Alocasia odora carries large ribbed leaves held upright on thick stems. It is one of the fastest growing Alocasia and one of the most cold tolerant, handling temperatures that would send most of the genus dormant.
The name refers to the flowers, which open at night and are strongly scented.
Light
Alocasia odora grows best in bright, indirect light and handles more than most of the genus. A couple of hours of direct morning sun is fine.
Too little light
The stems stretch and lean, and new leaves come in smaller.
Too much light
Hot afternoon sun bleaches the leaf surface.
Watering
Water when the top 3-5cm (1-2 inches) of soil is dry. This is a thirsty plant because those large leaves lose a lot of water.
On average:
- Spring & summer: twice a week
- Autumn & winter: once a week
Signs of overwatering
- Leaves yellow from the oldest inward
- Stems soften at soil level
- Soil stays wet for days
Signs of underwatering
- Whole leaves droop and stems bend
- Leaf edges go crisp
Guttation is normal
Water droplets on the leaf tips in the morning are the plant shedding excess water. It means the roots are working, not that anything is wrong.
Humidity and temperature
Humidity above 60% keeps the large leaves in good condition.
Keep it between 13°C and 30°C (55-86°F). It tolerates cooler rooms than almost any other Alocasia, which is why it is grown outdoors in mild climates.
Soil and repotting
Soil
A rich but free-draining aroid mix. This species is hungrier than the jewel Alocasia and takes more compost in the blend.
Repotting
Every spring. It grows fast and fills a pot quickly. Use a heavy pot, because a mature plant is top-heavy.
Feeding
Balanced liquid fertiliser every 2 to 3 weeks through spring and summer. It is a heavy feeder and grows noticeably faster for it.
Nothing in autumn and winter.
Pruning and grooming
Remove leaves at the base once they yellow fully. The plant sheds older leaves constantly as it produces new ones.
Wipe the large glossy leaves with a damp cloth. They collect a lot of dust.
Dormancy
It can go dormant in a cold winter, though it resists longer than most Alocasia. Keep the soil barely damp and stop feeding until growth resumes.
Common problems
Drooping leaves
Usually thirst. A plant this size wilts quickly and recovers within hours.
Yellowing lower leaves
Normal in small numbers, overwatering if several go at once.
Crispy brown edges
Humidity too low.
Water droplets on the leaf tips
Guttation. Harmless.