06/14/2026
🌱 Let's talk Alocasia substrates!
I accidentally root rotted this Alocasia. 😅
At that point I figured, what's the worst that could happen? It was either going to continue declining or make a comeback.
So I experimented.
🌿 First, I moved it into moss and leca to encourage new root growth.
🌿 Once it recovered, I transitioned it into LECA.
🌿 Now it's thriving and even producing babies!
The truth is, there isn't one "best" substrate for Alocasias. What matters most is understanding how each option works and matching it to your care style.
🪴 Soil ✔ More forgiving ✔ Holds nutrients well ✔ Familiar and beginner-friendly. Easy to overwater if drainage is poor. If it's happy in soil, don't fix what isn't broken. I have 14 other alocasias that are perfectly happy in their soil.
🟤 LECA ✔ Excellent airflow around roots ✔ Easy to monitor water levels ✔ Great for people who enjoy semi-hydro growing. Requires learning nutrient management.
⚪ Pon ✔ Consistent moisture without staying soggy ✔ Great root aeration ✔ Less maintenance than LECA for some growers. Can be more expensive to set up.
🌿 Moss ✔ Excellent for rehab and rooting ✔ Helps stressed plants recover. Can stay too wet long-term if not monitored.
At Raven & Root, most of our Alocasias are grown in soil, and that's still what I personally use for the majority of mine. But this little experiment reminded me that sometimes changing the substrate can completely change the outcome.
👇 Poll time! What do you grow your Alocasias in?
🪴 Soil
🟤 LECA
⚪ Pon
🌿 Moss
✨ Something else
Bonus question: Have you ever saved a plant by switching substrates? Tell me your success story below! 🌱💚