Alocasia Brisbanensis is a big and beautiful plant that comes from the tropical parts of Australia. It has shiny and spade-shaped leaves that look really cool and can make any space feel like a jungle.
If you want to grow it indoors, make sure to give it plenty of space. This plant spreads out a lot and needs room to grow. It’s great if you want to fill an empty corner with something bold and green.
If you grow it outside, plant it in soil that stays a little moist and choose a spot under a big tree or in the shade. It doesn’t like too much sun. To help it grow strong place it in a good light. Also keep the air little humid for shining leaves.
Fertilize it in growing season for proper growth.
In this guide, I’ll share how I take care of this plant, step by step. Let’s get started!
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About the plant
Alocasia Brisbanensis, also known as Cunjevoi Lily, is a very large plant. Because of its size, it’s not the best choice for small indoor spaces. But if you have a big empty area to fill—either inside or outside—this plant can be a great pick. If not, you might want to go with a smaller houseplant instead.
This plant usually grows about 6 to 8 feet tall, and the leaves can grow up to 2.5 feet long. It also spreads out wide—around 5 to 6 feet across. So, it really needs space to grow well.
Big plants like this can live indoors, but only if you have lots of room.
To keep it healthy, the soil should stay moist. That means you’ll need to water it often. But remember that too much water can cause root rot. It is a fungal disease that can destroy the plant.
If you don’t give it enough water, the plant will get dehydrated. The leaves will lose their shiny look and start to look dry and dull.
Just keep in mind that in summer season, it needs more water than in winter, because the heat dries out the soil faster.
Now, let’s go over more growing and care tips to help your plant thrive.
Light Needs
Alocasia Brisbanensis needs bright light but not direct light. Use 200 Watts LED grow light or place it in a partially shady place. The motive is to protect its leaves from burning due to harsh light waves.
Leaf discoloration is the main sign of over-exposure to bright light.
6 to 8 hours of bright light is enough. You can place the plant pot in sunlight in the morning and in the late evening.
If you live a busy life and do not have enough time for this routine. Then find a bright place in your home where it can receive enough indirect light.
In a low light environment, your plant will not grow healthy and it grows towards the source of light. This type of growth is called leggy or stretchy growth.
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Potting Soil
For Alocasia Brisbanensis aka Cunjevoi Lily use potting soil that is well-airy and loose. Tightly packed soil particles become heavy and soggy when watered. Our mission is to protect our plant from any extra drop of water.
So, you need lightweight airy soil. Such soils do well in all-weather conditions and do not become wet or soggy.
A general potting mix is not advised to use for this particular plant. Any soil that is specially made for cactus or succulents is best to use.
Do not use garden soil because it may contain pathogens. Moreover, it becomes heavy and soggy when watered. Buy a bag of high-quality soil from Amazon and use it to grow all types of alocasias.
Watering
Water regularly like you water other plants. In summer, your plant will need more water due to hot weather. Whereas in the winter season it needs less water and less humidity. Just protect your plant from any kind of overwatering.
The second is the quality of water. The water has to be clean and should not contain heavy minerals that sit at the bottom of the plant.
These heavy particles block the functioning of roots. They become unable to absorb the water and nutrients from the soil.
This leads to nutrient deficiency and dehydration.
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Fertilizing
If you use organic matter-rich soil then you do not need to buy nutrients separately. Because the organic material in the soil contains all the essential nutrients. Those are necessary to grow a plant.
Secondly, pre-fertilized potting soils also contain every single nutrient.
You need to use liquid fertilizer when the potting soil is neither pre-fertilized nor contains organic material it.
In this case, fertilize the plant twice a month in spring and once a month in summer.
Dilute well before using or the nutrients will clog the roots. To know the dilution process read the instruction of the nutrient bottle.
Temperature & Humidity
60 to 80 degrees F temperature is comfortable for it. Below or above this range will cause many problems for the plant. The main problem with a decrease in the temperature is freezing foliage.
It can tolerate 50 degrees F for a few days after that the plant starts dying. Weak stems and dull leaves are the first sign of cold temperature.
Keep the room humidity on the higher side. 70% humidity is required but when we grow it in pots and give water on time. It can grow in 50% humidity. Below 50% is not suitable for it. Its leaves start wilting and lose their glossy shine.
Repotting
Repotting is required when you feel that your plant is struggling in its current pot. Or the roots are visible over the top layer of the soil.
To repot it use 2 inches wide and deep pot.
Then fill it with new potting soil and plant your existing plant in it.
Also, inspect the condition of plant roots at the time of repotting. If you see any damage cut that part and then plant it in the new pot.
Propagation
Once you grow it and the plant gets matured you will see the offshoots. They are used for propagation.
Remove them from the plant without damaging the main stem. Then plant each division in a different pot. Give some water to keep the soil moist.
For the next few months pay a little more attention to the newly propagated plants. Do not let the soil become dry and all your plants will show healthy growth.
No need to cover the pots with plastic or arrange high humid environment. The general home humidity is good for propagation.
Common Problems and Fixes
🔸 Yellow Leaves
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage
Fix: Let the soil dry out before watering again. Check for root rot.
🔸 Brown Leaf Edges
Cause: Low humidity or underwatering
Fix: Increase humidity, and water when the top soil feels dry.
🔸 Drooping Leaves
Cause: Sudden temperature drop or underwatering
Fix: Keep the plant warm and check if it needs water.
🔸 Spider Mites or Aphids
Cause: Dry air or weak plant
Fix: Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Keep the humidity high.
Is Alocasia Brisbanensis Toxic?
Yes, this plant is toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mouth irritation, nausea, or swelling if eaten. Keep it out of reach from curious pets or small children.
👉 Tip: Always wash your hands after handling the plant, especially when pruning or repotting.
Winter Care: Let It Rest
In winter, Alocasia Brisbanensis slows down or may even go dormant.
- Water less often—just enough to keep the soil from completely drying out.
- Keep it in a warm spot with good light.
- No need to fertilize until spring.
If it drops a few leaves, don’t panic. It’s normal. Just keep caring for the roots, and it’ll bounce back when the growing season returns.
Conclusion
If you have good indoor space to cover then grow it indoors. Otherwise, the outdoor garden is its best place.
Low humidity is the main enemy of this plant. At least 50 % humidity is required for disease-free happy Alocasia Brisbanensis.
Always check the soil before watering it.