Alocasia Purple Sword

If you’re looking for a houseplant that makes a dramatic statement, look no further. The alocasia purple sword is that plant, with stunning deep purple foliage that commands attention in any room.

This isn’t your average green leafy friend. Its long, slender leaves have a rich, almost metallic purple hue on top and a contrasting deep green underneath. It’s a relatively easy-going plant once you understand its basic needs, and this guide will walk you through everything.

This striking plant belongs to the Aroid family, related to philodendrons and monsteras. Its botanical name is Alocasia Lauterbachiana, but ‘Purple Sword’ describes it perfectly. The leaves are stiff and sword-like, emerging from upright stems in a graceful, architectural fashion.

Native to Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea, it grows in warm, humid environments. In your home, it typically reaches 2 to 4 feet tall, making it a perfect floor plant or tabletop centerpiece when younger.

Essential Care Requirements

Getting the basics right is the key to a healthy, vibrant plant. The alocasia purple sword has specific preferences, but they’re simple to meet.

Light: The Key to Color

Light is crucial for maintaining that stunning deep purple color. Too little light, and the leaves will fade to a dull green and become leggy.

Provide bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or west-facing window is ideal.
Some gentle morning sun is okay, but avoid harsh afternoon direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
If you only have lower light, consider using a grow light to supplement.

Watering: Finding the Balance

Overwatering is the most common mistake. These plants like moisture but hate soggy feet.

Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Allow excess water to drain completely from the pot’s bottom—never let it sit in a saucer of water.
Reduce watering slightly in the winter when growth slows down.

Soil and Potting

A well-draining, airy potting mix is non-negotiable. A standard houseplant soil will hold to much moisture.

Use an aroid mix, or make your own with equal parts potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark.
Choose a pot with ample drainage holes. Terracotta pots are excellent because they help wick away extra moisture.
Repot every 1-2 years in spring if the plant becomes root-bound.

Creating the Perfect Environment

Beyond light and water, humidity and temperature play a huge role in your plants health.

Humidity & Temperature

As a tropical plant, it thrives in higher humidity. Average home air can be to dry, especially in winter.

Aim for 60% humidity or higher. Use a humidifier placed nearby for the best results.
You can also group plants together or set the pot on a pebble tray with water.
Keep temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature drops.

Feeding Your Plant

Regular feeding during the growing season supports those large, colorful leaves.

Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20).
Dilute it to half the recommended strength and apply every 4 weeks from spring to early fall.
Stop fertilizing in the winter when the plant is not actively growing.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

Yellowing Leaves

This can have a few causes. Don’t panic—just check your routine.

Older leaves yellowing naturally: This is normal as the plant grows. Simply trim them off.
Widespread yellowing: Often a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture and roots.
Yellow leaves with brown tips: Could indicate low humidity or underwatering.

Pests to Watch For

Like many houseplants, the purple sword can attract a few common pests.

Spider Mites: Look for fine webbing and stippling on leaves. Wipe leaves regularly and use insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs: Appear as small, white cottony masses. Remove with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Scale: Hard, brown bumps on stems and leaves. Treat similarly to mealybugs.

Regularly inspecting your plant’s leaves, both top and underside, is the best prevention. Catching pests early makes them much easier to manage.

Propagation and Seasonal Care

Want to make more plants or share with friends? The best method is by division.

How to Propagate by Division

The easiest time to do this is when you are repotting in the spring.

Gently remove the plant from its pot and brush away the soil to reveal the rhizomes (thick underground stems).
Identify a section with at least one growth point or a few leaves attached to its own rhizome.
Using a clean, sharp knife, carefully cut the rhizome to seperate the new section.
Pot the new division in its own container with fresh, well-draining soil. Water it lightly.

Winter Dormancy

It’s important to know that your alocasia may go dormant in winter, especially with less light and cooler temps.

The plant may stop producing new leaves, and some older leaves may die back. This is normal.
Reduce watering significantly during this period, only giving enough to prevent the rhizome from completely drying out.
Resume regular care in spring, and new growth should appear from the soil.

Styling and Companion Plants

With its bold color and upright form, the alocasia purple sword is a fantastic design element.

Place it in a neutral-colored pot to let the foliage be the star. It works beautifully in modern, minimalist, or jungle-themed interiors. It looks fantastic alongside plants with contrasting textures or lighter colors.

Pair with a Boston fern or a variegated pothos for a textural mix.
Place it near a burgundy rubber plant for a deep, monochromatic look.
Use it as a tall focal point in a grouping of smaller, bushier plants.

FAQ

Is the Alocasia Purple Sword toxic?
Yes, like all alocasias, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Keep it out of reach of curious cats, dogs, and children.

Why are the leaves on my purple sword losing their purple color?
This is almost always due to insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location with plenty of indirect light to encourage the rich purple pigment to return.

How often should I mist my plant?
Misting provides only a very temporary boost in humidity and can promote fungal leaf spots if overdone. Using a humidifier or a pebble tray is a much more effective and consistent method for raising humidity.

Can I put my Alocasia Purple Sword outside in summer?
Yes, you can! Acclimate it gradually to outdoor conditions in a shaded or dappled light spot. Bring it back inside well before nighttime temperatures drop below 60°F. Always check for pests before bringing it back indoors.

Why are the leaf tips turning brown?
Brown tips are usually a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering. It can also be caused by a buildup of salts and minerals from tap water. Try using filtered or distilled water and increasing the humidity around your plant.

With its stunning deep purple foliage, the alocasia purple sword is a rewarding plant to grow. Pay attention to its light, water, and humidity needs, and it will thrive for years, providing a spectacular pop of color in your home. Remember, it’s okay if you make a mistake—just adjust your care and watch how the plant responds.