How to Grow and Care for Purple Sword Alocasia
Discover the key conditions for growing a healthy Purple Sword Alocasia, from maintaining its unique foliage to understanding its specific needs.
The Purple Sword Alocasia, known scientifically as Alocasia lauterbachiana, is a distinctive houseplant prized for its dramatic foliage. Native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, it presents a unique visual appeal. The plant features long, slender leaves shaped like swords with scalloped edges. These leaves have deep green upper surfaces that contrast sharply with their striking purple undersides, creating a captivating display in any indoor setting.
Essential Purple Sword Alocasia Care
Light
This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. In its native habitat, it grows under the canopy of larger trees, receiving filtered light. An ideal placement in a home is near an east-facing window for several hours of gentle morning sun. Direct, harsh sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves.
Soil
A well-draining potting mix is recommended for the Purple Sword Alocasia. You can create a suitable mixture by combining standard potting soil with about 20% perlite to enhance aeration and drainage. This type of soil helps maintain the consistent moisture the plant enjoys without becoming waterlogged.
Water
The Purple Sword is a moisture-loving plant but does not tolerate sitting in overly wet soil. It is best to water when the top half of the soil feels dry to the touch. Using rainwater or distilled water is recommended, as minerals like chloride and fluoride found in tap water can negatively affect the plant’s health.
Temperature and Humidity
Originating from tropical rainforests, the Purple Sword Alocasia flourishes in warm and humid conditions. High humidity is a specific requirement, with levels of 60% or higher being ideal. If the air in your home is dry, you may notice brown, crispy leaf edges. To increase ambient moisture, you can use a humidifier, group it with other plants, or place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
Fertilizer
During its active growing season in the spring and summer, a balanced fertilizer should be applied once or twice a month. It is important to cease fertilizing during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows. Over-fertilizing can harm the plant, so follow the product’s instructions.
Propagating Your Purple Sword Alocasia
Propagation is best done by dividing corms during spring repotting. Corms are small offsets that develop around the base of the mother plant and can grow into new plants. When the plant is out of its pot, inspect the root system to locate them.
Once you locate the corms, carefully separate them from the main rhizome and root ball. Ensure that any baby plants you separate have some roots attached to give them the best chance of survival. After separation, pot the individual corms or small plants into their own containers with fresh, moist, well-draining soil.
Keep newly potted propagules in a warm, humid environment with consistently moist, but not soggy, soil to encourage new growth. It can take some time for the new plants to establish themselves and show significant development.
Common Issues and Solutions
Yellowing leaves are a common issue. While it is natural for an old leaf to die as a new one emerges, excessive yellowing often points to overwatering and saturated soil. This condition can lead to root rot, so adjust your watering schedule and ensure the pot has adequate drainage.
Spider mites are a particular concern, as these pests thrive in the dry conditions that Alocasias dislike. Maintaining high humidity is a good preventative measure. Regularly inspect the leaves, especially the undersides, for pests like spider mites or fungus gnats, and treat with neem oil if they are found.
During winter, the plant may enter dormancy, where growth slows and it might lose its leaves. This is a natural resting phase, not a sign the plant is dead. During this time, reduce watering and stop fertilizing until new growth resumes in the spring.
Toxicity Information
The Purple Sword Alocasia is toxic to both humans and pets, including cats and dogs. All parts of the plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested, these sharp, needle-like crystals can cause significant irritation and swelling of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract.
Symptoms of ingestion can include oral pain, drooling, and vomiting. In severe cases, swelling can lead to difficulty swallowing or breathing, which requires immediate medical attention. Place the plant in a location safely out of reach of children and pets. Some individuals may also experience skin irritation from the plant’s sap.