Question
I live in a mediterranean area, where it is rarely below 10 degrees C in winter, and the plant was inside during the winter. I have seen alocasias growing all year long quite near where I live.
I didn't dig up the root to see, but the part above ground looks healthy enough, it didn't go soft or anything. How can I know if it is dead or not?


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Followup To
Question -
Last summer I bought an alocasia (Alocasia x amazonica, I think). Towards the end of the summer all the leaves dried up so I stopped watering it. Now the weather is warm again, I was expecting it to start growing, but it hasn't put out any new leaves. I have checked the root (or rhizome or whatever it is) without pulling it out of the ground, adn it seems to be firm and not rotten. I am watering it a couple of times a week, giving it plenty of light but it still isn't reacting. Is there something else that is needed to encourage it to grow? Or should I give up on it?
Answer -
Hi Steven,

Alocasia is a tropical plant that requires temps above 50 degrees at all times. It is early is intended as a potted indoor plant, not one that is planted in the the ground.

Unless you live in a tropical region, then the plant probably died due to cold temps last winter.

If my assumptions are incorrect, please let me know.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

If this information has been helpful, please remember to give me an AllExperts rating and nomination.  

Answer
Hi Steven,

My area of expertise is limited to indoor potted plants. I really do not have experience with growing Alocasias outdoors, so I cannot adequately reply to your question.

I do know that when kept indoors year round there is no dieback or dormancy.

Regards,
Will