Alocasia cucullata

Buddha's Hand

Typical UK price

£8

Verified

Price by size

Sold, 90 days: 5
Middle half: £7 to £8
Last sold: 27 Sep 2026
On record: 11

Cutting/cormEstimate

7cm5 sold

12cmEstimate

MatureEstimate

Sale
Typical
Middle half
Estimate

Check a listing

for a 7cm pot

Open in the price checker

Search eBay UK Search Etsy UK

We may earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes the prices we show.

About Alocasia cucullata

Alocasia cucullata, commonly known as Buddha's Hand or Chinese Taro, is a highly respected species traditionally grown in Buddhist temples across Asia. It features broadly ovate-cordate, heart-shaped leaves that are highly glossy and bright green. The leaf margins are slightly wavy, and the pointed tips curve gracefully downwards. Slender green petioles support the dense clumping foliage, which arises from thick upright stems.

Native range

Native to tropical forest edges and wet valleys of Indo-China and Southern China.

China

Classification

Genus: Alocasia
Family: Araceae
Type: Wild
Growth habit: Upright, clumping, rhizomatous

Morphology

Leaf shape: Broadly ovate-cordate, heart-shaped
Leaf length: 20-30cm
Leaf width: 15-25cm
Petiole colour: Slender light-to-medium green
Venation: Radiating green primary veins
Texture: Smooth, highly glossy, leathery
Variegation: None
Growth habit: Upright clumping

Recent UK sales

Show older sales

For sale in the UK

UK shops

Shop	Stock	Checked	Price
House of Kojo established plant	Sold out	2 Nov 2026	£13
Conservatory Archives 19cm pot	Sold out	2 Nov 2026	£28

Current listings on eBay UK

By month

Month	Median	Sold
Sep 2026	£8	2
Aug 2026	£7	3
Jul 2026	£7	3
Jun 2026	£5	2
Apr 2026	£10	1

Before you buy

Widely available and inexpensive for the plain green species, so be cautious of collector-level pricing
For Variegated or Mint forms, confirm the variegation pattern in listing photos, since these command notably higher prices than the base plant and mislabelling occurs
Check the stem base is firm and upright; this species grows from thick rhizomatous stems, not a bare corm
Leaves should be highly glossy with a slight wave to the margin; dull or matte foliage may indicate poor growing conditions rather than a different form

Alocasia cucullata care

Substrate: A well-aerated, chunky aroid mix containing orchid bark, perlite, and a portion of standard potting compost provides the necessary drainage for this rhizomatous species. The dense clumping habit requires a stable base that does not remain completely waterlogged.
Watering: Allow the top third of the soil to dry out between waterings. Alocasia cucullata stores moisture in its thick upright stems and rhizomes, making it susceptible to rot if kept constantly wet.
Humidity: Maintain ambient humidity between 50% and 75% to prevent the glossy, heart-shaped leaves from developing dry edges. Standard household levels are often adequate, but supplemental humidity is beneficial during winter months.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength every two to four weeks during the active growing season. Reduce feeding significantly over winter when growth naturally slows.
Repotting: Repot every one to two years, or when the thick clumping stems begin to stretch beyond the container edges. Select a pot one size larger to accommodate the root system without trapping excess moisture in unused soil.

Common problems

Root and rhizome rot
Cause: Substrate that remains waterlogged, typically due to poor drainage or a pot without adequate holes.
Fix: Unpot the plant to trim away any soft, mushy roots, and replant immediately into a looser aroid mix.
Spider mite infestations
Cause: Warm, dry indoor conditions that encourage pest proliferation on the broad foliage.
Fix: Wipe the smooth leaves regularly with a damp cloth and apply a horticultural soap or targeted miticide.
Yellowing lower leaves
Cause: Natural senescence of older foliage, or a sign of prolonged moisture stress.
Fix: Assess the watering schedule to ensure the soil is not completely desiccated between waterings, and cleanly remove spent leaves at the base.

Gear for this plant

How to propagate Alocasia cucullata

Methods: Division, Rhizome separation. Step-by-step guide
Difficulty: Easy. Forgiving of missed waterings, average home humidity, and imperfect light. A solid pick for beginners or low-fuss collections.
Time to establish: 3-6 months
True from cuttings: Yes. Cuttings keep the cultivar's character.
Notes: This clumping species naturally produces offshoots, making division the most practical propagation method. Separate smaller offsets from the main rhizome cluster during repotting, ensuring each division has an established root system and at least one active growth point. Plant the separated sections in a chunky substrate and keep lightly moist until new growth appears.

Alocasia cucullata

Price by size