I’d be happy to provide a detailed answer for you! So, let me start by saying that based on my personal experiences with Alocasia plants, they can definitely grow in shade. In fact, shade is actually quite beneficial for these plants, as it helps to protect their delicate leaves from excessive sun exposure.
When I first started growing Alocasia outdoors, I made sure to place them in areas of my garden that received partial shade or morning sun. This seemed to be the perfect amount of light for them, as they thrived and grew beautifully. The shade provided them with a more gentle and filtered light, which prevented their leaves from getting scorched or damaged.
However, I also have some Alocasia varieties that have larger, thicker, and darker leaves. These varieties are a bit more tolerant of full sun once they have been acclimated or tempered to it. This means that if you gradually expose them to increasing amounts of direct sunlight over time, they can handle full sun without any issues.
That being said, I would still recommend starting off with shade or morning sun for all Alocasia varieties, regardless of their leaf size or color. This will give them a chance to adjust and adapt to their new environment before being exposed to more intense sunlight.
When it comes to potting soil, both indoors and outdoors, make sure to use a well-draining mix. Alocasia plants don’t like to sit in soggy soil, as it can lead to root rot. So, look for a potting mix that is specifically designed for tropical plants or one that contains a good amount of perlite or sand to improve drainage.
Alocasia plants can definitely grow in shade, and it is actually beneficial for them. However, some varieties can tolerate full sun once they are acclimated. Just make sure to provide them with a well-draining potting soil and gradually introduce them to more sunlight if needed. Happy growing!