Tropicals & Tender Perennials: For my Purple Alocasia, 1 by Bward

Bward wrote:
Does anyone know a mail order source for lava rock that I can use in potting my temperamental purple alocasia. Every winter I have rot to many of the alocasia. I use perlite (a lot of perlite) and some Jungle Grow potting soil. I added bottom heat from a bed with sand and heating cables but I still have rot on some of the alocasia. With the heat, all of they have not been going dormant-at least most of them remain growing or at least not dying. I hold back on the watering. I have read that the Lava rock (tiny) works well.
Every year I try something else in hope that one day my alocasia and I will come to an understanding-no more dying on me!!! Yet, there appears to be something wrong with me-I keep buying these temperamental plants.
I would really appreciate any help. Thanks
Barbara