Alocasia princeps ‘Purple Cloak’

The Bornean background of Alocasia princeps ‘Purple Cloak’

‘Purple Cloak’ is cultivated as a form of Alocasia princeps. The species grows on well-drained Bornean rainforest slopes and ridges from the lowlands into the mountains, with roots in soil over basalt, limestone and other rock.

Care for Alocasia princeps ‘Purple Cloak’

• Watering: Give the mix some time to dry after watering, then water again before the pot becomes completely dry. Water until excess runs from the drainage holes. Let the pot drain, then empty any water left in the saucer or cover pot.
• Light: Give ‘Purple Cloak’ bright light with protection from harsh midday or afternoon sun.
• Potting mix: A rich, loose houseplant mix with good drainage and plenty of air space around the roots is enough.
• 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.
• Humidity: Alocasia does best with medium to high humidity. Keep it in a bright spot away from heaters and air-conditioning. If the air is dry, place it near other houseplants that like similar conditions, leaving space between the leaves, or use a clean humidifier.

When Alocasia princeps ‘Purple Cloak’ needs attention

• The plant droops while the pot is still wet: Stop watering and let excess moisture drain away. If the decline continues, inspect the roots and rhizome. If you find soft or rotten tissue, use a disinfected blade to cut away only the rotten tissue back to firm, healthy tissue, discard the removed material and repot the plant in fresh, airy mix in a clean pot sized to the roots that remain. If you cannot clearly tell where rotten tissue ends and healthy tissue begins, stop cutting and send Foliage Factory clear photos of the roots and rhizome. Follow our root rot guide for the full recovery process.
• New leaves open with rough silvery scars or black specks: Check inside fresh growth and across both leaf surfaces for thrips and fresh black droppings. Isolate the plant if thrips are present and use a treatment labelled for thrips and indoor ornamental plants. Repeat it only as directed on the label.
• Dry brown margins keep returning: Check whether the root ball is repeatedly drying too far. If moisture is reasonably steady, look next for heavy feeding or salt build-up, then for hot direct sun or heat against the leaf. Correct the cause that fits. Flush accumulated salts only when the roots are firm and excess water can drain freely.
• Fine pale stippling appears beneath the broad leaves, sometimes with webbing: Check the undersides and main veins for spider mites. Isolate the plant if mites are present and use a treatment labelled for spider mites and indoor ornamental plants. Repeat it only as directed on the label.

If you're not sure what is causing the problem, or the plant keeps getting worse after you have corrected the likely cause, send us clear photos of the plant and the affected areas so we can help.

Alocasia princeps ‘Purple Cloak’: 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.

Why princeps appears in ‘Purple Cloak’

‘Purple Cloak’ is carried under Alocasia princeps. The Latin epithet princeps can mean “first”, “chief” or “foremost”.

William Bull introduced the botanical name Alocasia princeps in his 1888 Nursery Catalogue, volume 242, page 7.