Chai Alocasia Plant Care
Alocasia chaii P.C.Boyce
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Alocasia chaii is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Sarawak state, Malaysia. Occasionally cultivated for its coriaceous leaves that remain peltate even when mature, it is considered obscure even by Alocasia enthusiasts and is very rarely found in commerce.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to filtered light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Chai Alocasia?
Plant Chai Alocasia in bright indirect to filtered light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Chai Alocasia Native To?
What Is the Chai Alocasia?
Chai Alocasia (Alocasia chaii) belongs to the Araceae family within the Alocasia genus. Chai Alocasia is native to Sarawak state, Malaysia.
Chai Alocasia displays a large, upright foliage growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Chai Alocasia produces rarely flowers indoors, inconspicuous blooms.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Chai Alocasia?
Water a young or newly planted Chai Alocasia every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Chai Alocasia Need?
Chai Alocasia thrives in bright indirect to filtered light. Avoid placing Chai Alocasia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to filtered light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Chai Alocasia Prefer?
Alocasia chaii tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Chai Alocasia prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Chai Alocasia?
Well-draining, rich organic mix with perlite and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Chai Alocasia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Chai Alocasia?
Feed Chai Alocasia every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Chai Alocasia?
Choose a spot with bright indirect to filtered light and well-draining, rich organic mix with perlite and peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Chai Alocasia is suited to USDA Zone 13b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Chai Alocasia?
Chai Alocasia can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Chai Alocasia?
Prune Chai Alocasia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Chai Alocasia in Winter?
Chai Alocasia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Chai Alocasia?
Chai Alocasia can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alocasia odora plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Chai Alocasia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Chai Alocasia?
Chai Alocasia is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Chai Alocasia Need?
Chai Alocasia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Chai Alocasia is native to Sarawak state, Malaysia. In cooler regions, grow Chai Alocasia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Chai Alocasia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Alocasia genus — compare its care with other Alocasia species on PlantoScan.
Alocasia is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Chai Alocasia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Alocasia Species
Other Alocasia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Alocasia chaii P.C.Boyce, family Araceae (first published in Gard. Bull. Singapore 58: 142 (2007)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Chai Alocasia is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
