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INDOORPLANTCARE
Repotting · Alocasia

How to Repot a Alocasia

Every 1–2 years. Best time: Late spring through summer ONLY — never in cold months when alocasia is dormant. New pot size: 1–2 inches; alocasia prefer to be slightly snug.

Frequency
Every 1–2 years
Best season
Late spring through summer ONLY — never in cold months when alocasia is dormant
Pot size
1–2 inches; alocasia prefer to be slightly snug
Soil mix
Chunky aroid mix: 40% orchid bark + 30% perlite + 30% potting mix. Like anthurium, alocasia roots need air.

Signs your Alocasia needs repotting

Rootball mounding above rim; corms (small bulbs) visible at the soil surface or pushing the soil up; soil drying within a day of watering.

Step-by-step

  1. 1
    Water 24 hours before so the rootball slides out cleanly.
  2. 2
    Slide out gently and remove most of the old soil.
  3. 3
    CRITICAL: inspect for corms (small brown bulb-like nodules around the main rhizome). These are propagation gold — twist them off any that come loose easily.
  4. 4
    Inspect roots and main rhizome for rot. Trim damaged sections with sterile shears.
  5. 5
    Pot in chunky aroid mix at the same depth. Do NOT bury the rhizome.
  6. 6
    Water thoroughly. Keep humidity at 60%+ during recovery.

What kills Alocasia after repotting

  • Repotting in winter — alocasia is dormant and recovery is extremely slow
  • Burying the rhizome — causes rot
  • Standard potting soil — suffocates alocasia roots
  • Throwing away corms during repot — they're free propagation material

Botanical reference: Missouri Botanical Garden — Alocasia

For full Alocasia care, see the Alocasia care guide. For the basics that apply to any plant, see how to repot a plant (general).