Alocasia Teletubbies

Bright indirect light is ideal for Alocasia 'Teletubbies'.

An east facing window or a bright position protected from intense afternoon sunshine usually works well.

Very low light can slow growth and leave the compost moist for longer.

A suitable grow light can help during darker months, but avoid placing it too close to delicate foliage.

Water Teletubbies when the upper few centimetres of growing mix begin to dry.

Give it a thorough drink and allow excess moisture to drain away. During active growth, avoid repeated severe dryness.

In cooler months, check less frequently and reduce watering as the plant slows down.

If it becomes dormant, keep the corm from remaining constantly wet and resume more regular watering when growth returns.

Teletubbies sits around the middle of our Tap Water Diva scale.

Ordinary UK tap water is generally suitable, although very hard water can contribute to mineral buildup over time.

Rainwater or appropriately filtered water is an option if deposits become noticeable.

Consistent moisture and healthy roots are more important than using special water.

Alocasia 'Teletubbies' appreciates moderate to higher humidity, with around 60 to 70% a useful target.

Very dry air may contribute to brown edges or difficulty opening new leaves.

A humidifier or suitably ventilated plant cabinet can help. Good airflow is important too, particularly in more humid growing spaces.

Teletubbies prefers temperatures around 18 to 27°C.

Aim to keep it above 16°C during active growth and protect it from cold draughts.

Avoid placing it against chilly window glass or directly beside radiators. Warm, stable conditions are best.

Teletubbies prefers an airy growing mix that holds some moisture while draining freely.

Peat free houseplant compost combined with perlite or pumice and fine orchid bark works well.

Choose ingredients suited to the size of the roots, especially with smaller specimens.

Avoid dense compost that remains saturated for long periods.

Teletubbies benefits from occasional feeding while actively producing new leaves.

Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser, following the manufacturer's dilution instructions.

Avoid overfeeding, particularly on young plants or recently repotted specimens.

Reduce feeding as growth slows and pause during dormancy.

Repot Teletubbies when its roots need more room or the growing mix has deteriorated.

Spring is generally a good time, especially when the plant is actively growing.

Choose a pot slightly larger than the existing root ball, with drainage holes and fresh airy compost.

Avoid burying the base too deeply or disturbing healthy roots unnecessarily.

Teletubbies rarely needs pruning.

Remove completely yellow, dead or badly damaged leaves using clean scissors, cutting carefully near the base.

Leave healthy green foliage attached, even if a leaf has an unusual shape. That's part of this variety's appeal.

Wear gloves if handling cut stems, as Alocasia sap may irritate skin.

Teletubbies has glossy leaves with curves and uneven edges where dust can collect.

Gently clean them with a soft, slightly damp cloth or our Microfibre Houseplant Dusting Gloves, supporting each leaf as you work.

Avoid rubbing delicate new foliage or using leaf shine products.

Cleaning is also a good opportunity to check for pests.

Teletubbies can be propagated using healthy offsets or corms produced by established plants.

Separate a rooted offset carefully during repotting, keeping as many healthy roots attached as possible.

Corms can be grown in lightly moist perlite, sphagnum moss or another suitable propagation medium with warmth and bright indirect light.

Wait until the parent plant is well established before attempting division.

Spring

As daylight increases, Teletubbies may begin producing fresh leaves more regularly.

Spring is a good time to check the roots, repot if needed and resume feeding once active growth begins.

Adjust watering as the growing mix starts drying more quickly.

Summer

Warmth and longer days generally encourage the strongest growth.

Provide bright indirect light, suitable humidity and regular moisture checks.

Feed occasionally during active growth and protect the foliage from harsh afternoon sunshine.

Autumn

Growth usually slows as daylight levels fall.

Reduce watering as the growing mix takes longer to dry, and ease back on feeding.

Keep the plant away from cold windows and draughts. Occasional older leaf loss may be normal.

Winter

Teletubbies may remain leafy in a warm, bright home, although growth can slow considerably.

Some Alocasias lose foliage or enter a resting period during winter.

Keep it warm, water cautiously and pause feeding if growth stops. A healthy underground corm may produce new leaves when conditions improve.

Yellowing Leaves

May indicate natural ageing, excess moisture or damaged roots. Check how many leaves are affected.

Brown Leaf Edges

Can result from dry air, inconsistent watering or excessive sunshine.

Drooping Foliage

Check compost moisture, root health and temperature.

Soft or Rotten Corm

May indicate rot, particularly when the growing mix remains wet.

Small New Leaves

Can occur while the plant establishes or during less favourable growing conditions.

New Leaves Not Opening

May be linked to moisture stress, low humidity or pest activity. Avoid forcing foliage open.

Unusual Leaf Shapes

Often completely normal for Teletubbies. Check for pests only if new damage appears.

Pale or Bleached Patches

May result from strong direct sunlight.

No New Growth

Common during winter. Check warmth and light if growth remains slow in summer.

Fine Webbing or Speckling

May indicate spider mites. Inspect leaf undersides carefully.

Alocasia 'Teletubbies' can occasionally attract spider mites, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects.

Check the undersides of leaves, stalks and new growth. Spider mites can leave fine speckling or webbing, while thrips may cause silvery patches and small dark marks.

Because the leaves are naturally irregular, look for changes in surface condition rather than assuming every unusual shape is pest damage.

If you find pests, isolate the plant and identify the problem before treating it.

Alocasia 'Teletubbies' is harmful if eaten and toxic to cats and dogs.

Like other Alocasias, it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mouth and throat. Sap may also irritate sensitive skin.

Keep it out of reach of pets and young children, and wear gloves when pruning or dividing if needed.

Contact your vet if a pet eats any part, or seek medical advice if a child swallows some.