Alocasia ‘Loco’ is a houseplant known for its striking foliage. This cultivar features thick, glossy, diamond-shaped leaves with wavy or ruffled margins that fold dramatically. The leaves display a textured surface with a metallic sheen, varying in color from silvery-gray to dark green, and can show hints of purple or blue depending on the light. A hybrid, Alocasia ‘Loco’ was introduced in 2010 by Deroose Plants. Reintroduced through tissue culture in 2023, it is valued for its unique sculptural appearance and compact size, typically growing 30-50 cm tall.
Alocasia Loco Care Essentials
Alocasia ‘Loco’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near a window with filtered sunlight is ideal, as direct sun can scorch its leaves. Insufficient light leads to slower growth, so avoid overly dim corners. Consistent lighting helps maintain the plant’s unique leaf coloration and form.
Alocasia ‘Loco’ prefers consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering leads to root rot, while underwatering may cause the plant to droop or leaves to curl. Ensure the pot has proper drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
A well-draining, airy aroid mix rich in organic matter is recommended. This can include components like orchid bark, perlite, coco coir, potting soil, coconut chips, and worm castings. The plant prefers a standard pot size with good drainage.
Alocasia ‘Loco’ prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 18°C and 26°C. It is sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 16°C. High humidity (60-80%) is also beneficial. Methods to increase humidity include using a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray with water.
During spring and summer, fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Alocasias can be heavy feeders, so some growers fertilize with every watering using lower doses. Fertilizing helps the plant develop strong corms and healthy foliage. During fall and winter, when the plant may enter dormancy, cease or significantly reduce fertilization.
Repotting and Propagating Alocasia Loco
Repot Alocasia ‘Loco’ every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound. The best time for repotting is during the active growing season, in spring or early summer. Choose a pot only one size larger than the current one to avoid excessive soil moisture retention. Gently remove the plant, inspect the roots, and repot with fresh, well-draining soil mix.
Propagate Alocasia ‘Loco’ by dividing its rhizomes or corms. Alocasias are rhizomatous and produce offshoots or bulb-like corms at or below the soil line. During repotting, separate these corms from the parent plant and pot them individually. Each corm can grow into a new plant.
Addressing Common Alocasia Loco Problems
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies. Brown tips or edges suggest low humidity or inconsistent watering. Droopy foliage may signal under- or overwatering, requiring a check of soil moisture. Address these issues by adjusting watering frequency, increasing humidity, or ensuring the plant is not sitting in soggy soil.
Pest infestations are a common concern for Alocasia ‘Loco’. Spider mites cause fine webs and yellow or brown spots on leaves. Mealybugs appear as white, cotton-like masses and weaken the plant by feeding on its sap. Thrips and aphids can also affect Alocasias. Treat these pests by isolating the plant, rinsing leaves with water, and applying neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Is Alocasia Loco Toxic?
Alocasia ‘Loco’, like all Alocasia species, contains calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic if ingested. These needle-shaped crystals cause immediate irritation upon contact with mucous membranes. Symptoms in humans and pets include oral pain, burning sensation in the mouth, tongue, and lips, drooling, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset.
Keep Alocasia ‘Loco’ out of reach of children and pets. When handling the plant, especially during repotting or pruning, wearing gloves helps prevent skin irritation. In case of accidental ingestion, rinse the mouth thoroughly with water and seek medical or veterinary attention.