Alocasia 'Loco'

Where the parent species of Alocasia ‘Loco’ grow naturally

The ancestry of Alocasia ‘Loco’ includes Alocasia sanderiana from damp Mindanao ravines and Alocasia longiloba from Southeast Asian forest floors and rocky ravines. Both parent species grow in warm, humid forest with filtered light and regular moisture.

Care for Alocasia ‘Loco’

• Watering: Let the upper part of the mix dry a little, then water again before the mix around the roots dries through. Water until excess runs from the drainage holes. Let the pot drain, then empty any water left in the saucer or cover pot.
• Light: ‘Loco’ does well in bright filtered light and should be kept out of harsh direct sun.
• Potting mix: Use a rich, loose mix that drains promptly and still holds some moisture.
• Humidity: Aim for at least 60% humidity. If a hygrometer stays below that, use a clean humidifier.
• Feeding: During active growth, feed at half the label strength every 2–4 weeks. Stop when growth pauses.
• Repotting: Keep the pot close-fitting and move up only when the rosette reaches the pot edge or the roots need more room.
• Space: Leave enough room around the rosette that the leaves are not pressing against nearby objects.
• Temperature: Keep it around 18–27 °C and away from cold windows or draughts. Move it away from cooler spots before temperatures fall below 15 °C.

What to check when Alocasia ‘Loco’ looks unwell

• A fresh leaf has new silver scratches or tiny black specks: Look at the damage rather than the shape of the leaf. Permanent folds, cups and twists are normal on ‘Loco’; fresh scarring and black specks are not. Check inside the newest folds for thrips. When you find them, move ‘Loco’ away from neighbouring plants and use a treatment labelled for thrips on indoor ornamental plants, repeating it according to the label. The thrips guide shows what else to check and what to do next.
• Pinprick pale speckles spread through the foliage: Look deep into the folds and along the undersides for spider mites. Wispy webbing or mites actually moving across the leaf confirm that the speckles are pest damage, not part of the plant's naturally folded texture. Move an infested plant away from neighbouring plants and use a treatment labelled for spider mites on indoor ornamental plants, repeating it according to the label. The spider-mite guide explains the follow-up checks.
• The curled margins become dry, brown and brittle: The curl itself is normal on ‘Loco’; brittle brown tissue is not. Think about whether the plant recently dried out badly, sat close to a radiator or was exposed to a strong draught. Bring it back to a steadier watering rhythm and a less drying position, but do not leave the potting mix constantly wet.

Alocasia ‘Loco’: toxic if chewed

• Pets: This Alocasia is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep the plant and any cut pieces where pets cannot chew them.
• Children and handling: Keep it out of reach of children. Sap from damaged tissue can irritate skin and eyes, so wash your hands after pruning and avoid touching your face.
• Why it irritates: Alocasia tissue contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing or contact with sensitive tissue can cause immediate local irritation.
• Possible symptoms: Mouth exposure can cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, nausea or vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
• After exposure: For a pet, contact a veterinarian. For a person, remove any plant material from the mouth and rinse with water; seek medical or poison-control advice if symptoms are significant. Breathing difficulty or rapidly increasing swelling needs urgent medical attention.

Names in the ancestry of Alocasia ‘Loco’

The parent names in its ancestry carry clear botanical meanings. Alocasia sanderiana honours Henry Sander, while longiloba means “long-lobed”, from Latin longus, “long”, and lobus, “lobe”.