Alocasia azlanii has small, thick, oval leaves in a green so dark it reads as black, with veins in copper, pink or deep red depending on the light.
It is one of the rarest Alocasia in cultivation and one of the least tolerant of mistakes.
Light
Alocasia azlanii grows best in medium to bright indirect light. The vein colour is at its strongest in good indirect light.
Too much light
The dark surface scorches, and the copper veining fades toward plain green.
Too little light
Growth stops entirely, and it is very slow to start again.
Watering
Water when the top 3cm (1 inch) is dry, and err on the dry side. This species has a small corm and fine roots and rots fast.
On average:
- Spring & summer: once a week
- Autumn & winter: once every 2-3 weeks
Signs of overwatering
- Leaves yellow and drop suddenly
- Stalks go soft and translucent at soil level
- Soil stays wet for days
Signs of underwatering
- Leaves droop and stalks bend
- Leaf edges curl inward
Humidity and temperature
Humidity of 70% or above. This is a cabinet plant. It struggles badly on an open shelf in an ordinary room.
Keep it between 20°C and 28°C (68-82°F). It is less cold tolerant than most Alocasia, and below 18°C (64°F) it stops growing.
Soil and repotting
Soil
Very free-draining. Most growers keep this species in pure sphagnum moss or semi-hydro rather than a soil mix, purely to avoid rot.
Repotting
Rarely, and only in spring.
Feeding
Quarter-strength balanced fertiliser once a month through spring and summer. Nothing in winter.
Pruning and grooming
Remove fully yellowed leaves at the base. Do not wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. Use a soft dry brush.
Dormancy
It goes dormant readily and can sit leafless for months. Keep the corm barely damp and warm and be patient.
Common problems
Fading copper veins
Too much light, or too little. Check where the plant sits.
Sudden leaf loss
Dormancy or rot. Check whether the stalk bases are soft.
No growth for months
Normal in winter, and normal for this species generally.
Spider mites
Common, and hard to see on such dark foliage.