Caring For Alocasia: popular plant species and answers to frequent questions

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Alocasia is a beautiful plant that can be a great addition to any home. However, it is important to remember that Alocasia requires special care in order to thrive. In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to care for your Alocasia plant!

What kind of plant is Alocasia?

What kind of plant is Alocasia?
Photo from @indajunglevibe

Alocasia is a genus of plants that grow in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and the Americas. They are often called “elephant ears” because of their large, thick leaves. Alocasia come in many shapes and sizes, but they all have certain characteristics: beautiful dark green foliage with wide streaked stripes throughout the leaf. Some species have unusual leaf shapes, with scalloped edges, while others are regular ovals and others have a sharp tip.

Alokasia stingray

Alokasia stingray
Photo from @alocasiabandung

The species has beautiful wavy and large light green leaves. They grow from the thin branches of the trunk like lilies on water. Each leaf has a sharp, peak-like edge that resembles the thin spout of an insect. In the wild, the species grows in the forests of Southeast Asia. Toxic to animals and humans.

Alokasia indoor

Alokasia indoor
Photo from @roni_flower16

One of the most popular species of alocasia, which will look very beautiful in any interior. This type of alocasia has long and massive leaves with wavy edges. The color of the leaves is a rich emerald, and the veins are cream or lettuce in color. The plant grows up to 18 inches tall and 16 inches wide.

Alocia cuprea

Alocia cuprea
Photo from @astryaulandari

Cuprea alocasia has bright veined leaves that are dark green on the outside and silvery on the inside. The entire leaf is covered with fine hairs, giving it a velvety texture. When kept indoors, the plant can grow up to 24 inches tall and wide. This species likes more humidity than other alocasias. There are also species with purple and pink leaves, which look very pretty against the white veins.

Alocasia macrorrhiza Stringray

Alocasia macrorrhiza Stringray
Photo from @elsiexie

This species of alocasia is also known as the elephant’s ear and is native to Asia. This species has large, round, heart-shaped leaves with a pronounced apex at the top. The leaves have a blue-green hue that can darken over time. They grow to 4-6 feet tall and 4 feet wide with long stems.

Care of Alocasia

Watering

Acolasia does not like a lot of water and reacts extremely negatively to waterlogging of the soil. The pot under the plant must have a drainage hole, otherwise stagnant water will spoil the roots. Acolasia is very susceptible to root rot, so all excess water should drain away, through drains. Water the plant deeply, but not often. Ideally, you should wait until 25/50% of the soil in the pea is dry.

Lighting

Alocasia is very demanding to light. It should not be given bright direct sunlight, as it will lead to leaf scorch, also do not put the Alocasia in a shady place, as this will slow down its growth. The best thing for her, is to provide her with bright indirect sun, or purchase a special bulb for growing plants.

Soil

Soil
Photo from @suparlerk_youngmode

The soil should have good drainage and the following pH: 5.5-6.5. It is acceptable to use a soil mixture that will provide good crumbliness, for example loose loam.

Temperature and humidity

Alocasia should not be exposed to sudden changes in temperature, nor should it be left out in a draft or cold. It does best at temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahringey. Humidity for alocasia should be high. It is best if you put an automatic water sprayer near the plant. It is also acceptable to place a tray with pebbles.

Fertilizer

During each month of spring and summer, an all-purpose fertilizer should be applied to the soil for the alocasia. Apply at a rate of 20-20-20, but be sure to moisten the soil before applying so as not to burn the roots.

How much sun does a Alocasia need?

How much sun does a Alocasia need?
Photo from @gweniaflora

Alocasia needs plenty of sunlight, but it must be diffused. In the wild, the plant blooms under the crowns of trees, so it receives already filtered light. The same effect is desirable to provide alocasia in domestic conditions.

How do I keep my Alocasia happy?

The alocasia will be much happier if left alone for the winter. It is important not to give it much water during this period, so that more often the soil remains completely dry. Water the alocasia once a week and also keep it away from drafts and heaters.

How do you make Alocasia grow more leaves?

If your plant grows slowly, or has small and sparse leaves, it means that it does not get enough sunlight. To increase the number of leaves, it is important to provide your alocasia with plenty of bright but not direct sunlight. Doing this, will ensure that the alocasia has dense foliage.

Should I cut off dying Alocasia leaves?

Should I cut off dying Alocasia leaves?
Photo from @minvew79

You can trim back dead leaves that have already lost their color. But you can also leave them, because this is a natural aging process and the alocasia will shed them in time.

What does an overwatered Alocasia look like?

If the alocasia has been watered a lot, it will have a droopy, downcast appearance. Also, black and brown spots may appear on its leaves, and the soil may show signs of mold.

How do you make Alocasia bushy?

Again, for the alocasia to be bushy, it is important to provide it with plenty of bright but indirect sun. It is also important to cut off excess leaves in time to give it a nice bush shape.

Do Alocasia need to be repotted?

If your alocasia is already large enough, it should be transplanted every 18 or 24 months into a pot 4/5 of an inch larger than the previous one. It is best transplanted in the summer, when the plant is strongest and most active.

How do I propagate my Alocasia plant?

How do I propagate my Alocasia plant?
Photo from @new_life_for_cat

Alocasia can be propagated from tubers. It is necessary to pull the adult alocasia out of the soil carefully so as not to damage its roots and carefully cut off its tuber. Then place the tuber in a container with water and wait for the first sprouts. After that, the seedling can be transplanted into the soil.

Nick Wayne

Gardening and lawn care enthusiast

Nicolaslawn
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