Alocasias became the “advanced plant parent” challenge of the late 2010s — stunning arrow-shaped leaves paired with diva-level care requirements.
The Collector’s Obsession
Alocasias offered dramatic foliage: Polly (dark green with white veins), Zebrina (zebra-striped stems), Black Velvet (velvety black leaves), Silver Dragon (silver markings), Frydek (green velvet), and the massive Alocasia macrorrhiza (giant elephant ear).
Instagram plant accounts from 2018 onward showcased alocasias in macro photography, highlighting intricate vein patterns and leaf textures.
Dormancy Drama
Alocasias’ tendency to go dormant in winter (leaves dying back to corms) traumatized countless plant parents. “Is my alocasia dead?” posts flooded r/plantclinic every fall. The answer: probably dormant, water sparingly, wait for spring.
Care requirements: high humidity (60%+), consistent moisture, bright indirect light, warm temperatures. Spider mites loved them. Crispy edges and yellowing leaves became expected.
Source
- The Sill: “Alocasia Care” (2018)
- Instagram peak: 2018-2020
- Dormancy panic: annual fall/winter