---
title: "Hi everyone! I am pretty new to plants and I have this Alocasia that…"
description: "Hi everyone! I am pretty new to plants and I have this Alocasia that I think I need some help with. I got her last week, her name is Barbara. Still in her…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/8YJLrBkOSo27kyNSisgUpA/6Rve9o8bTcyRnCthJDi9vg"
community: "Alocasia Aficionados"
author: "Olivia"
published: "2024-05-14T16:19:44.572751Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/y0Y2hwgOU9QPnVtsZPbp4lhum8keZ45v4d93ENCwz30/RIGEiBYfQjSf5PSbwZKZOg.webp?size=large"
---

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# Hi everyone! I am pretty new to plants and I have this Alocasia that…

_Posted by Olivia on 2024-05-14_

Hi everyone! I am pretty new to plants and I have this Alocasia that I think I need some help with. I got her last week, her name is Barbara. Still in her nursery pot, there aren't any roots coming out the bottom so I don't think I need to repot. But one of her leaves is brown and smaller than the rest, and I was wondering if anyone could give me tips? Otherwise she has two healthy looking leaves, and a new one coming in.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/y0Y2hwgOU9QPnVtsZPbp4lhum8keZ45v4d93ENCwz30/RIGEiBYfQjSf5PSbwZKZOg.webp?size=large)

## 9 comments

### ReeRee commented on 2024-05-14

Hello I am not an expert on this kind of plant (or any specific plant really lol) but I think that you may want to thourghly inspect the roots and soil and confirm there are no pests and maybe get a fertilizer.

### Macie commented on 2024-05-14

it’s really normal for alocasia to drop older leaves when new ones come, higher light and heat can stop this from what i’ve heard. otherwise i wouldn’t worry too much unless they go under 3 leaves.

### Vera commented on 2024-05-15

I’ve had the most success with Alocasias in semi hydroponics. I’d recommend that over soil 100%.

#### Lynda replied on 2024-05-15

What do you mean semi hydroponics? I have an allocasia that has been in plain potting soil for many years. She has had four new sprouts, however, each of them shriveled and died after they were a little over an inch a piece. Would switching my allocasia to the hydroponic medium allow her to grow the sprouts that she has not been able to grow up to now?  
Thanks so much for any information. 😊💚🪴

#### Vera replied on 2024-05-15

I have found far more success in a semi hydroponic set up. If I have a new rescue plant or one that is struggling, or one that I’m growing from a corm, I will start it off in Fluval stratum. However, I usually transition all of my mature and healthy Alocasias into LECA.

Semi hydroponics is basically growing with water and an organic medium. I’ll share some pictures below.

#### Vera replied on 2024-05-15

Corm “hatchlings” in Fluval stratum

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/DCO5F1l6FymQCsCqkOA4rvwWtaBlQGNvWcuSDUIlf7Q/YRufPqIWS-mfrRmU5t4cUA.webp?size=large)

#### Vera replied on 2024-05-15

Mature Alocasia Melo in LECA semi hydro

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/DCO5F1l6FymQCsCqkOA4rvwWtaBlQGNvWcuSDUIlf7Q/2llUAnenQZq3NFYDT3nzNQ.webp?size=large)

#### Lynda replied on 2024-05-20

Vera, sent you a note, but did it the wrong way, not unusual for me! Please see the replies under Olivia in the alocasia group. 😊💚🪴

### Lynda commented on 2024-05-20

TXS for the info on using LECA as the the planting medium with mature alocasias. I don’t even know what LECA is but will definitely look into it. Thanks again for the tip.  
😊💚🪴

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