Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants - Juliet Diaz 2020

Alocasia
A Compendium of Plants

ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES

strength, courage, balance

This lovely, broad-leaved plant prefers indirect sunlight and can grow incredibly fast. In the summertime, alocasia can produce a new leaf once a week, and each leaf will be larger than the previous one.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

While alocasias make wonderful houseplants, they are very toxic, as they contain insoluble oxalate crystals (the same crystals that form kidney stones) which, if ingested raw or undercooked, can cause the mouth and throat to swell up and feel like tiny knives are poking you.

Some alocasia species are poisonous, but similar plants serve as a food source and have medicinal purposes—so I don’t recommend eating alocasia or dabbling with it in this way unless you have deep knowledge of this plant.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES

Alocasia is a vision of beauty and enchantment. Her energy is strong yet subtle. She is happiest in an open space, where there isn’t a lot of clutter. Balance is her essence, and she prefers a space that holds the same. I keep mine near a big window, with a water feature placed near her to add balance to her space. A lovely flow of water makes her happy and amplifies her energies.

PLANT WISDOM

For a sizable plant, alocasia has an airy, majestic look and feel. She teaches us to embody balance and to stand in our power. With her spirit, anything is possible. She asks that you have courage in life, especially during hard times, helping you to understand that even in the hard, softness can be found. When you want to bring in new opportunities, sit and speak with her, meditate with her, and keep her close when you’re creating. She helps you seize opportunities as they come, and gives your heart the strength it needs to go after them.

Dreaming of this beauty can signify that there is something off balance in your health or life. I remember once when she grew and grew in my dream. I climbed her to reach the very top and when I looked down, I saw my life below me, like a blueprint. It was darker in some areas and faint in others. I stayed up there with her for as long as I could, and examined where I needed to pay more attention in my life.