Alocasia Amazonica

Care guide

Alocasia amazonica, also called the African mask plant, has striking dark green leaves with bold white veins. It needs bright, indirect light, warmth and humidity to thrive. Keep it away from direct sun and cold drafts. Water when the top three centimetres of soil are dry; the roots rot easily if the soil stays wet, so use an airy, chunky mix and a pot with good drainage. Raise humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray. In winter, alocasias may slow down or even drop most of their leaves and go dormant. Do not panic: reduce watering, keep it warm, and new leaves usually return in spring. Check the undersides of leaves regularly for spider mites, which love dry air. Feed every two weeks in the growing season at half strength.