Did you know Alocasia (just like oxalis) can happily go dormant during the winter months in your home? When temps drop and sunlight is less intense, Alocasia will enjoy a long winter's nap!

Native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and the eastern Australian rainforests, these lush giants naturally take a rest during the winter months, shedding leaves and becoming little stumps before bursting back to life, reemerging brilliantly in the springtime. When caring for Alocasia indoors, most likely you’ll want to avoid that dormancy step and keep your houseplant alive and full of leaves.

Here’s the best way to ensure your Alocasia doesn't go dormant in the winter:

1. Keep Alocasia in a warm, sunny location during the winter
2. Keep soil more dry during this time, watering just once every 2-3 weeks 
3. Wait to feed it Sacred Soil Tonic until early spring as your plants aren't requiring extra nutrients while in a semi dormant stage
4. Keep the leaves hydrated and clean with a monthly Sacred Leaf Shower for optimal health 
5. It’s normal for Alocasia to look a bit less vibrant during the winter, but rest assured it’ll make a beautiful comeback in the spring once the light returns and you begin nourishing it regularly with our botanical tonics.

Growing from corms

Corms are a bit like bulbs or seeds and harness all the energy of new life! If your Alocasia is looking super rough, or has endured a bit too much cold or trauma, and you'd like to begin again, no problem, you can simply cut off the damaged leaves, dig up the corms & to start over (we recommend doing so in late winter or early springtime or keep under grow lights for best results).

Here’s a good method to grow Alocasia from corms:

1. Gently dig up soil and search for the little corms (dark brown bulbs) and separate them from the roots with clean scissors if they are still attached. There are generally 2-3 corms attached to each root.
2. Peel away the outer shell to allow for faster germination
3. Find a tiny cup, a to-go container, or shot glass and add a thin layer of pumice to the bottom. 
4. Place corms on top of pumice and add a small amount of water so just the bottom of the corms are resting in the water. This is where their roots will begin to grow. 
5. Keep in a warm, brightly lit environment and hydrate with a spray bottle every few days. You can also cover with a plastic bag or to-go lid to keep them hydrated for longer periods of time.

After a month or two you’ll notice tiny leaves emerging. We recommend letting the corms grow two leaves before transplanting them into a new home of moist, warm potting soil mix. We like to add a few handfuls of pumice to the soil mix for good drainage and nice water retention. Offer your Alocasia a Sacred Soil Bath and Sacred Leaf Shower to nourish and ease the transition into their new substrate. Water and apply a dose of Sacred Soil Tonic once a week during the spring and summer for optimal health and growth and to keep pests away. Keep your Alocasia in a brightly lit location with plenty of morning or late afternoon sun, but avoid the hot summer sun as it can scorch the leaves. 

 Wishing you all the best for happy, healthy growing in 2023!

Sending love, Karina and Team SE