FloraFolio
Index · Alocasia · Alocasia cucullata
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At a Glance
Light Bright indirect
Water Every 4 days
Humidity 50–80%
Temp. 18–29 °C
Habit Clumping
Growth Fast
Care Easy
Height 60–150 cm
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species Araceae ◉ Verified

Alocasia cucullata

Buddha’s Hand Alocasia · Chinese Taro · Alocasia cucullata
(al-oh-KAY-see-ah koo-koo-LAH-tah)
At a Glance
Light Bright indirect
Water Every 4 days
Humidity 50–80%
Temp. 18–29 °C
Habit Clumping
Growth Fast
Care Easy
Height 60–150 cm
Add to your collection
FloraFolio ↗
Origin & Habitat

Tropical Asia; widely cultivated and naturalised.

Description

Rounded heart-shaped glossy green leaves on upright petioles; softer and less angular than many collector Alocasias.

Clumping rhizomatous Alocasia that offsets readily and can form a bushy stand.

Botanical Notes

cucullata means hooded.

Accepted Alocasia species listed by POWO. Common, forgiving elephant ear often grown as a houseplant or garden plant.

Care Guide

Give bright filtered light, warmth, airflow and an airy but moisture-retentive aroid mix. Keep lightly moist while actively growing, but avoid cold wet media.

Repotting

Repot when roots/corms fill the pot, ideally in warm active growth. Keep the corm/crown firm and not buried too deeply.

Feeding

Monthly at quarter to half strength during active growth. Reduce or pause feeding if the plant is resting or semi-dormant.

Common Problems
  • Spider mites, thrips, leaf yellowing from overwatering, corm/root rot in cold wet mix, crispy edges from low humidity or missed watering.
Notes & Curiosities
  • One of the few Alocasias that behaves like it actually wants to live indoors.
Toxicity: toxic to pets, toxic to humans. Araceae plant with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing can irritate the mouth, throat and digestive tract.
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