Buddha's hand Alocasia (Alocasia cucullata) / Mid-Century Scalloped Two-Tone Cast Concrete Planter / Original Weathered Turquoise & Yellow Patina

BUDDHA'S HAND ALOCASIA

Alocasia cucullata

Specifications

• Height: 1000mm

• Concrete Planter: 250mm

• Inclusions: Price includes delivery and professional installation.

ARCHITECTURAL FORM & HERITAGE

Native to the humid, tropical understories of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, Alocasia cucullata is an elegant, lush architectural specimen. Often referred to as the "Buddha's Hand" or "Hooded Elephant Ear," it has a rich heritage of being cultivated around Buddhist temples across Asia, where it is traditionally believed to bring good fortune. Unlike some of its massive, sprawling relatives, this species features a highly compact, clumping growth habit. It is defined by its stout, above-ground rhizomes and a dense crown of glossy, heart-shaped (cordate), emerald-green leaves with prominent, raised veining. 

PLACEMENT & LIGHT

This tropical understory plant relies on filtered light and high ambient humidity to maintain its lush appearance.

• Indoors: Position in a warm room that receives bright, indirect natural light throughout the day. Avoid harsh, direct afternoon sun, which will quickly scorch and bleach its glossy leaves. It thrives in high-humidity spaces like well-lit bathrooms or clustered with other indoor plants.

• Outdoors: Thrives best in a heavily sheltered, frost-free courtyard or covered patio. It requires bright but fully shaded conditions (dappled canopy light is ideal) and must be protected from strong winds, which can tear its delicate foliage.

SEASONAL CARE & WATERING

Cultivating Alocasia cucullata requires mimicking a tropical forest floor: consistent, even moisture without ever allowing the plant to sit in waterlogged soil.

• Indoors: Water thoroughly every 7–10 days from spring to early autumn, allowing just the top quarter of the soil to dry out between waterings. In winter, as growth slows, reduce watering to every 10–14 days. Always empty drainage saucers within 30 minutes; Alocasias are highly susceptible to rhizome rot if left in standing water.

• Outdoors: Water regularly during the warm months to maintain a lightly moist soil profile. Reduce watering significantly during the cooler winter months, adjusting for any natural rainfall.

• Note on Botanical Behaviour: It is perfectly natural for the plant to occasionally yellow and shed its oldest, outermost leaves as it redirects energy into pushing new, larger growth from the centre. Following a heavy watering, you may also notice "guttation"—small water droplets forming at the tips of the leaves—which is a normal, healthy process for this species.

NOURISHMENT & FERTILIZING

To sustain its rapid summer growth and keep its heart-shaped leaves a deep, vibrant green, nourish the plant regularly during its active growing season. Apply a premium, controlled-release indoor plant fertilizer or a diluted liquid foliage feed at the onset of spring and again in mid-summer. Cease all feeding during autumn and winter when the plant's metabolism slows down.

DELIVERY & LOGISTICS

Please contact us prior to purchase if there are any major barriers to delivery at your property (including stairs, narrow corridors, or lift size constraints). While highly structural, the fleshy stems and foliage of this specimen require delicate, specialist handling to ensure safe delivery and installation, which may incur increased delivery costs.