Plant Care Guide

Alocasia Borneo Giant

Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Borneo Giant’

The Alocasia Borneo Giant is a dramatic tropical plant known for its massive, heart-shaped leaves that can reach several feet in length under the right conditions. Native to Southeast Asian rainforests, this giant Alocasia thrives in warm temperatures, high humidity, and consistently moist soil, making it suitable both as a bold outdoor landscape plant in warm climates and as a statement indoor plant for larger interior spaces. While fast-growing during the warm season, it slows down or enters dormancy in cooler temperatures below 60°F, and its care needs shift accordingly. When given the right balance of light, water, humidity, and nutrition, the Borneo Giant rewards growers with lush, architectural foliage and impressive size.

Watering Requirements

The Alocasia Borneo Giant prefers soil that stays consistently moist but never soggy, as overly wet conditions can lead to root rot and fungal issues. Indoors and in containers, allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry slightly between waterings, while outdoor plants in warm climates may require more frequent watering due to heat and airflow. Seasonal changes matter—during warm months, the plant grows rapidly and needs more water, while in cooler seasons or during dormancy, water use slows dramatically.

Watering Schedule

Spring/Summer: Keep soil evenly moist; water when the top inch begins to dry

Fall/Winter: Reduce watering significantly if the plant becomes dormant

Container Plants: Check moisture more frequently due to faster drying

Outdoor Plants: Mulch can help maintain even soil moisture in hot climates

Signs of Overwatering

  • Yellowing leaves
  • Soft or mushy stems at the base
  • Fungal growth at soil level

Signs of Underwatering

  • Drooping or wilting leaves
  • Crisp, dry leaf edges
  • Soil pulling away from pot edges

Pro Tips

Water deeply and slowly to saturate the root zone, allowing excess to drain fully; consistent moisture without waterlogging is the key to keeping this giant Alocasia healthy.

Light Requirements

The Borneo Giant thrives in bright, indirect light that mimics the dappled sun of its natural rainforest habitat. Outdoors, it performs best in partial shade or filtered sun, especially in hot climates where direct afternoon sun can scorch its large leaves. Indoors, it needs bright, indirect light near an east- or north-facing window, or a few feet back from a bright southern exposure where the rays are softened.

Ideal Placement

Outdoors: Partial shade or filtered light beneath trees

Indoors: Near bright windows with indirect light; avoid harsh direct sun

Hot Climates: Provide midday shade to prevent leaf burn

Signs of Too Much Light

  • Brown, scorched patches on leaves
  • Fading or washed-out color

Signs of Too Little Light

  • Stretched, leggy growth
  • Small or slow-developing leaves

Pro Tips

If growing indoors, rotate the plant every couple of weeks to prevent leaning and ensure even exposure, as the Borneo Giant’s large leaves naturally reach toward strong light sources.

Soil & Potting

The Alocasia Borneo Giant prefers a loose, nutrient-rich, well-draining soil mix that holds moisture without becoming compacted. Outdoor plants grow well in amended garden soil with organic matter, while indoor or container specimens should be planted in an aroid-friendly mix containing peat or coco coir, orchid bark, and perlite. A pot with large drainage holes is essential to prevent standing water around the roots.

Best Soil Mix

  • Rich, airy soil with good moisture retention
  • Blend of coco coir or peat, bark, and perlite
  • Slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–6.5)

Container Growing

  • Choose a large, heavy pot to prevent tipping
  • Use fast-draining aroid or tropical plant mix
  • Repot every 12–24 months depending on growth rate

Pro Tips

When repotting, choose a container only 2–4 inches wider than the previous one to prevent excess soil from holding moisture longer than the plant can use.

Fertilizing

This fast-growing tropical giant benefits from regular feeding during the warm growing season, especially when producing new leaves nearly every week. Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks during spring through early fall, or opt for a slow-release formula applied at the start of the season. Fertilizing should be paused during winter dormancy, as feeding a resting Alocasia can cause root stress.

Fertilizer Schedule

Growing Season: Feed every 2–4 weeks with diluted liquid fertilizer

Slow-Release Option: Apply every 6–8 weeks in spring and summer

Dormant Season: Stop fertilizing entirely

Nutrient Deficiency Signs

Pale new growth

Stalled leaf development

Overall slow growth in warm weather

Pro Tips

Start fertilizing at half strength and increase gradually—large Alocasias are heavy feeders, but too much fertilizer at once can damage roots and burn foliage.

Pruning & Maintenance

The Borneo Giant requires minimal pruning and is primarily maintained by removing yellowing, damaged, or dead leaves. As the plant grows, older leaves naturally age and decline, especially at the bottom of the plant, and can be safely removed at the base with clean, sharp shears. Outdoor plants may respond to wind, heat, or cold snaps with leaf damage, which can be pruned back to encourage fresh growth. Because this plant can enter dormancy in temperatures below 60°F, leaf drop during cooler seasons can be normal.

Maintenance Notes

  • Remove damaged or yellowing leaves as needed
  • Clean large leaves occasionally to improve photosynthesis
  • Cut back frost-damaged foliage in early spring
  • Monitor for pests like spider mites, especially indoors

Pro Tips

When pruning, avoid removing too many healthy leaves at once—each leaf supports the plant’s energy production, and preserving foliage ensures the Borneo Giant rebounds quickly from stress.

Common Problems & Solutions

The Borneo Giant is generally resilient but can experience issues related to water, humidity, pests, and seasonal changes. Yellowing leaves often indicate watering imbalance, while brown edges usually result from low humidity or underwatering. Indoors, spider mites are the most common pest due to the plant’s large leaf surface area and preference for warmth.

Yellowing Leaves

Cause: Overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient light

Solution: Adjust watering schedule and improve lighting

Drooping Leaves

Cause: Cold temperatures, dry soil, or sudden environmental changes

Solution: Warm the plant, increase humidity, and maintain consistent moisture

Brown Leaf Edges

Cause: Low humidity or salt buildup in soil

Solution: Increase humidity and flush soil periodically

Pests (Spider Mites & Aphids)

Cause: Warm, dry indoor air

Solution: Increase humidity and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap

Pro Tips

If multiple leaves show sudden decline, inspect roots for early signs of rot—catching moisture issues early prevents major setbacks in large Alocasias.