Live Plants
Alocasia 'Melo'
Sold by Florida Plant · United States
Buy directly from Florida Plant. Final price and availability confirmed at checkout.
Alocasia 'Melo' (Alocasia rugosa), sometimes called jewel melo, has thick, jade to bluish-green leaves with a heavily textured surface. The leaves are so stiff and rough that they can almost be mistaken for an artificial plant. It is a compact, terrestrial
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alocasia, with leaves held on erect stems in a small rounded clump. That unusual texture earns it a place at eye level on a table or a shelf. It is very sensitive to the cold, so keep it away from chilly drafts. Why choose Alocasia 'Melo' Striking, tropical foliage that makes a statement Grows into a full, leafy, upright plant Pushes out bold new leaves as it matures Looks best: floor or low plant stand. What you receive One live Alocasia 'Melo', rooted in soil in a 4" nursery pot. Nursery pot and soil included; a decorative planter only if you select one. Live plants vary in height, fullness and leaf count within the pot size you choose; we do not publish measured shipping heights. Will it suit your home? Botanical name: Alocasia 'Melo' Light: Bright to medium, indirect; no harsh direct sun Water: when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. Difficulty: Beginner-friendly to moderate. Growth style: Upright, self-heading tropical aroid. Mature size: Grows into a full, upright plant over time — mature size can vary by growing conditions. Pet safety: Not pet-safe — toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. Keep out of reach of pets. Good fit: Philodendron and aroid fans · Bright, indirect-light spots · People who enjoy watching a plant grow and mature · Statement-foliage lovers · Beginners who want a full, leafy plant. Think twice if: Homes where pets may chew leaves — it is toxic to cats and dogs · Very dark rooms · Anyone who tends to overwater plants · Shoppers wanting a trailing or hanging plant. Delivery and arrival help Ships free within the continental U.S. from a greenhouse in Florida or California, carefully packed in its nursery pot with soil. Dispatched within 1–4 business days, Monday to Wednesday so plants don't sit in transit over a weekend; standard transit is typically 3–7 business days after that. Heat packs are not included automatically: in cold weather (below about 45°F at the destination) add Winter Plant Shipping Protection to your order, and in extreme cold or heat we may hold the order until it is safe to ship — we will let you know. If it arrives dead, severely damaged, or significantly different from the description, email photos of the plant and packaging to info@shopfloridaplant.com within 48 hours of delivery for a full refund or a free replacement ( refund policy ). Give your plant a few days to settle in; minor cosmetic marks from transit are normal. Care and common questions Light: Bright, indirect light keeps Alocasia 'Melo' looking its best, but it can tolerate medium indirect light. In lower light it grows more slowly. Avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. Watering: Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry — it likes to dry out a bit between waterings rather than stay soggy. Empty any saucer so the roots don't sit in water. Humidity: Loves higher humidity as a tropical aroid, but adapts to normal household humidity; extra humidity supports lush, healthy growth. Temperature: Typical room temperatures (roughly 65–85°F). Keep it away from cold drafts and heating or AC vents. Soil: A chunky, well-draining aroid mix (potting soil with bark and perlite) in a pot with drainage. Habit: Grows upright into a full, bushy plant — no moss pole needed; rotate it now and then for even, balanced growth. Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer; pause in winter. Pruning: Remove spent leaves at the base. Propagate by dividing the rhizome or potting up the small corms and offsets that form in the soil — it isn't grown from stem cuttings. Care tip: If lower leaves yellow or it looks sparse, check that it isn't overwatered and give it bright, indirect light. Want more detail? Read our alocasia care guide . How often should I water Alocasia 'Melo'? Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. It prefers to dry out a little between waterings rather than stay soggy. What kind of light does Alocasia 'Melo' need? Bright, indirect light keeps Alocasia 'Melo' looking its best, but it can tolerate medium indirect light. In lower light it grows more slowly. Avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. Is Alocasia 'Melo' pet safe? No. Alocasia 'Melo' is considered toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, so keep it out of reach of pets. Why are my Alocasia 'Melo' leaves yellowing or staying small? Check the potting mix first. If it is still wet days after watering, the roots are sitting in soggy soil — let the top 1–2 inches dry out, make sure the pot drains, and water less often. If the mix is dry and the leaves are small or pale, it wants more bright, indirect light. If neither fits, think about recent changes: a move, a draft, or a cold window. Continue the Collection Browse more Alocasias → Shop more t