Plant of the month
Meet your new silvery showstopper! The Alocasia Platinum is our plant of the month for August, and we are completely in love. This beauty comes from the lush, tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, where it grows under the canopy in warm, humid conditions. No wonder it loves a cosy, bright spot at home.
Alocasia Platinum
Its shimmering, metallic leaves look like they were dipped in moonlight. This plant isn’t just pretty; it is a real eye-catcher. The bold, arrow-shaped leaves have a stunning silvery sheen with dark green veins, making each leaf look a bit like a shimmering piece of nature’s jewellery. Whether you place it in a bright living room or a cosy reading nook, the Platinum stands out and adds a fresh, fun touch to any corner. It is no surprise we have crowned it our plant of the month. It truly steals the show and brings a bit of jungle magic indoors!
Fun fact! The Alocasia Platinum is part of the "elephant ear" family. In the rainforest, its big, upright leaves cleverly channels heavy rain straight down to the roots, keeping the plant happy and healthy even during the heaviest downpours. Pretty smart for such a stunning green buddy, right?
Care guide
Treat your silver star right, and it will shine brighter than ever. From light to humidity and everything in between, here is how to keep this tropical beauty glowing and gorgeous at home. And if your plant goes a bit quiet and makes fewer new leaves, don’t panic. It is completely normal for it to take a little rest now and then, especially in winter!
Watering
The Alocasia Platinum likes its soil lightly moist but never soggy. Wait until the top inch of the soil feels dry before giving it a nice, refreshing drink. This plant really doesn’t like wet feet and can get yellow leaves if it gets too much water.
In winter, when your plant is taking a break and growing less, you can water a little less. It is always better to underwater slightly than to overdo it!
Tip: Use a pot with drainage holes so extra water can drain out easily. Your Alocasia will reward you with strong, happy leaves!
Light
Bright, indirect light is this plant’s best friend. It loves a spot where it gets lots of light but not directly on its leaves, as harsh sun can burn those beautiful metallic shades!
If the light is too low, your Alocasia Platinum might grow more slowly and make smaller, less vibrant leaves. So try to find a bright place, like near a window with a sheer curtain or a few steps away from a sunny spot.
Tip: If your plant starts leaning toward the window, give it a little turn every now and then so it stays nice and balanced. Happy plant, happy you!
Soil
Alocasia Platinum loves a rich, well-draining soil mix that stays slightly moist but never soggy. A mix of potting soil with some perlite and a bit of coco coir is perfect. This light and airy combo makes sure the roots get enough air and don’t stay wet for too long. It also helps protect against root rot, something this plant definitely wants to avoid. Happy roots mean a happy plant and more beautiful, strong leaves for you to enjoy!
Temperature & humidity
This tropical beauty loves warmth and lots of humidity. It feels happiest at temperatures between 18 and 27°C. Keep it away from cold drafts and make sure it never gets colder than 13°C, as the Platinum really doesn’t like chilly feet! To make it feel right at home, aim for humidity levels of at least 60%. You can help by using a humidifier, giving it a little mist shower now and then, or placing the pot on a tray with water and pebbles. This way, your Alocasia Platinum feels like it is back in the jungle and will surprise you with strong, shiny leaves!
Propagating
Want to grow your own little Platinum family? Propagating by dividing the plant is the easiest and most rewarding way to get new baby Alocasias. It is like giving your plant the chance to have cute little siblings that you can spread around your home (or share with friends!). Here is how to do it step by step and start your own mini jungle in no time!
Step 1:
Carefully take your Alocasia Platinum out of its pot and gently shake or tease off as much soil as you can from the roots. Look for small clumps (also called pups) that already have their own roots and maybe even a cute little leaf.
Step 2:
Use your hands to softly pull these clumps away from the main plant. If some roots are really stuck together, you can carefully snip them with clean scissors. Take your time and be extra gentle; those baby roots are super precious and need all the love they can get.
Step 3:
Fill some small pots halfway with a light, airy soil mix (just like the mother plant loves). Pop each baby into its new pot and fill up around the roots until it is snug and sitting at the same depth as before. Press the soil down gently to keep it steady.
Step 4:
Give them a nice drink to help them settle in and place them somewhere bright with lots of humidity. Skip the fertiliser for the first few weeks so they can focus on growing strong, happy roots. With a little patience, your new Alocasia babies will soon start showing off their shiny, silver leaves. Before you know it, you will have your very own mini jungle of Platinum cuties!
Buy Alocasia Platinum
Ready to add a shimmering star to your plant collection? The Alocasia Platinum is the ultimate statement piece! With its bold, arrow-shaped leaves and beautiful silver look, it brings a touch of lush, tropical magic to any corner. It loves bright, indirect light and a bit of extra humidity. Take good care of it, and it will treat you to lush, impressive leaves and its signature glow. And since it is our plant of the month, now is the perfect time to welcome this beauty home with a special price available this month only. Your indoor jungle just found its silver superstar!
How big does Alocasia Platinum get?
When it is feeling happy and pampered, the Alocasia Platinum can grow up to about 1 metre tall. With enough light, warmth, and care, it can turn into a real eye-catcher in your home. Give it love, and it will reward you by standing tall and showing off those stunning silvery leaves!
What does an overwatered Alocasia look like?
An overwatered Alocasia is not shy about showing its feelings. You might see yellowing leaves, brown spots, drooping, or leaves that feel soft and mushy. Always check the soil before watering to keep those roots happy and healthy!
Is Alocasia Platinum toxic?
Yes! Like many other Alocasia varieties, the Platinum is toxic to pets and humans if eaten. So make sure to keep it out of reach of curious cats, dogs, and little plant explorers.
What is the difference between Alocasia Bisma and Alocasia Platinum?
The Alocasia Platinum is actually a special variant of the Alocasia Bisma. While the Bisma has a soft green, slightly bluish look, the Platinum stands out with its beautiful silvery, almost metallic shine. You can think of it as the extra fancy, shimmery sibling of the Bisma!
How do I prune my Alocasia Platinum?
Pruning is super simple! Just remove old or yellowing leaves by cutting them off at the base with clean scissors or pruning shears. This helps the plant focus its energy on new, healthy growth. Always be gentle and take your time, and your plant will thank you.