Alocasia portei image • Photo: Author Obsidian Soul• CC0
Alocasia portei is a massive, thick-stemmed evergreen plant native to Luzon, Philippines, known for its dramatic, deeply lobed leaves that can grow up to 1.5 meters long in its natural habitat. It grows 6-10 meters tall in ideal tropical forest conditions, with a base that thickens with age. Mature specimens feature leathery-textured, dark green leaves up to 1.5 meters long with prominent lighter veins, growing singly on dark brown petioles. The plant displays two distinct forms: one with plain green leaves and greenish petioles with thin bandings, and another with pale green veining and petioles that darken over time. Indoors, it typically reaches 3-4 feet in height with leaves spanning 2-3 feet, displaying a sub-erect growth habit to maximize light exposure. Its unique 'tattered' leaf appearance, striking sagittate-shaped leaves, and tropical aesthetic make it a standout specimen plant.
Plant Care Overview
Care Guide
Essential requirements for your Alocasia portei
Light Requirements
Bright indirect light or filtered sun through sheer curtains
Light conditions can affect leaf color and growth rate. Adjust placement as needed based on your plant's response.
Watering Schedule
Regular watering to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Humidity Needs
high humidity
Always check soil moisture before watering. Adjust frequency based on your home's conditions.
Temperature Range
65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C)
Native Climate
Native to Luzon, Philippines
Keep away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners which can stress your plant.
Soil Type
Well-draining, rich soil with good moisture retention (peat-based mix recommended)
Fertilizer
Balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season
Consider repotting every 1-2 years to refresh soil nutrients and accommodate growth.
Propagation
Methods to grow more Alocasia portei plants
Rhizome division during repotting
Plant Info
Characteristics and background information
Luzon, Philippines
moderate
Indoors: 3-4 feet tall with 2-3 foot leaves; in wild: 6-10 meters tall
perennial
Toxic to pets
This plant has air purifying properties.
Indoor Blooming
This plant rarely blooms indoors.
Flower Description
Green or dark brownish-green spathes up to 40 cm long containing spadices divided into male (8 cm white zone) and female (4 cm white zone) sections, borne on 30 cm stalks. Flowers are inconspicuous and rarely produced in indoor conditions.
Fun Fact
Alocasia portei is one of the parent plants (with Alocasia odora) of the popular landscaping hybrid Alocasia × portora. It is named after French botanist Marius Porte, who pioneered the sphagnum moss plant shipping method still used today.
Troubleshooting
Solutions for typical issues with your Alocasia portei
Brown patches or crispy edges on leaves
Yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and foul-smelling soil
Fine webbing on leaves and small yellow speckles
Varieties
Different varieties of Alocasia portei
Landscaping hybrid created by crossing Alocasia portei with Alocasia odora
Displays contrasting pale green venation patterns on leaves
Features solid green leaves without prominent veining
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Care Guides
Detailed guides for caring for your Alocasia portei
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