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Illustration pending
At a Glance
Light Bright indirect
Water Every 5 days
Humidity 60–80%
Temp. 18–29 °C
Habit Upright
Growth Moderate
Care Intermediate
Height 90–180 cm
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species Araceae ◉ Verified
Alocasia lauterbachiana
Purple Sword Alocasia · Alocasia lauterbachiana
(al-oh-KAY-see-ah low-ter-bah-kee-AH-nah)
At a Glance
Light Bright indirect
Water Every 5 days
Humidity 60–80%
Temp. 18–29 °C
Habit Upright
Growth Moderate
Care Intermediate
Height 90–180 cm
Add to your collection
Origin & Habitat
New Guinea.
Description
Long narrow upright leaves with scalloped edges and purple-toned undersides/petioles.
Tall, slender, upright Alocasia with a more lance-like silhouette than most elephant ears.
Botanical Notes
Named for Carl Lauterbach.
Accepted Alocasia species listed by POWO. Known in the trade as Purple Sword.
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
- Very “gothic sword plant”, which is a perfectly valid houseplant category.
⚠ Toxicity: toxic to pets, toxic to humans. Araceae plant with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing can irritate the mouth, throat and digestive tract.