Alocasia 'Loco' – Twisted Elegance in a Compact Hybrid

Alocasia 'Loco' stands out with sculptural, cupped foliage and an unconventional look that earns its name. This rare cultivar features thick, diamond-shaped leaves with curled edges, creating a folded, almost origami-like texture. Compact in size but bold in form, 'Loco' adds a conversation-starting element to any plant setup, whether on a shelf or styled as a tropical centrepiece.


What Makes Alocasia 'Loco' Unique?

Leaf Form: Rich green leaves with glossy surfaces and dramatic curling along the margins.
Size: Grows to around 30–50 cm tall and wide – compact yet striking.
Hybrid Origin: A rare tissue-cultured mutation with a complex parentage (see below).
Visual Style: Ideal for collectors who want texture, structure, and tropical flair in one plant.
Toxicity: Not pet- or child-safe – contains calcium oxalate crystals like most aroids.


Genetic Lineage and Cultivar Background
'Loco' is believed to be a somaclonal variant derived from Alocasia ‘Mandalay’, itself a mutation of Alocasia ‘Polly’ – a hybrid between A. sanderiana and A. longiloba ‘Watsoniana’. Originally introduced at TPIE 2010 by Deroose Plants in Apopka, Florida, this cultivar saw limited success and nearly vanished from cultivation by 2019. In 2023, it was reintroduced via tissue culture, making it newly accessible to collectors and rare plant enthusiasts.


Indoor Care for Alocasia 'Loco'

Light: Bright, indirect light is best. Avoid full sun to prevent burn and leaf fade.
Water: Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry. Do not let roots sit in soggy substrate.
Humidity: Aim for 60 % or higher. If tips brown, increase ambient moisture.
Temperature: Ideal range is 18–24 °C. Keep away from drafts or heat sources.
Soil: Use a well-aerated aroid mix with perlite, bark, and coco coir.
Feeding: Fertilize monthly during active growth. Avoid buildup by flushing soil occasionally.
Repotting: Only when rootbound or when soil breaks down. Ensure drainage holes.
Propagation: Divide rhizomes during repotting; each piece should include a growth point.
Mineral Substrates: Can adapt to semi-hydroponic setups with stable nutrients and humidity.
Maintenance: Prune old or yellowing leaves at the base to encourage fresh growth.


Common Problems with Alocasia 'Loco' – Causes and Fixes

Yellowing Leaves: Often from overwatering or low light. Improve drainage and reposition.
Brown Leaf Tips: Typically caused by dry air or uneven watering habits.
Drooping Leaves: Stress from temperature shifts, hydration issues, or transplant shock.
Fungal Spots: Caused by stagnant air or wet leaves – water at the base and ventilate.
Edema: Appears as watery blisters from excess moisture uptake – reduce watering frequency.
Stunted or Pale Growth: May indicate nutrient deficiency – feed regularly during active growth.


Pest Sensitivities

Spider mites, thrips, aphids, mealybugs: Check undersides of leaves and treat early using neem oil or insecticidal soap. Isolate if necessary.


Etymology and Naming Notes
The name ‘Loco’ likely reflects the plant’s eccentric leaf structure – bold, curled, and unpredictable. Though often misattributed, the name Alocasia is not a classical Greek derivation but rather a modern designation separating this genus from closely related Colocasia. Alocasia and Colocasia both belong to the Araceae family but differ significantly in morphology, root structure, and cultivation.


FAQs – Alocasia 'Loco'

Is Alocasia 'Loco' a stable cultivar? Yes – though once rare, it is now tissue-cultured and reliably available again.
How does it differ from similar Alocasias? 'Loco' is genetically distinct from Alocasia ‘Crinkles’, ‘Lailah’, ‘Venom’ and macrorrhizos ‘Shock Treatment’ despite similar leaf curling.
Can it grow in LECA? Yes – with consistent humidity, gentle transitions, and nutrient-rich water, 'Loco' adapts well to semi-hydro systems.
Looking for a rare tropical statement plant with twisted charm? Alocasia 'Loco' is your next shelf-worthy obsession – order now while stocks last!