Light
This Alocasia does best with several hours of bright, indirect light every day. Avoid direct sunlight which will burn the stingray’s leaves, although short periods of less intense morning or evening sunlight is okay. You can filter harsh direct sunlight using a sheer curtain or window film if necessary.
Soil
While the Alocasia stingray prefers consistently moist conditions it still requires soil that is well-draining. A soil mix that wicks excess water away while still retaining some moisture is ideal. Try making your own at home using one part perlite, one part potting soil, and one part coco peat for a potting mix that is rich, airy, and well-draining.
Water
The Alocasia stingray does not like to dry out and should be watered regularly. That being said, the soil should be moist not soaking. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings and ensure that your plant has adequate drainage (i.e. well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes) to prevent waterlogged soil.
Temperature and Humidity
These Alocasias are native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and accordingly they do best in warm, humid conditions. For the most part, typical household temperature and humidity levels are fine, although if your home is on the drier side you may want to provide your plant with a humidifier to prevent the leaves from developing dry spots. As long as your household temperature stays above 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) this tropical houseplant will be happy.
Fertilizer
Alocasias are high feeders and the Alocasia stingray is no exception. For optimal growth, feed your plant twice a month during the spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer designed for houseplants. In the fall and winter you can stop fertilizing entirely as the plant enters dormancy and is no longer actively growing.
Propagating Alocasia Stingray
Alocasia stingray can be propagated by division and by growing their corms. Healthy and mature Alocasia plants readily grow corms in and around their roots. If left alone, these corms sometimes develop into new Alocasia plants within the existing plant’s pot at which point the plant can be divided, or you can remove the corms from your plant’s soil and grow them separately. While propagating Alocasia is not as foolproof and straightforward as propagating other houseplants such as pothos or vining philodendron, it is fun and rewarding nonetheless. To propagate by division, follow these steps. To propagate Alocasia stingray by growing its corms, follow these steps.
Potting and Repotting Alocasia Stingray
Alocasias like being slightly root bound so don’t worry about repotting your stingray too often. Once every 1 to 2 years depending on its growth is usually more than enough. However, if you notice that your plant is getting a bit crowded or you see roots growing out of the pot’s drainage holes it may be time to move it to a larger pot. Before you repot your plant there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, ensure that you wait until the spring or summer to repot. This is when the plant is actively growing and repotting is less likely to shock it. Second, choose a pot that is only 2 to 4 inches larger than the previous potting container. Moving your plant into a pot that is too large too quickly may result in accidental overwatering since there will be so much excess soil.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Like most houseplants, the Alocasia stingray can be bothered by a few common pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for signs of spider mites, fungus gnats, thrips, and mealybugs which can take up residence on an otherwise healthy Alocasia. Also be mindful of root rot, which can result from overly wet soil conditions.
Common Problems With Alocasia Stingray
Alocasias can be finicky and the stingray is no exception. If its growing conditions aren’t just right, you may notice one or more of the following common problems.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves on an Alocasia mean that your plant is either overwatered or underwatered. If your plant is overwatered, it is likely that the plant does not have enough drainage - either in the soil or in the pot itself. Ensure that your plant’s soil is amended with plenty of perlite to improve drainage and always plant your Alocasia stingray in a pot with a drainage hole. If your plant is underwatered, that means that the soil is drying out between waterings. Alocasia stingrays enjoy consistently moist soil and will suffer if they sit in dry soil.
Dropping Leaves
While a loss of leaves can be a result of a number of different factors, usually it means that your plant is either not receiving enough light, or is suffering from a lack of humidity. Make sure that you are providing your plant with several hours of bright, indirect light, and avoid placing it in overly dry locations in your home - such as next to an air vent or drafty window.
Brown Leaves
If your Alocasia stingray is developing brown spots on its leaves, it is most likely a result of a lack of moisture/humidity. Ensure that you are keeping the soil evenly moist and providing it with enough humidity. Try placing a humidifier nearby or moving the plant to a naturally humid room in your home such as a bathroom or laundry room.
