Alocasia nebula ‘Elaine’ — Care Sheet (Jewel Alocasia)
Plant Name
Common names: Jewel Alocasia, Alocasia ‘Nebula Elaine’
Scientific name: Alocasia nebula ‘Elaine’
 
Overview
Alocasia nebula ‘Elaine’ is a premium collector “jewel” Alocasia known for its thick, textured leaves and metallic grey-green tones. It’s compact, slow-growing, and extremely rewarding — but it requires one key thing to thrive:
✅ A fast-draining, airy soil mix
If kept too wet, it can rot quickly (this is not a “keep moist” type of plant).
 
Quick Tips (Success Checklist)
🌤️ Bright indirect light = best growth
🪴 Use a chunky aroid mix (never dense potting soil)
💧 Water only when the pot is mostly dry
🌡️ Keep warm: 18–28°C is the sweet spot
💨 Humidity is great — but airflow is essential
🚫 Cold + wet soil = root rot
 
Key Features
Size: 25–45 cm tall (compact plant)
Growth rate: Slow to moderate
Growth habit: Clumping rosette (from corm/rhizome)
Leaf type: Thick, leathery, textured, metallic grey-green
Suitable Environments
✅ Indoor houseplant (bright spot)
✅ Plant cabinet / greenhouse / tunnel
✅ Open terrarium / well-ventilated display
🚫 Closed terrarium (high rot risk due to stagnant air)
🚫 Aquarium / submerged growing (not possible)
 
Soil / Substrate
Best option: A chunky, free-draining aroid mix.
Recommended mix components:
orchid bark / pine bark
perlite or pumice
charcoal
coco chips / coarse coco
small amount of compost or worm castings
Important:
🚫 Do not plant in heavy potting soil — it holds too much water and causes rot.
 
Light
Ideal: Bright indirect light
Can handle: Gentle morning sun
Avoid: Harsh midday sun (can scorch leaves)
Low light: Survives, but growth slows and rot risk increases
 
Temperature
Ideal range: 18–28°C
Best growth: 22–28°C
Avoid: Temperatures below ~15°C (especially with wet soil)
 
Humidity
Ideal: 60–85%
Can grow in: 45–60% (but may get crispy edges)
Higher humidity improves leaf quality and growth speed.
 
Watering
This is the most important part of care.
💧 Water thoroughly, then allow the pot to dry out mostly before watering again.
A good rule:
Water when the top 50–70% of the mix is dry.
In winter, water far less.
🚫 Never allow the pot to stand in water.
 
Feeding / Fertiliser
Feed lightly during active growth (spring/summer).
✅ Best method: weak feeding more often
🚫 Avoid heavy feeding — jewel Alocasias are sensitive.
 
Botaniqra recommendation:
Botaniqra VegForce (Leaf Boost) — gentle feeding during growth
Botaniqra CellBuild (Calcium & Magnesium Boost) — especially helpful if using rain/RO water
 
Propagation
Corms (most common): can be separated and rooted
Division: only when the plant has multiple growth points
Warm conditions (24–28°C) greatly improve success.
Common Problems
Yellowing leaves + soft stem base
➡️ Overwatering / rot starting. Remove from pot and inspect roots immediately.
Droopy leaves even though soil is wet
➡️ Roots are likely damaged. Check roots.
Crispy edges
➡️ Low humidity, inconsistent watering, or salt buildup.
 
Pests
Common: spider mites and thrips. Treat early to prevent leaf damage.
Buying Advice (What toExpect)

🌱 This is a collector plant and can be sensitive to change.
After moving to a new home, it may:
pause growth for 1–3 weeks
drop an older leaf while adapting
As long as the crown is firm and the roots are healthy, it will recover and push new growth.