Do Alocasia like sun or shade?

Alocasia plants, both when grown outdoors and indoors, have specific preferences when it comes to sunlight. In general, they thrive best in shade or areas with indirect morning sun. This means that they prefer bright, filtered light rather than direct sunlight.

When growing Alocasia outdoors, it is important to find a spot that receives partial shade or morning sun. This could be under the canopy of a larger tree or in a spot that is shaded for part of the day. This way, the plants can enjoy the gentle morning sun without being exposed to the intense heat and direct rays of the afternoon sun.

However, it is worth noting that certain varieties of Alocasia can tolerate more sun exposure once they have been acclimated or “tempered” to it. These varieties typically have larger, thicker, and darker leaves, which provide them with more protection against the sun’s rays. If you have one of these varieties, you can gradually expose it to more sunlight over time, starting with just a few hours of direct morning sun and gradually increasing the exposure. This allows the plant to adjust and avoid sunburn or leaf damage.

When it comes to potting Alocasia, both indoors and outdoors, it is crucial to use a well-draining potting soil. This helps prevent waterlogging and root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant’s health. Alocasia prefer slightly moist soil, but it should never be constantly wet.

In terms of personal experiences, I have grown Alocasia in my garden for several years. I initially placed them in a spot that received full afternoon sun, thinking that they would enjoy the warmth. However, I soon noticed that their leaves were becoming scorched and yellow. After doing some research, I realized that Alocasia prefer shade or indirect morning sun. I moved them to a spot under a large tree where they received filtered light, and they thrived much better in this environment.

Alocasia plants prefer shade or areas with indirect morning sun. However, certain varieties can tolerate more sun exposure once they have been gradually acclimated to it. It is important to use well-draining potting soil for Alocasia, both indoors and outdoors, to prevent waterlogging.

Photo of author

Caroline Bates

Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing.