them accordingly. They understand that if they don't perform well after I've met those needs, they'll end up at the curb. So far, so good.

My Ponytail Palm, Sago Palm and Desert Rose – plants I was hesitant about when we first met - seem to appreciate me and my efforts. All three are doing wonderfully, and I’m flattered by their approval. The Spider plants never make any demands, the Snake plants win awards regularly for ‘best performance’ and the Pothos grows like a weed. My Hoya, which I’m still not convinced is not artificial, is thriving, and my Bromeliads hold a special place in my heart – never whining, always thriving.

After many moons, and several discarded specimens, the Crotons are finally stable, particularly now that I’m being (grudgingly) more responsible and finally providing the ample light and sufficient humidity that they demand. In lieu of that, I’ve been daring and reckless in the past twelve months – more than any other period of my plant growing years - and actually added more than one of these plants to my collection. Ooooh...it’s fun living dangerously...

Peace Lilies and I have a rocky but recurring relationship. I love these plants and can’t seem to live without them for too long. Whenever one fails, I get another one. The latest one has been around for quite some time. Maybe there’s hope yet.

The (plant) love of my life is my Euphorbia Milii; it’s always happy and always full of blooms - all year round. The Goldfish Plant (Nematanthus Gregarius) is not far behind with its undemanding nature and its eagerness to produce those charming, bright orange flowers. And the few Orchids that I own are growing happily in their hydroculture setups.

These are just a few of the satisfied customers in my green world. All in all, I can honestly say that almost every plant under my care is showing signs of contentment and appreciation, which builds my confidence (and strokes my ego).

Except for the evil Alocasia Amazonica. (Take a deep breath...hold it...exhale...) Now here’s a plant that has been testing my patience since the moment I brought it home. I pamper it to death and provide a stable environment. Instead of showing some gratitude, it plays head games. One month it’s shooting out a few new leaves and the next month it’s dropping them. No matter how much I try (plead), eventually it turns on me, getting down to one leaf that slowly, dramatically, withers and dies. Then when I’m finally ready to toss it (secretly happy to unburden myself from it), I notice the slightest hint of a new leaf emerging and I’m compelled to start the abusive cycle all over again. Okay, I could stop the mistreatment if I really wanted to, but I’m convinced (this is called foolish pride) that I can conquer this plant.

By the way, I’m on my third. The first one was devoured by spider mites, which, by the way, an Alocasia is highly-susceptible to. I neglected to check the plant for a long time and the mites literally took over, wrapping entire leaves in webs. I tried treating it but by then the plant was so weak that it started dropping its foliage. In addition, other insects had jumped on the bandwagon. It was a horror film in the making and I was happy to be rid of it.

My second Alocasia was doing wonderfully for a long time, growing one new leaf after another. I was afraid to touch it in fear that I’d curse or upset it, but it continued to grow happily no matter what. For awhile. Then one summer day, I noticed a leaf changing colours. The next day it began to wilt. By the end of the week it had died and the rest of the leaves had begun to check out as well. It was all downhill after that. Out of frustration, I tossed out that Alocasia, refusing to go through the cruel cycle again. Alright, I’ll admit I just wanted to free up the space for another plant.

The third one, the one I have banished to my teenage daughter’s room, is down to one leaf. I’m willing to give this plant the benefit of the doubt that it has gone somewhat dormant for the winter - or for whatever reason an Alocasia feels compelled to go dormant at any given time. When spring comes, if there are no signs of new growth, out it goes. And if that happens, I swear this will be my last attempt at growing this plant. No, I mean it this time. Really. Is that laughing I hear?

Alright, now that you’ve had your fun, here is some care information about this striking, albeit temperamental, beauty.


Temperamental But Beautiful

Despite my bellyaching, the Alocasia Amazonica is not the most difficult plant to grow. It’s not the easiest, and I certainly would never recommend it to a beginner, but it’s not impossible to grow inside an average home - at least not if you are fairly knowledgeable about houseplants. And even though it may be a tad high-strung and slightly demanding about its needs, it’s such an astonishingly beautiful plant that you can’t help but forgive it its shortcomings. Not forever, mind you; every one has their breaking point. Just ask the Gardenias if they’re welcome here anymore.

There are about 70 species of Alocasia, but the Amazonica - commonly referred to as African Mask or Shield Plant - is the one you will find frequently available at local stores. If you are planning on purchasing one of these ornamental plants, my advice to you is to pick one up as soon as a shipment of them has arrived. Alocasias deteriorate rapidly if their needs are not fulfilled properly (and promptly), and they end up looking terrible. They seem to forget (or they just don’t care) that there are oodles of other plants in the greenhouse that need attention, and that the staff is doing the best they can. So pick one up while it’s still fresh.

It is possible that your newly-purchased Alocasia may throw a small tantrum the first couple of weeks inside your house. It may drop a leaf or two to protest the unpleasant change from humid greenhouse to dry home. Don’t fret; it will adjust (reluctantly at first) as long as you provide the care it needs.

High levels of humidity are one of the most important factors in keeping this plant in good shape. Aside from brown leaf tips and the loss of leaves, spider mite infestations will become a huge problem if this plant is grown in hot, dry air. Add a humidifier nearby, place the plant on a pebble tray, surround the pot with damp peat or simply place it in a room where humidity is naturally higher, like a bathroom. For more information: Improving Humidity

If you peek through a few houseplant books, or do a search on the internet, you will find a diversity of opinions on how much light this plant really needs. Suggestions include: full shade, partial shade, bright light, bright but indirect light, morning sun, late afternoon sun, no sun (ever) and medium light. By the time you’re done researching about this plant, your head will be spinning.

Since light varies from home to home, and is affected by so many other factors or obstacles (curtains, trees, buildings, weather, season, screens), my advice to you is this: place your Alocasia near a bright window, out of the direct path of sun, and watch for signs of approval or disapproval. If your plant is leaning towards the light, something an Alocasia will do readily if the spot you’ve placed it in is too dim, move it closer to the window. Although I would never recommend placing this gorgeous plant in a low light area, I would also never recommend placing it in the path of hot, midday sun. A bright spot with indirect sun is typically ideal.

Use a porous, fast-draining medium and keep it evenly moist during the growing season. Allow it to dry somewhat in the winter, but never completely. Protect from cold drafts and keep your Alocasia in warm temperatures. If this plant dries out completely, or gets chilled, it will drop its leaves and go dormant. Fortunately, it grows new leaves promptly when you’ve remedied the situation (and learned your lesson).

Alocasias are prone to spider mite attacks but there is no reason on earth for the bugs to take over. Infestations will never get out of hand if you practice preventive measures to keep them at bay. Open windows regularly, and run floor or ceiling fans to circulate the air. Clean the leaves of your plant every month. Take the plant to your kitchen or bathroom sink and rinse the leaves under running water. You can also wipe the leaves with a damp sponge or give the plant a shower in the bathtub. If you’re treating an infested plant, keep humidity high (Alocasia will thank you!) to discourage pests from multiplying faster than you can get rid of them. More importantly, keep your plant in tiptop shape by watering properly and providing adequate light and humidity levels. A healthy plant utilizes its own resources to defend itself against infestations while a plant under stress is much more vulnerable to them.

This is a prime candidate for the hydroculture system. Conversion is fairly rapid with little or no signs of stress. Alocasia is also part of a select group of plants that suspend new growth during the transplanting process rather than discarding it. After water roots develop, the plant resumes growth of the new, unfurled foliage.



Alocasias are sensitive and their needs must be met accordingly to keep them happy. If you’re not willing to make that extra effort, don’t take one of these lovely plants home, it’ll disappoint you. And you’ll end up singing the Alocasia blues.


(Incidentally, I was inspired to write about my Alocasia after reading the article Criminal (Philodendron x 'Autumn') from one of my favourite blogs, Plants Are The Strangest People

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