How to Grow and Care for Alocasia Tigrina

The Alocasia Tigrina is celebrated for its dramatic foliage and distinctive stems. Its slender petioles are marked with dark, horizontal stripes that resemble a tiger’s, giving the plant its common name. These patterned stems hold up large, arrow-shaped leaves of a deep green, creating a striking contrast that makes it a captivating addition to any indoor plant collection.

Alocasia Tigrina Care

Light

This plant thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking the dappled sunlight of its native habitat. An east-facing window is ideal, providing gentle morning sun without the harshness of the afternoon. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves and cause brown patches. Insufficient light will lead to slower growth and may cause the plant to lean toward a light source.

Soil

A well-draining and airy soil mix is required to prevent waterlogged roots. An effective medium combines equal parts of standard potting soil, perlite, and coco coir or peat moss. For even better drainage and soil structure, you can also incorporate orchid bark or horticultural charcoal. This type of chunky, aroid-specific mix is beneficial because it allows oxygen to reach the roots and prevents the soil from becoming overly compacted and saturated.

Water

Alocasia Tigrina prefers its soil to remain consistently moist but never soggy. Water thoroughly once the top one to two inches of soil have dried out. After watering, allow all excess water to drain from the pot’s drainage holes. Never let the plant sit in a saucer of water, as this can lead to problems like root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

As a tropical native, Alocasia Tigrina flourishes in warm and humid conditions. It performs best in temperatures from 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C) and should be protected from sudden temperature drops or cold drafts. An ideal humidity range is between 60% and 70%. To increase ambient humidity, you can use a humidifier, place the pot on a pebble tray with water, or group it with other plants.

Fertilizer

To support its vigorous growth during the spring and summer, apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month. It is important to cease fertilization during the fall and winter months. The plant’s growth slows or enters dormancy during this period and will be unable to use the extra nutrients.

Managing Dormancy

Losing leaves and ceasing growth in fall and winter is often a natural part of the plant’s life cycle known as dormancy. This resting period is triggered by reduced light and cooler temperatures, allowing the plant to conserve energy. During dormancy, reduce watering significantly, allowing the soil to dry out more thoroughly between waterings to prevent the corm from rotting. When warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours return in spring, the plant will emerge from dormancy and produce new growth.

Propagating Alocasia Tigrina

Propagation is done by dividing the corms, which are small, bulb-like structures in the root system. The best time for this is during spring or summer when repotting. Gently remove the plant from its pot, brush away the soil to find the corms, and separate the firm, healthy ones from the main root system. The separated corms can be planted in a small pot with a well-draining soil mix. Provide a warm, humid environment to encourage new growth, which can be achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag.

Common Issues and Solutions

Yellowing leaves often result from overwatering. Check the soil’s moisture and allow it to dry out more between waterings. Brown, crispy leaf edges indicate low humidity or underwatering, which can be fixed by increasing ambient moisture. Drooping stems can signal either thirst or root rot from excessive watering. Check the soil to differentiate: if dry, the plant needs water; if soggy, the issue is likely root rot. This plant is also susceptible to spider mites, which create fine webbing on the undersides of leaves. Manage them by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap for larger infestations.

Toxicity Information

The Alocasia Tigrina contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, making all parts of the plant toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested. Chewing or swallowing any part of the plant can cause oral irritation, pain, excessive drooling, and swelling of the mouth, lips, and tongue. For this reason, it is strongly advised to place the plant in a location that is safely out of reach of children and pets.