Alocasiais a genus of tropic plant that have spectacular prominent arrowhead leaves and lustrous fleeceable foliation . Popular types ofAlocasiasuch as the African Mask plant ( Alocasia amazonica ‘ Polly ’ ) and Elephant Ears ‘ Tiger ’ ( Alocasia zebrina ) are ideal houseplants . Alocasiaplants thrive indoors in quick , bright collateral light , growing in dampish soil .
AlthoughAlocasiaplants are a flowering plant species , it ’s their telling leaves and dramatic foliage that make them popular . TheAfrican Mask plant ( Alocasia amazonica ) , also yell Kris flora , has striking dark immature triangular lead with pronounced creamy - white vein . TheAlocasia zebrina , also calledAlocasiaLeopard , has green arrow - shaped leaves withunusual and uniquepatterned arching stem with zebra - like patterns .
However , there are manyAlocasiahybrids , each with their own singular characteristics . At the end of this article , you ’ll find out more about eight stunning examples ofAlocasiaplants .
Facts About Alocasia Plants
Alocasiaplants are aboriginal to affectionate , tropic forests and jungleswhere they produce on the woods story . Species ofAlocasiadon’t survive moth-eaten winter or dry , desiccate conditions . However , they grow well in pots indoors as long as they get enough lighting and humidity .
MostAlocasiaspecies arelarge recurrent tropical plantswith huge leaves . For example , the magnanimous Night - Scented Lily ( Alocasia odora ) orAlocasia‘Mayan Mask ’ grow between 4 and 8 ft . ( 1.2 – 2.4 MiB ) improbable .
However , theAlocasiahybrid Amazonian Elephant Ear ( Alocasia amazonica ) and the little cultivar ‘ Polly ’ only arise between 1 and 3 foot . ( 0.3 – 1 m ) improbable . Similarly , theAlocasia zebrina‘Tiger ’ does n’t usually raise tall than 3 foot . ( 1 m ) .
BecauseAlocasiaspecies fare from the tropics , they only grow outdoors in USDA zones 10 through 12 .
Care and Growing Guide for Alocasia Plants
All metal money ofAlocasiaplants thrive in bright indirect light , uprise in a loose potting mixture with excellent drainage . Water the Alocasia plant often enough to keep the plant life roots more or less moist , and mist over the leaves daily to increase humidity to encourage riotous , healthy foliage .
Alocasiaplants ’ temperature range is between 60 ° F and 82 ° F ( 15 ° degree Celsius – 28 ° coke ) . These fast - growing houseplants need fertilizing during the growing season .
Light Requirements for Growing Alocasia Plants Indoors
Alocasiaplants turn best in a smart , sunny way but protected from direct sunlight . spate of spark encourage salubrious growth and ensures that the vivacious foliage hold its color . The best location forAlocasiaplants is near an east- or west - front window . In a Dixie - facing elbow room , keep the plant about 5 foot . ( 1.5 m ) from the window or protect it behind a sheer curtain .
houseplant such as theAlocasia‘Polly,’Tiger Alocasia , or Alocasia ‘ Frydek ’ are notplants that grow well in ghost or blue rooms . Insufficient light will have their ontogeny to decelerate down . Also , the leafage will lose their color , flex yellow , and eventually die .
The Best Soil for Alocasia Houseplants
get metal money ofAlocasiain poriferous soil that has excellent drainage . An ideal ‘ alocasia soil ’ mix would be equal section ofhouseplant dirt , peat moss , and perlite . These potting mix ingredients hold just enough moisture and provide fantabulous drain . WhileAlocasiaplant roots need moist soil , they do n’t like soggy , damp conditions .
get the soil mix right is a critical tutelage factor forAlocasiahouseplants . If the soil holds too much moisture , the tuberous roots can quickly waste and decay .
The combination of peat moss and perlite or domestic fowl grit help provide nutrient without too much wet . Peat moss is idealas a fecund soil amendment to encourage respectable growth . Inorganic topic such as oppress crushed rock , pumice , orperlite helps water drain fastthrough the potting mix .
How to Water Alocasia Plants
Alocasiaplants need lachrymation often enough to keep the dirt evenly moist . The practiced mode to know if your broad - leafedAlocasianeeds water is when the top 0.5 ” to 1 ” ( 1 – 2.5 cm ) is ironic . Provide enough water system to keep the grunge evenly moist . elephant’s ear plant do n’t like dry , arid soil , and they die out if the grunge is too soggy .
Alocasiaplants are more moody than other houseplant . Typically , with other indoor plant , soaking the soil and letting it dry partly is usually thebest plant tearing method acting . But withAlocasiaplants , it seems that irrigate piddling and often is the best way to keep the ground moisture level right .
It ’s good to think thatAlocasiaplants enter a period of dormancy . During the dormant wintertime stop , growth almost stops , and some botany can die off . So it would be just if you only wateredAlocasia amazonicaandAlocasia zebrinain wintertime when the top 2 ” ( 5 cm ) of soil is dry .
Temperature Range for Alocasia Plant Care
Alocasiaplants such asAlocasia reginula , Alocasia macrorrhiza‘Stingray , ’ andAlocasia baginda‘Silver Dragon ’ thrive in ardent room . Their ideal temperature compass is 65 ° F to 80 ° F ( 18 ° nose candy – 27 ° ascorbic acid ) for loyal , vivacious growth . The minimal temperature forAlocasiaplants is 60 ° F ( 15 ° C ) . It ’s vital to remember that cold temperatures can kill these warm - loving works .
Alocasiaplants prosper outdoors in USDA zone 10 through 12 . you could take your pot alocasias outside in the warm summer months . These plants can sum a tropic look to your patio , deck , or balcony . However , it ’s vital to keep the potted plant out of direct sunshine and cold drafts .
Humidity Requirements for Alocasia Plants
Alocasiaplants require humidity of between 50 and 60 percent to thrive indoors . Typically , house aviation is too dry for these moisture - loving plants . To boost healthy growing , mist theAlocasialeaves daily , utilise a room humidifier , or place the pot on a pebble tray half fill up with H2O to increase humidity .
How to Fertilize Alocasia Plants
Alocasiazebrina , Alocasia amazonica , and otherAlocasiahouseplant varieties benefit from supernumerary fertilization during the growing season . From spring until late summer , apply a diluted houseplant fertilizer every two weeks . Or you could use a slow - outlet industrial plant fertilizer to encourage healthy increment .
chemic houseplant fertilizer tend to cause a buildup of mineral salt in the potting soil . If you water your plant with water tap piddle , then other chemical could also affectAlocasiaplant growth .
To help keep your Alocasia plants growing well , use natural , organic houseplant fertilizers . These do n’t leave behind chemicals that can make root sunburn . When watering your plants , leave water out overnight in a jar to let the chemical evaporate and bring the water up to room temperature .
How to Repot an Alocasia Plant
Alocasiaplants do n’t need repotting often . These plants in the genusAlocasiatend to produce well in pots when they are slightly rootbound . In fact , sometimes repot anAlocasiaplant too often can stress the plant and make drooping growth for a while .
To repot an African Mask Plant or Tiger Alocasia , always choose a deal one size up from its current one . utilize an appropriate soil mixing for alocasias and transfer the plant to its new , larger container .
While repotting , check the roots for signs of decay or terms . If you have a bombastic Alocasia , such as theAlocasia amazonica , Alocasia macrorrhiza ‘ Stingray , ’ or Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘ Giant Taro,’repotting is an excellent time to propagate a new plant .
Propagating Alocasia Plants
Alocasiaplants are disseminate by etymon division or separating the plantlets . Alocasia flora have tuberous rhizome roots that you’re able to trim down into surgical incision to grow new plants . Or sometimes you will see small ‘ baby ’ plants growing near the plant ’s base . you could cut these off and embed them in a new pot .
When propagatingAlocasiaplants , it ’s lively to commend to keep them in a tender and humid environment . Also , do n’t be worry if the industrial plant maturation seems somewhat slow after propagation . The alocasias should come back to life-time after a few weeks .
Do Alocasia Plants Need Pruning?
It ’s rarely necessary to pruneAlocasiaplants . honest-to-god leaves deform dark-brown and give out off as novel leave appear on the plant . However , you’re able to trim yellowing or dead leave-taking to improve the plant ’s appearance .
Pests Affecting Alocasia Plant Growth
The mostcommon houseplant peststo affectAlocasiaplants aremealybugsandspider hint . Use a raw neem tree oil atomizer to getrid of these filthy creatures . All you need to do is meld 2 tsp . neem oil , a few pearl of fluid dish easy lay , and a quart ( 1 l ) of tender water in a spray bottle . munificently spray the leafage weekly to help polish off the pestilence .
right plant care is vital to prevent houseplant bugs from infesting your prized alocasias . Pests are attracted to weakAlocasiaplants that do n’t get enough sunlight , have too little wet , or are overwatered .
What Diseases Affect Alocasia Plants?
etymon rot can affect any species ofAlocasiaif you overwater the potting soil . check that that the territory is evenly moist but never waterlogged , squashy , or too damp . The tuberous origin can quickly start to decay if they uprise in overly - moist soil .
If you notice augury of overwatering — yellow leaves and swag maturation — hold off watering until the top 1 ” to 2 ” ( 2.5 – 5 cm ) of soil is ironical . However , if yourAlocasiadoesn’t fare back to life , you’re able to attempt to repot the industrial plant in a sassy potting mix . Cut off any all in function of the root before replant .
However , if the buncombe is across-the-board , you may have to discard the plant .
Are Alocasia Plants Toxic?
All plants in the genusAlocasiaare poisonous for cats , bounder , other animals , and man . According to theASPCA , Alocasiaspecies contain toxin that can make oral swelling and digestive upturned if take in . So , keep these plants away from pets or child if you have them at home .
FAQ About Growing Alocasia Indoor Plants
Why doAlocasiaplant leaves turn brown?
Alocasiaplant leaves that turn brownish are commonly a sign of insufficient humidity . To prevent brown maculation from appearing on leaves , mist the leaves daily to increase humidness . Sometimes , old leaves turn over dark-brown before dropping off . This is natural , and you should notice new leaves farm in their position if your plant life is healthy .
WhyAlocasialeaves turn yellow
Overwatering anAlocasiaplant is usually the reason leaves plow yellow . However , too much direct sunlight , stale conscription , pest plague , or a deficiency of nutrients can also be to blame for yellowAlocasialeaves . It ’s life-sustaining to place the cause of yellow farewell and rectify the takings .
What are the reasons for water drops onAlocasialeaves?
Sometimes you may notice a drop-off of piss on the tips ofAlocasialeaves which normally suggest that the potting soil is slightly too moist . However , drop on leaves are nothing to worry about as the plant is “ sudate ” to get rid of extra moisture .
How long isAlocasiadormancy?
All species ofAlocasiaplants have a abeyant period during winter . During this sentence , it ’s critical only to give the plant minimum water system and not fertilize them . Alocasiadormancy ends in spring when lifespan return to this tropical plant specie .
WhyAlocasiaplants have drooping leaves
Drooping foliation onAlocasiaplants is often a foretoken of under - lacrimation . To help vivify the works , give it a good lachrymation and ensure that the dirt stays slightly moist . Letting the soil dry out somewhat between lachrymation can helpAlocasiaplants keep proper , racy growth .
However , insufficient light , pests , or a nutrient want in the grunge can also lead in droopingAlocasiaplant growth .
Species of Alocasia Plants
permit ’s count at some of the identifying features and characteristics of popularAlocasiaplants . Some of these tropical plants are ideal as houseplants , whereas others grow well in big glasshouse .
Here are some of the most awe-inspiring motley ofAlocasiaplants .
Alocasia Amazonica
Alocasia amazonica
Alocasia amazonicais a stunning repeated houseplant with striking foliage . The Elephant Ear ’s works has large , gloomy - unripened arrowhead leaves with assume snowy or short green veins and wavelike edge . Alocasia amazonicagrows up to 3 ft . ( 1 m ) tall , and its eye - catching leaves can be 2 ft . long . ThisAlocasiaspecies thrives in warm , vivid , humid conditions .
Alocasia Amazonica ‘Polly’
Alocasia amazonica ‘ Polly ’
Also call the African Mask plant , theAlocasia amazonica‘Polly’is a pocket-size cultivar that is perfect for growing indoors . The compactAlocasiaplant has stunning glossy green leaves with greenish - white pronounced vein . Another lineament of the pointer - same leaves is their wavy edge , interchangeable to a kris or keris dagger — hence the other name ‘ Kris ’ plant .
scan our comprehensivecare guidebook to Alocasia amazonica ‘ Polly ’ .
Alocasia Zebrina
Alocasia zebrina
Alocasia zebrinais a tropical houseplant that has eye - catching prospicient arch stems with animal - like approach pattern . The dark green halt have creamy - white-hot or light green markings , which are the great feature of speech of this plant . Alocasia zebrinais also called the Tiger Alocasia , Alocasia‘Leopard , ’ orAlocasia‘Tiger . ’ Like otherAlocasiahouseplants , grow this cultivar in burnished , quick conditions with plenty of humidness .
Find outhow to care for Alocasia zebrina .
Alocasia Odora
Alocasia odora
Also called the Night - Scented Lily , theAlocasia odorais a breathtakingly sensational plant with Brobdingnagian boat paddle - shaped leaves . The big leaves grow up to 2 ft . ( 0.6 m ) recollective and 1 foot . ( 0.3 m ) spacious . Due to the sizing and figure of the leafage , this industrial plant is also call the Giant UprightElephant Ear flora . A feature of thisAlocasiaspecies is the pleasant fragrance it emits at nighttime .
Alocasia Micholitziana ‘Frydek’
Alocasia micholitziana ‘ Frydek ’
TheAlocasia‘Frydek ’ is a houseplant species that looks like theAlocasia amazonicabut with velvety looking leafage rather than showy ones . ThisAlocasiaplant ’s features are slight , arrow - determine leaves with off-white veins , fall in the foliage an attractive looking at . Alocasia‘Frydek ’ grows between 2 and 3 foot . ( 0.6 – 1 yard ) tall .
Alocasia Calidora
Alocasia calidora
TheAlocasia calidora , or Persian Palm , is a tropical flora with Brobdingnagian dismal gullible leaves . ThisAlocasiaspecies has unsloped growth . The ‘ Calidora Elephant Ear ’ plant has leaves that can be 6 foot . ( 2 m ) prospicient and 3 foot . ( 1 m ) all-inclusive . Overall , theAlocasia calidoracan grow between 5 and 9 ft . ( 1.5 – 2.7 m ) tall .
Alocasia Macrorrhiza var. ‘Lutea’
Alocasia macrorrhiza ‘ Lutea ’
The Golden Lutea Elephant Ear plant is a massive Alocasia plant life species with boneheaded yellow stalk , lime green leaves , and yellow mineral vein . Alocasia‘Lutea ’ is often called ‘ Golden Lutea ’ due to its lucky yellow shank . The plant ’s folio shape is typical of manyAlocasiaspecies — mold like an arrow ’s head with marked veining .
Alocasia Macrorrhiza ‘Stingray’
Alocasia macrorrhiza ‘ Stingray ’
The enchanting ‘ Stingray’Alocasiaspecies has guggle , oval leaves and a longsighted steer , making the leaves await like a stingray . The strange houseplant get up to 3 ft . ( 1 m ) tall and thrives in warm , burnished , humid conditions .
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