Alocasia 'Tiny Dancer' looks nothing like the rest of the genus. Small teardrop leaves cupped upward like spoons, held on long wiry stems that move with any draught in the room.
It stays compact and is one of very few Alocasia that works as a desk plant.
Light
Alocasia 'Tiny Dancer' grows best in bright, indirect light.
Too much light
The small thin leaves scorch faster than a thick-leaved Alocasia would.
Too little light
The wiry stems stretch further and the plant flops open.
Watering
Water when the top 2-3cm (1 inch) is dry. It dries out faster than most Alocasia because the leaves are small and the pot is usually small too.
On average:
- Spring & summer: twice a week
- Autumn & winter: once a week
Signs of overwatering
- Leaves yellow and drop
- Stems soften at soil level
- Soil stays wet for days
Signs of underwatering
- The whole plant droops and the stems bend
- Leaf edges crisp quickly
It wilts noticeably faster than other Alocasia, and recovers quickly once watered.
Humidity and temperature
Humidity of 60% or above. The small leaves lose moisture fast 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. It has a modest root system and does not need much room.
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. The many thin stems make it look untidy quickly, so keep on top of the dead ones.
Dormancy
It goes dormant readily and can lose every leaf over winter. Keep barely damp and warm, and check the corm is firm.
Common problems
Rapid wilting
Thirst. This plant dries out faster than other Alocasia and needs checking more often.
Stems flopping outward
Not enough light.
Crispy leaf edges
Humidity too low.
Spider mites
Common. The many small leaves make thorough treatment awkward, so catch them early.