How to Grow and Care for Alocasia Jacklyn

Alocasia Jacklyn (Alocasia sulawesi sp.) is a newly discovered plant in the aroid family. Native to Indonesia, it's thought to be a mutation of another species, Alocasia portei. This attractive tropical plant is known for vivid green foliage marked with fine dark lines. Deep lobes give each leaf the shape of a stag's head.

Alocasia Jacklyn has become a rare houseplant sought after by collectors, but it's quite easy to care for with the right conditions. It is toxic to both humans and animals.

Alocasia Jacklyn Care

Like other alocasia plants, alocasia Jacklyn is easy to care for with the right conditions. Give this houseplant a warm, humid environment, indirect light, and moist, well-drained soil. Here's how to care for alocasia Jacklyn.

Light

Put your alocasia Jacklyn in a spot with medium to bright indirect light. Keep the plant out of direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves. An east-facing window that gets only weak morning light or a spot several feet from a south or west-facing window is ideal.

Soil

Pot alocasia Jacklyn in chunky, well-drained soil that holds moisture. You can purchase a pre-made aroid blend or make your own. Mix one part potting mix with five parts chunky amendments like vermiculite, perlite, coarse sand, or orchid bark.

Water

How often to water your alocasia Jacklyn will depend on the time of year and the conditions in your space. During the growing season, your plant will need more water than in the winter, when growth slows down. Check the soil moisture before watering. Only water when the top few inches of soil have dried out to avoid root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

Alocasia Jacklyn is a tropical plant, so it will grow best in warm conditions with high humidity. The ideal range is between 65 and 85 degrees. Temperatures below 60 degrees will slow growth and can damage your plant. If you've placed the plant outside for the summer, make sure to bring it inside when temperatures dip to 60 degrees. Because of its tropical origins, the plant prefers a humidity level of 60% or more. More humidity leads to bigger leaves with better color.

Fertilizer

Feed your alocasia Jacklyn once per month during the spring and summer. Use a balanced organic houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Always fertilize after watering to avoid burning delicate roots. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant goes dormant.

Pruning

Alocasia Jacklyn doesn't need regular pruning, but plants can benefit from tidying up yellowed or dying leaves. Cut back dying leaves at the base of the petiole. This allows the plant to put its energy into healthy growth.

Propagating Alocasia Jacklyn

You can propagate mature alocasia Jacklyn plants by dividing clumps of rhizomes. Do this in the spring or summer growing season for best results. You'll need small plant pots, fresh potting mix, and a sterilized knife or set of shears. Here's how to divide alocasia Jacklyn.

1. Gently tip the plant out of its pot and examine the root ball. Look for sections of the rhizome with a few stems and roots.
2. Use your blade or shears to cut away a healthy section of the rhizome with good root and stem growth. You can divide a single plant into two or several plants, as long as each portion of rhizome has roots and a few stems.
3. Fill the pots with fresh potting mix and moisten the mix with water. Plant the rhizomes in the pots.
4. Put the divisions in a warm, humid place with medium to bright indirect light. You can run a humidifier nearby or tent a clear plastic bag over the plants to increase humidity. It can take anywhere from one to two months for the new plants to recover from propagation. New leaf growth is a sign that the cuttings have rooted.

Potting and Repotting Alocasia Jacklyn

You'll know it's time to repot your alocasia Jacklyn when it begins to outgrow its pot or after two to three years, whichever comes first. Look for roots growing out of the drainage hole at the bottom of the container.

Choose a pot one size larger and fill it with fresh potting mix. Gently tip the plant out of its pot and replant it in the new pot, making sure that the soil level is at the same place it was in the original pot. After repotting, water the plant well.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases 

Houseplant pests like scale, mealybugs, and spider mites can affect your alocasia Jacklyn. Examine the leaves and petioles frequently for signs of pests and dab away any you find with a cotton ball or swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. (Avoid rubbing the alcohol on the plant itself, which could cause damage). Prevent pests from returning by treating the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Common Problems With Alocasia Jacklyn

Alocasia Jacklyn is usually a pretty problem-free plant, but you'll want to watch for signs that it could be in trouble. Act quickly if you spot any of these signs and make adjustments to help your plant thrive.

Leaves Turning Yellow

A few different issues can cause your alocasia Jacklyn's leaves to turn yellow, including too little or too much water. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Never let the plant's roots stand in water, which can cause root rot.

Leaves Turning Brown

This is another issue with a few different potential causes. Brown leaves with crispy edges are likely a sign that your plant is too dry. Make sure the humidity level is high enough and that the plant has adequate water. Your alocasia Jacklyn's leaves may also turn brown if it's not getting enough light. Brown spots on the leaves could indicate sunburn if your plant is close to a light source.

Drooping Leaves

Drooping leaves on an alocasia Jacklyn could be caused by a lack of fertilizer. If you haven't fertilized your plant or repotted it with fresh soil recently, that may be the problem. Temperature fluctuations, too little light, overwatering or underwatering, and transplant shock are also potential causes.