Alocasia longiloba
Alocasia longiloba Care Guide
Featured photoalocasia-longiloba.jpgAlocasia longiloba is a Malaysian aroid prized for its elongated arrowhead leaves patterned with a pale silvery midrib and lateral veins that contrast sharply against a deep-green blade. It grows as a clumping terrestrial in humid lowland and montane forests, reaching 60 to 90 cm under cultivation. Warmth, consistent moisture, and high humidity are the trio that keeps this species thriving indoors.
Care facts at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Water when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil has dried; never let the root ball sit in water.
- Humidity
- 60–85 %
- Temperature
- 18–30 °C
- Soil
- Well-draining aroid mix of bark, perlite, and a small amount of coco coir.
- Origin
- Humid lowland and montane forests of Malaysia and Borneo.
- Mature size
- 60 to 90 cm tall, leaves 30 to 50 cm long.
Overview
Alocasia longiloba was described by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott in 1858. Several natural varieties and cultivated forms circulate in trade, all sharing the distinctive silver-veined pattern. It is sometimes confused with A. lowii, but longiloba has more pronounced sinus lobes at the leaf base.
Care Priorities
- Maintain humidity above 60 percent; a pebble tray or humidifier is useful in dry climates.
- Provide bright, filtered light — direct midday sun scorches the delicate leaf surface.
- Allow slight drying between waterings; overwatering is the primary cause of death.
- Repot every one to two years into a pot only 2 to 4 cm larger to avoid excess soil moisture retention.
Common Problems
Yellow leaves in combination with soggy soil point to overwatering and root rot; let the medium dry more and check for mushy roots. Brown leaf tips typically mean low humidity or fluoride sensitivity — filtered water and a humidifier address both. Drooping stems with otherwise healthy leaves can be caused by underwatering or a sudden temperature drop.
Sources & further reading (2)
- botanical-garden — accessed 2026-05-08
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-08
Frequently asked questions
Does A. longiloba go dormant?
In cool or low-light winters it may drop leaves and slow down. Keep the soil barely moist, maintain warmth above 18 °C, and it will re-sprout from the corm in spring.
Can I keep it outdoors in summer?
Yes, in a sheltered, humid spot with no direct noon sun. Bring it inside before nighttime temperatures fall below 15 °C.
How do I propagate Alocasia longiloba?
Remove offsets (pups) that emerge around the base, ensuring each has roots attached, and pot them separately in a moist aroid mix.
