Alocasia lauterbachiana has long, narrow, sword-shaped leaves with strongly wavy edges, deep green on top and purple underneath, on purple-tinged stems.
The shape is unusual for the genus. Most Alocasia have broad arrow leaves, and this one looks closer to a blade.
Light
Alocasia lauterbachiana grows best in bright, indirect light. It tolerates a little gentle morning sun.
Too little light
The stems stretch and the purple colouring on the undersides fades.
Too much light
Bleached patches on the upper leaf surface.
Watering
Water when the top 3-4cm (1-1.5 inches) of soil is dry.
On average:
- Spring & summer: twice a week
- Autumn & winter: once every 1-2 weeks
Signs of overwatering
- Leaves droop while the soil is wet
- Stems soften at the base
- Roots brown and mushy
Signs of underwatering
- Leaves droop and the narrow blades curl inward
- Wavy edges go crisp
Humidity and temperature
Humidity of 60% or above. The wavy leaf margins have a lot of edge and they brown first in dry air.
Keep it between 18°C and 28°C (65-82°F).
Soil and repotting
Soil
A free-draining aroid mix of bark, perlite and coco coir.
Repotting
Every second spring, going up one pot size.
Feeding
Half-strength balanced fertiliser every 3 weeks through spring and summer. Nothing in autumn and winter.
Pruning and grooming
Remove fully yellowed leaves at the base. Wipe the glossy leaves with a damp cloth occasionally.
Dormancy
It drops leaves and retreats to the corm in cold or low light. Keep barely damp and warm until growth resumes.
Common problems
Crispy, browning wavy edges
Humidity too low. The margins go first on this species.
Fading purple undersides
Not enough light.
Drooping with wet soil
Root rot.
Spider mites
Check the purple undersides, where the webbing shows up clearly.