Alocasia longiloba 'Purple Prince' – Rare Tropical Foliage and Care Tips


Alocasia longiloba 'Purple Prince' is a rare, highly ornamental cultivar of Alocasia longiloba, prized for its bold contrast of colors and elegant form. Its arrow-shaped leaves, reaching up to 60 cm (24 in), feature a glossy, deep green surface with striking white venation and a shimmering metallic finish. The leaf undersides reveal a regal purple tone, paired with soft pink petioles that add a subtle but dramatic accent. Native to Southeast Asia’s lush rainforests, this plant brings a slice of tropical luxury into any curated collection.



What Makes Alocasia longiloba 'Purple Prince' Unique?

Distinct Color Play: Glossy green tops with silver-white veins and vibrant purple undersides.
Pink Petioles: Subtle blush tones create an elegant, refined look.
Compact Tropical Impact: Indoor size ranges from 60–90 cm (24–36 in).
Collector’s Choice: A rarely available cultivar for aroid enthusiasts.




Natural Habitat and Growing Context
Alocasia longiloba originates from the tropical understory of Southeast Asia, thriving in filtered sunlight beneath dense forest canopies. These environments offer loose, humus-rich soils, high humidity (around 70%), and stable warmth between 20–30 °C. Indoors, mimicking these conditions is key—bright, indirect light, consistent moisture, and airflow will keep your plant healthy and vibrant. Like all Alocasias, it contains calcium oxalate crystals, so keep it away from pets and children.



Indoor Care Tips for Alocasia longiloba 'Purple Prince'

Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid prolonged direct sun to prevent scorch.
Watering: Keep substrate evenly moist; allow the top 2–3 cm to dry between waterings.
Humidity: Ideal at 60–70%; dry air can cause leaf edge browning.
Temperature: Maintain 20–28 °C; protect from drafts and sudden drops.
Soil: A chunky aroid mix (bark, perlite, and organic matter) ensures drainage and aeration.
Repotting: Every 12–18 months or when roots outgrow the pot.
Fertilizer: Balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks during active growth.
Propagation: Best by dividing rhizomes during repotting.
Semi-Hydro: Adapts well to inert mineral substrates with controlled moisture.
Pruning: Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to promote healthy new growth.




Common Issues and Practical Fixes

Yellowing Leaves: Often due to overwatering; improve drainage and reduce frequency.
Browning Tips: Usually caused by low humidity; increase ambient moisture.
Leaf Curl: Indicates stress from underwatering or temperature fluctuations; stabilize conditions.
Pests: Spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs may appear; treat promptly with neem oil or insecticidal soap.




Extra Tips for Collectors
Flowering indoors is rare, but this cultivar may produce the classic Alocasia spadix and spathe under ideal conditions. Its distinctive pink petioles and purple undersides make it a favorite among collectors seeking a plant that combines elegance and boldness. Replicating its native forest-floor conditions—airy substrate, humidity, and bright filtered light—is the best route to lush growth.



Interesting Facts About 'Purple Prince'

Named for the regal purple tone on the underside of its leaves.
Often mistaken for hybrids like 'Amazonica,' but retains true longiloba lineage.
Originally classified by Miquel in the 19th century; a cornerstone species for many Alocasia cultivars.




Common Questions About Alocasia longiloba 'Purple Prince'

What light does it need indoors? Bright, indirect light is essential; low light slows growth significantly.
How often should I water it? Water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry; avoid soggy conditions to prevent root rot.
Does the purple color fade over time? No—the underside color is genetic and remains stable under proper care.




Order your Alocasia longiloba 'Purple Prince' today and add this rare, vivid foliage plant to your tropical collection.