---
title: "Trader Joe’s did it to me again. I just brought home an Alocasia…"
description: "Trader Joe’s did it to me again. I just brought home an Alocasia Polly. My first Alocasia of any kind. I understand they have a little drama that comes with…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/8YJLrBkOSo27kyNSisgUpA/sF4NdmhBDF2HM3GEifRhRB"
community: "Alocasia Aficionados"
author: "BigGahoona"
published: "2026-06-28T20:51:50.737759Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/q_tBp5X6kDNuxYi-FXeOD5OUjBTiKfOiChd1JvLMil0/jSOZzInfQRioJN1S_66ScQ.webp?size=large"
---

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# Trader Joe’s did it to me again. I just brought home an Alocasia…

_Posted by BigGahoona on 2026-06-28_

Trader Joe’s did it to me again. I just brought home an Alocasia Polly. My first Alocasia of any kind. I understand they have a little drama that comes with them?  
Current state: I checked and don’t see any bugs. The soil is dry the top two inches. And I thought I would let her sit ‘as is’ for a couple of weeks to acclimate and then assess for repotting.  
Does anyone have any additional advice or suggestions?

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/q_tBp5X6kDNuxYi-FXeOD5OUjBTiKfOiChd1JvLMil0/jSOZzInfQRioJN1S_66ScQ.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/q_tBp5X6kDNuxYi-FXeOD5OUjBTiKfOiChd1JvLMil0/SkpQlBlmT3e4nGf5Y3ID-A.webp?size=large)

## 4 comments

### Waspinator commented on 2026-06-29

Alocasias like very consistent soil moisture. If everything seems right but the plant is upset, it's probably inconsistent timing on when you water. These can also be a bit sensitive to chemicals/minerals in water. When repotting, they appreciate a tighter fit than average because their root mass stays smaller than most plants their size. They also tend to shock when they're relocated, so don't be surprised if it throws a tantrum after a move

### plantgeek commented on 2026-06-29

i see a lot of people who struggle with keeping their alocasias leaves. a new one grows and another one dies. a lot of people just accept it as part of their growth, but that's not true. alocasias are heavy feeders and need to be fertilized regularly. all of my alocasias get a splash of all purpose fertilizer with every watering and i've never had that issue. because of their thin roots, alocasias both need consistent moisture and are prone to root rot. spider mites also love them.

### BigGahoona commented on 2026-06-29

I got a water distiller to make water for some of my plants and also to use in the humidifiers. And I collect rain water for watering too. It sounds like the Alocasia would prefer rain or distilled water as well, along with fertilizer.  
Is there a particular soil mix that’s better? I have a chunky soil mix I put together - coconut coir stuff, orchid bark, some white pebbley things (not perlite, bigger), worm casings, charcoal stuff, and potting soil. Will that work?

### Bear commented on 2026-07-02

She looks very happy. You have 3 or 4 babies in there too. I wouldn't change the pot or the soil for at least a month. That pot looks like the perfect size for what you have there. I would leave it alone until it's ready for pot change.

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