Alocasia Atropurpurea Care Manual For Beginners
Alocasia Atropurpurea is a tropical plant, also known as the upright elephant ear plant, and is native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia. Although stunning, caring for an Alocasia Atropurpurea requires paying close attention to several key factors.
Bright, or indirect light is all right, and 65-85°F during the day and around 60°F at night sounds good as well. Water them at least once a week. One more thing, Alocasia leaves require cleaning if accumulated by dust. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away any dust accumulation, which can block light from reaching the leaf surfaces.
Stay with me as I’m going to talk about every caring trait of this Alocasia variant. Keep on reading!
Table of Contents
Alocasia Atropurpurea Care: How Much Light Do They Need to Thrive?
Native to the shaded understory of tropical rainforests, the Alocasia atropurpurea thrives in bright, indirect light. When grown as a houseplant, place it near an east or west-facing window where it will receive gentle morning or afternoon sun. A south-facing window can also work well if filtered through a sheer curtain.
Too much direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, causing unsightly burns, yellowing, and crispy edges. If the leaves start to pale or bleach to lime green, it’s a sign your plant needs more sunlight. On the other hand, if the leaves turn dark green or start feeling limp, move it further away from the light source.
Finding the sweet spot takes some trial and error, so observe your plant closely and adjust as needed.
What Temperature is Best for Alocasia Atropurpurea?
Warm temperatures are essential for the Alocasia to grow strongly and produce lush foliage. Ideal indoor temperatures for Alocasia plants range from 65-85°F during the day and around 60°F at night. Cooler temperatures below 60°F can cause leaf drop.
Since Alocasias originate in the steamy tropics, they also appreciate high humidity. Use a humidifier to keep indoor humidity levels between 60-80%, especially during dry winter months when heaters tend to zap moisture from the air.
How Often Should You Water Alocasia Atropurpurea?
Although these tropical plants prefer moist soil, soggy conditions can quickly lead to root rot. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings, then soak the pot completely until water drains from the bottom. Adding pebbles to the bottom of the pot improves drainage and prevents sitting water.
During the active growing season in spring and summer, Alocasia may need watering every 5-7 days. In fall and winter when growth slows, allow the soil to become slightly drier between waterings. Always check soil moisture by poking your finger into the top few inches before adding more water.
What’s the Best Way to Increase Humidity for Alocasia?
With large leaves designed to capture as much moisture as possible, Alocasias thrive in humidity levels between 60-80%. Luckily, there are several easy ways to provide the humid conditions these plants crave in your home.
Misting leaves regularly with a spray bottle prevents the edges from crisping up in dry air. Run a humidifier nearby to raise moisture levels in the surrounding environment. Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, making sure the pot itself isn’t sitting in water.
Even grouping plants together can create a beneficial microclimate. Rotate these techniques to maintain optimal humidity for lush, happy plants.
Recommended article: Alocasia Polly Nurturing
Should You Fertilize Alocasia Atropurpurea, and How Often?
While Alocasia can grow in poor soil conditions, they really flourish with regular feeding. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength and apply it every two weeks during spring and summer. You can fertilize monthly in fall and winter when growth naturally slows down.
If using slow-release fertilizer pellets or spikes, supplement with occasional liquid feeding for a nutritional boost. Yellowing older leaves often indicate a need for more fertilizer. Flushing the soil every few months prevents the buildup of salts that can burn the roots.
When and How Should You Repot an Alocasia Atropurpurea?
These fast-growing plants need repotting every spring or early summer before growth takes off. Choose a pot that is 2-4 inches larger than the current container to allow ample room for development. Alocasias have spreading root systems that prefer being slightly pot-bound, so don’t overdo it with a huge pot.
Use a well-draining potting mix amended with perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir to prevent soggy soil. Carefully remove the plant and loosen the compacted roots before placing it in the new pot at the same level as before. Water well and resume normal care.
Related article: Alocasia Propagation Methods
What is the Best Way to Clean Alocasia Leaves?
Those large, stunning leaves do need some specialized care to keep them looking their best. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away any dust accumulation, which can block light from reaching the leaf surfaces.
Rinse leaves under lukewarm water to remove sticky residue from insect pests like aphids, scales, or mealybugs. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can help get an infestation under control. Avoid harsh chemicals, which can damage the delicate foliage.
Allow leaves to fully dry before putting the plant back in its spot to prevent disease issues. Clean leaves as needed every 7-14 days to keep your Alocasia shining beautifully.
How Can You Tell if Your Alocasia Atropurpurea is Healthy?
When cared for properly, Alocasia rewards you with vigorously growing foliage and an exotic tropical flair. Signs of a healthy plant include:
- Shiny, vibrantly colored leaves with no brown spots or yellowing
- New leaves emerging from the central stem
- Upright, rigid leaf stems and stout main stem
- Moist but not soggy soil
- No presence of pests on the leaves
If you notice limp foliage, excessive dropping of lower leaves, or very slow growth, review all the care factors like lighting, humidity, watering, and fertilizing to get your plant thriving once again.
Related article: 82 Different Types of Alocasia
Conclusion
Now you know these tropical plants need some specific care to thrive indoors – steady warmth, bright filtered light, and plenty of humidity. But in my experience, going the extra mile is so rewarding.
When you get the conditions just right, your Alocasia’s foliage looks amazing. Those glossy leaves and vibrant colors just lift spirits every time you look at them. For me, nurturing this exotic houseplant is a relaxing, fulfilling hobby. And I know that if I take good care of it, this stunning plant will continue gracing my home with its special beauty for years to come.