alocasiaAlocasia

Alocasia, plant care and growing guide

Published on: January 10, 2022 Modified on: 26 April 2024

Alocasia-plant-care-and-growing-guide

Alocasia ( Alocasia sp. ) is a tropical plant with the appearance of a bush, which can reach 1.5-2 m in height. It is part of the Araceae family and is native to the Philippines and Malaysia. In some countries, it is used as a houseplant. It decorates the room with long petiolate leaves, colored in bright green, with large veins, wavy edges, which start from the base of the plant.

Species and varieties

Alocasia polly – it has large, metallic-green leaves and wide, silver ribs.

Alocasia macrorrhizos – it has large, intense green leaves with a long and succulent petiole.

Environmental conditions

Light. Alocasia prefers and grows very well in bright places, but does not tolerate direct sunlight.

Temperature. The optimum temperature is between 15-25° C.

Humidity. It needs moderate humidity, both in the substrate and at the atmospheric level.

The substrate. It must have a good drainage capacity. Alocasia grows well in a mixture of sand, gravel, and garden soil.

Watering

During the warm period (spring-summer), watering is done regularly, so that the soil is kept permanently moist, but it does not have to be done excessively. Starting with October, the plant should be watered less often. Atmospheric humidity should be kept high, especially in summer, by spraying the leaves or by placing the pot on a tray with gravel.

Fertilization

It is done through foliar feeding with fertilizers specially developed for decorative plants. From March-September the fertilization is done once every two weeks, and during the cold period, it should stop.

Repotting

It should be done in spring (March-May), but only if necessary.

Propagation

It can be done by cutting rhizomes or by removing the shoots from the base of the bush.

Diseases and pests

Alocasia is especially sensitive to the following pest attacks: mites, aphids, mealybugs. The plant is also sensitive to root rot and Phytophthora parasitica favored by excessive watering.

In addition:
  • caution! The sap of the plant is toxic, so it is recommended to put it in a place which is out of reach of children or pets.
  • placing the plant in direct sunlight can lead to discoloration of the leaves.
  • the basal leaves should be removed, after the yellowing and wilting process ocurs.

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