Description
- Common names:
- Tiny Dancer, Alocasia Tiny Dancer, Elephant Ear Tiny Dancer, Oreja de Elefante Tiny Dancer
- Botanical name:
- Alocasia 'Tiny Dancer'
- Description:
- A fast-growing compact Alocasia featuring playful curved stalks and small cupped leaves. Reaches 20 inches tall with unique architectural form. Cold-sensitive tropical beauty.
Features
- Rarity:
- Uncommon Find
- Pet & Babies safety:
- Toxic to All Pets (keep out of reach)
- Air Purifier:
- Moderate Air Purifier (6/10)
- Form factor:
- Upright Bush, Architectural, Cupped Leaves, Compact
- Origin:
- Southeast Asia
- Aesthetic advantages:
- Living Room, Office, Bookshelf, Modern, Minimalist, Scandinavian, Desk Accent, Plant Stands
Care Guide
Care level:
Intermediate+
This Alocasia requires consistent care with attention to humidity, temperature, and watering schedules. It's very sensitive to cold and won't forgive drafts or temperature drops, making it best suited for intermediate plant parents who can maintain stable tropical conditions.
Light:
Bright / Indirect Light+
Place near an east or west-facing window with bright, filtered light to encourage healthy growth and prevent leaf burn. Direct sunlight will scorch the delicate leaves, while too little light will slow growth and cause the stems to become leggy.
Water:
Keep Soil Moist+
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, keeping the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the pot has excellent drainage and never let the plant sit in standing water.
Humidity:
Prefers High Humidity+
Thrives in humidity levels above 60%, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or near a humidifier. Increase humidity by placing on a pebble tray with water, grouping with other plants, or misting regularly to prevent brown leaf edges.
Temperature:
Prefers Warmth+
Thrives in warm temperatures between 18-27°C / 65-80°F and is very sensitive to cold temperatures below 15°C / 60°F. Keep away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and windows during winter months as temperature drops can cause serious damage or dormancy.
Hardiness zones:
Zones 10-12+
Hardy in USDA Zones 10-12 where it can be grown outdoors year-round in frost-free climates. In all other zones, it must be grown as a houseplant or brought indoors before temperatures drop below 15°C / 60°F.
Fertilizing:
Feed Monthly+
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season from spring through early fall. Reduce or stop fertilizing in winter when growth naturally slows.
Repotting:
Repot Annually+
This fast grower benefits from annual repotting in spring to provide fresh soil and room for expansion. Repot when you see roots growing through drainage holes or when growth slows despite proper care.
Cleaning:
Wipe Leaves Regularly+
Gently wipe the cupped leaves with a soft, damp cloth every 2-3 weeks to remove dust and allow the plant to photosynthesize efficiently. Clean leaves also help prevent pest infestations and keep your Tiny Dancer looking its best.
Propagation:
Division+
Propagate by carefully dividing the rhizomes during repotting in spring, ensuring each division has at least one growth point and some roots attached. Plant divisions in well-draining soil and maintain high humidity until established.