The Alocasia ‘Purple Sword’ (Alocasia lauterbachiana) is a captivating houseplant known for its distinctive appearance. Its long, narrow, sword-shaped leaves feature glossy dark green tops and striking purple to burgundy undersides. This tropical plant’s upright growth and robust dark stems create a compelling contrast, making it a unique and visually appealing addition to any indoor plant collection.
Alocasia Purple Sword Care
Consistent care helps the Alocasia ‘Purple Sword’ thrive and maintain its vibrant foliage. Understanding its specific environmental needs makes it straightforward to maintain.
Light Needs
Alocasia ‘Purple Sword’ thrives in bright, indirect light. In its natural habitat, it receives filtered sunlight under tree canopies. Place the plant within two meters of an east or west-facing window for suitable illumination. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves and cause permanent damage. Inadequate light results in slower growth or leggy stems.
Watering
The Alocasia ‘Purple Sword’ prefers consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Allow the top inch or two (2.5-5 cm) of soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot and yellowing leaves, which are common issues. Ensure good drainage to prevent the plant from sitting in excess water.
Soil Mix
An ideal potting mix for Alocasia ‘Purple Sword’ is well-draining and airy. A suitable blend includes general potting soil for nutrients, supplemented with perlite for aeration and orchid bark for structure. This mix prevents the soil from becoming overly dense or soggy, promoting proper moisture retention and effective drainage. A slightly acidic soil pH, between 5.5 and 6.5, is favored for optimal health.
Temperature and Humidity
Alocasia ‘Purple Sword’ thrives in warm, stable temperatures, between 65°F and 85°F (18-27°C). It is sensitive to sudden temperature fluctuations and cold drafts, which can cause stress or stunted growth. Maintain temperatures above 60°F (16°C) to prevent dormancy.
High humidity, 60% or higher, is beneficial. Low humidity causes browning leaf tips or edges. To increase ambient moisture, use a humidifier, a pebble tray, or group the plant with other humidity-loving plants. Misting offers temporary relief but can encourage fungal issues.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season, Alocasia ‘Purple Sword’ benefits from regular feeding. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks to encourage growth. Apply fertilizer to damp soil to prevent root burn. Reduce or stop fertilization entirely during fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.
Repotting Your Alocasia Purple Sword
Repotting is necessary when the Alocasia ‘Purple Sword’ outgrows its container. Signs include roots emerging from drainage holes, stunted growth, or degrading soil. Repot every one to two years, or when root-bound. Spring or early summer is ideal to minimize transplant shock.
Select a new pot only one size larger, about 2 inches (5 cm) wider, ensuring it has drainage holes. Carefully remove the plant, gently loosen compacted roots. Add fresh, well-draining soil to the new pot, position the plant at its previous depth, and fill with soil. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Propagating Alocasia Purple Sword
Propagating Alocasia ‘Purple Sword’ is achieved through the division of its corms or rhizomes, often during repotting. Alocasias naturally produce small offsets or “pups” from their rhizomes, creating new, genetically identical plants.
To propagate, remove the plant from its pot and gently shake off excess soil to expose the corms. Identify healthy corms or rhizome sections with root systems. Gently separate these offsets from the mother plant, minimizing root damage. Plant each separated corm or offset into a small pot with a suitable, well-draining potting mix. Provide warmth and humidity to encourage rooting and new growth, keeping the soil consistently moist until established.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Alocasia ‘Purple Sword’ can show signs of environmental stress or care inconsistencies. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or insufficient light. If new leaves emerge, yellowing older, lower leaves can be a natural process. Adjusting watering and ensuring adequate light resolves this.
Browning leaf tips or edges suggest low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increasing ambient humidity with humidifiers or pebble trays, and maintaining a regular watering schedule, prevents this.
Drooping leaves signal underwatering or environmental shock, like sudden temperature changes. Thorough watering revives an underwatered plant, and stable temperatures mitigate shock.
Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips affect Alocasia ‘Purple Sword’. Signs of infestation include webbing, white cottony masses, or small dark insects on leaves. Regularly inspecting and wiping leaves prevents infestations. For active infestations, spray a solution of neem oil, dish soap, and water on affected areas.