Hey plant lovers! I’ve been growing alocasias for years, and one of the most common questions I get from fellow gardeners is about planting alocasia bulbs. Specifically, which way should they face? I’m gonna break this down for you in simple terms and share some pro tips I’ve learned through trial and error
The Quick Answer
Plant your alocasia bulb with the pointed end facing up and the flatter, wider end facing down. Think of it like planting a teardrop shape – the narrow end points to the sky!
How to Identify the Top vs Bottom of an Alocasia Bulb
Here’s what to look for:
- Top (Points Up):
- Has a pointy or tapered end
- Often shows small bumps or growth nodes
- Might have visible sprouts or old stem remnants
- Bottom (Points Down):
- Appears flatter and wider
- May have root scars or small roots
- Generally feels more rounded
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
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Gather Your Supplies
- Well-draining potting mix
- Container with drainage holes
- New Zealand sphagnum moss (optional but recommended)
- Your alocasia bulb
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Prepare Your Pot
- Fill container about halfway with potting mix
- Make sure pot is 2 inches wider than bulb
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Plant the Bulb:
- Position bulb with pointed end up
- Bury about 2-3 inches deep
- Leave top 1/3 exposed above soil
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Initial Care:
- Water thoroughly
- Place in warm spot (60-75°F)
- Provide bright, indirect light
What Happens If You Plant It Upside Down?
Look, we’ve all been there! But planting your alocasia bulb upside down isn’t great news. Here’s what typically happens:
- Growth gets stunted or doesn’t happen at all
- Bulb might rot
- If it does grow, leaves will be weak and deformed
Pro Tips from My Experience
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When in Doubt: If you’re really unsure about orientation, plant the bulb sideways. The plant will figure it out and grow upward (they’re smart like that!)
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Moisture Balance: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. I stick my finger in the soil – if top inch feels dry, time to water.
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Temperature Matters: These are tropical plants! Keep them warm (above 60°F).
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Light Requirements: Bright indirect light is key. No direct sun – trust me, I learned this the hard way!
Common Problems & Solutions
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No growth after 8 weeks | Wrong orientation or temperature | Replant correctly, ensure warm environment |
| Rotting bulb | Overwatering | Reduce watering, improve drainage |
| Weak growth | Insufficient light | Move to brighter spot (no direct sun) |
Growth Timeline
- Week 1-2: Nothing visible happening (patience!)
- Week 3-4: First signs of sprouting
- Week 4-8: Leaf development begins
- Week 8+: Regular growth pattern establishes
Final Thoughts
Growing alocasias from bulbs isn’t rocket science, but getting the orientation right makes a huge difference. I’ve killed my fair share of bulbs learning these lessons (oops!), but now I can pretty much plant them in my sleep.
Remember, if you’re new to this, don’t stress too much. Even if you make mistakes, plants are pretty resilient. Just give them the basics – right orientation, good soil, appropriate water and light – and they’ll reward you with those gorgeous, dramatic leaves we all love!
Quick Care Summary:
- ️ Temperature: 60-75°F
- Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy
- ☀️ Light: Bright indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Happy planting, everyone! Drop me a comment if you’ve got any questions – I’m always happy to help fellow plant parents!
Start with a Better Plant
It’s easy to see the difference in quality when you compare two elephant ear tubers side by side. As with other bulbs, elephant ear tubers are graded by size. We offer large tubers that are 9-11 inches in circumference. They grow into big plants with strong stems and abundant foliage. Smaller tubers (like the one on the right) produce smaller plants with less foliage. Note that a healthy elephant ear tuber will feel firm and heavy, and have a dry exterior.
Sun or Shade: Elephant ears will grow in sun or shade. If you grow them in a hot, sunny location, be sure they get a little shade during the middle of the day.
Zone: Elephant ears are tropical plants. In zones 9-11 they can be grown outdoors year-round. In cooler areas (zones 3-8) the bulbs should be planted outdoors in the spring, after all danger of frost. To find your USDA Hardiness Zone, check the map here.
When to Plant: Elephant ear tubers will not grow in cold soil. Wait to plant them outdoors until the soil temperature is at least 65ºF. In northern climates this will be early June. To get a jump on the season, elephant ears may be started in pots indoors, 4 to 6 weeks before you plan to put them outside. Grow them under lights or in a warm, sunny window.
Your Guide to Planning, Planting, and Growing Elephant Ears
Alocasias and colocasias, better known as elephant ears, are impressive tropical plants that are prized for their dramatic foliage. Their immense, heart-shaped leaves can measure up to 2 feet across, with foliage colors ranging from lime green to almost black. Elephant ears can easily hold their own as a solo plant in the garden or in a large container. They also combine beautifully with other summer bulbs and flowering annuals.
Upright elephant ears (Alocasia) usually have shiny leaves and the tip of the leaf points upward. They can be grown both indoors and out. Colocasia typically have a more spreading habit. Their leaves often have a velvety surface texture and the tip of the leaf usually points either down or outward.
Step-By-Step BEST Way to Propagate Alocasia from Corms | Propagating Alocasia Bulbs (Corms)
FAQ
Which way to put Alocasia corms?
Find a tiny cup, a to-go container, bottle top or shot glass and add a thin layer of wet pumice and fluvial stratum to the bottom OR you can place each corm into a bottle cap, fill halfway with just water and cover with an upside-down glass to retain moisture OR place corms directly into soil, pointy side up!
Which side of Alocasia corms goes down?
On the other hand, to grow Alocasia corms, choose firm and healthy corms and plant them face up (for a corm the bottom is the flat-ish side and the top is the pointy side) in a well-draining potting mix, and only bury half of the corm.
Which way to plant Alocasia bulbs?
To plant Alocasia bulbs (or corms), position them with the narrow end pointing upwards and the root side facing downwards. The roots will develop from the bottom, and new growth (shoots) will emerge from the top.