Alocasia ‘Corazon’

Where Alocasia ‘Corazon’ comes from

Alocasia ‘Corazon’ comes from the Philippines. Philippine growers have long treated it as a distinct horticultural entity, but its exact species identity and natural habitat remain unresolved.

Care for Alocasia ‘Corazon’

• Light: Give ‘Corazon’ bright, filtered daylight. A medium or strong daytime shadow is a useful sign that the spot is bright enough. Gentle direct sun is fine after gradual acclimation, but protect it from strong midday and afternoon sun.
• Watering: Let the upper part of the mix dry while the deeper mix around the roots still holds some moisture, then water again. Water until excess runs from the drainage holes. Let the pot drain, then empty any water left in the saucer or cover pot.
• Potting mix: Use a loose, rich mix that drains readily; avoid dense soil that stays wet for days.
• Humidity: Ordinary room humidity can work. If dry leaf edges keep appearing, place it near other houseplants that like similar conditions without crowding the leaves, or use a clean humidifier.
• Feeding: Feeding is optional. If you feed it, follow the fertiliser label only while new growth is developing and stop when growth slows.
• Growth rhythm: Do not force a dry rest. Reduce watering and feeding only when new leaves are appearing more slowly.
• Temperature: Keep it around 18–29 °C and away from cold windows or draughts. Move it away from cooler spots before temperatures fall below 15 °C.

Common problems with Alocasia ‘Corazon’

• Several leaves are turning yellow or the plant is drooping: Check the potting mix before adding more water. If it is still very wet and the plant keeps getting softer, inspect the roots and base for soft or collapsing tissue. If it has become unusually dry instead, water thoroughly and let the excess drain.
• New leaves open with rough silver scars or black specks: Inspect the newest folded leaf, its underside and the sheltered areas around the bases of the leaf stalks for thrips. If you find thrips, isolate the plant and treat the whole plant, including folded new growth. Check the next leaves for fresh damage. Our thrips guide walks you through treatment and follow-up.
• Fine pale speckling spreads across otherwise healthy leaves: Check the undersides and main veins for spider mites rather than waiting for obvious webbing. If you find mites, move the plant away from your other plants and start treatment. Clean the leaves where practical and keep checking new growth for fresh speckling.

Alocasia ‘Corazon’: toxic if chewed

• Pets: This Alocasia is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep the plant and any cut pieces where pets cannot chew them.
• Children and handling: Keep it out of reach of children. Sap from damaged tissue can irritate skin and eyes, so wash your hands after pruning and avoid touching your face.
• Why it irritates: Alocasia tissue contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing or contact with sensitive tissue can cause immediate local irritation.
• Possible symptoms: Mouth exposure can cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, nausea or vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
• After exposure: For a pet, contact a veterinarian. For a person, remove any plant material from the mouth and rinse with water; seek medical or poison-control advice if symptoms are significant. Breathing difficulty or rapidly increasing swelling needs urgent medical attention.

Who ‘Corazon Aquino’ honours

Corazón is Spanish for “heart”. The cultivar was originally introduced as Alocasia heterophylla ‘Corazon Aquino’ and honours Philippine president Maria Corazon “Cory” Sumulong Cojuangco Aquino.