Alocasiaspp.
I ’ve always been one who favor the easy - tutelage houseplants – depleted - sustentation succulents and golden pothos and such . It takes something special to ease me out of my comfort geographical zone .
Alocasiais just such a plant . Its oversized “ elephant ear ” foliage and tropical vibe are so appealing , I volitionally put in the redundant work this slimly particular foliage requires .
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Photo by Rose Kennedy.
What ’s a little extra watering and creating a humid oasis here in the dry air of my home when such smasher and drama are the resultant ?
delineate with various common names including African masquerade party , jumbo taro , kris plant , and elephant capitulum , Alocasiaspecies boast big , beautiful leave that would be at home in the tropics , which is where they originated .
And that ’s what make them a little tougher to grow and care for than the average good deal ofphilodendronorspiderwort . They take precondition that mime the areas where they ’re native .
A few of their raise requirements let in humidity of at least 50 percent , home temperature of 60 ° fluorine or high , and plenty of lustrous , indirect spark .
If create that surroundings indoors sounds like something you ’d be willing to do , wo n’t you have me introduce you to some of the dramatic varieties in this genus ?
Once you ’re more familiar with what these plants have to pop the question , I ’ll also share tips on accommodate their specific grow needs .
Here ’s what I ’ll wrap up :
What You’ll Learn
What Is Alocasia?
plant of theAlocasiagenus are aboriginal to Southeast Asia , southern China , and easterly part of Australia .
They display their tropic line of descent with showy leaves in a mixed bag of radiation pattern and textures , and a warmness for bright , collateral light and wad of humidity , like to what they ’d receive in the understory of the rainforest .
The genus contains 97 recognized species , though most of those available to fooling indoor gardeners are often refer to as “ jewel ” multifariousness – compact plants that produce to a pair of ft marvellous in a home plate environs .
Alocasia is beloved by houseplant enthusiast for its telling foliation – brilliant or dark green leaf that can approach a foot long , with angular shapes and heavy veins of either green or white-hot .
Some sort have silvery foliage with deep green leaf edge and veins , and others have variegate leaf .
An endearing part of their outgrowth drug abuse is the way the glob of leaves produce vertically alternatively of sending out horizontal ball carrier , like many industrial plant that originated in the tropics do .
When grown outdoors , these plants flower in the spring sending up an inflorescence consisting of a primal chaff eff as a spadix surrounded by a spathe , interchangeable to that of apeace lily . They rarely flower indoors , however .
Like friends you ’ve had for decade , or your dear dog , alocasia get by many different nicknames , including African masque , kris plant , and elephant ear .
It apportion that last coarse name with a figure of other ornamental , include members of theColocasiaandXanthosomagenera .
Alocasia , Colocasia , andXanthosomabelong to the aroid or Araceae family , and have exchangeable ontogeny habits .
Xanthosomais also tropic , but it is aboriginal to South and Central America .
Alocasias can be cultivate as outdoor perennials in USDA Hardiness Zones 8b to 11 , and they can reach six to 12 feet when grown in ideal conditions in landscapes or gardens , reckon on the species .
In this guide , we ’ll focalize on growingAlocasiaelephant capitulum indoors , or as pot outdoor specimen that overwinter at heart in the parky months .
This genus offers drama in a potted plant .
Just a few of the hypothesis includeA. infernalisaka “ black magic , ” with shimmery imperial - black leaves;A. odoratavar.variegata , with heart - influence leaf flecked with different patterns;A.xamazonica , a crossbreed with shiny , arrow - influence leaves and vivid veins ; andA. sanderiana , aka the kris industrial plant or Sander ’s elephant’s ear , featuring dark light-green , glossy leaves with wide white gross profit and leaf veins .
One that I long to bestow to my collection isA. macrorrhizos‘Stingray , ’ a giant taro cultivar . It has striped or dapple markings on its erect stems and rib leave that have a tail on the ends that is resonant of a stingray .
It grows three to five feet tall – no aquarium required , unlike its namesake .
A. zebrinaalso features stems with dark-skinned green or brown stripes , and arrow - shaped leave .
Growing any of these types may need a few more care and surplus steps than you ’re used to seeing when you assay Spanish pointer on growing houseplants that are simpler to manage for .
I know this firsthand and can only say – it ’s worth that extra work !
Nurturing this tropic plant in my own home has required me to correct up an area with more consistent light , and higher humidity than my typical succulents require , for lesson .
But my reward has been a dramatic kris plant to enjoy indoors . And it is a sweetheart , with rumbustious , oversized leave and a tropical vibe you just ca n’t get from a tiny pot containing a more modest specimen .
If caring for this sort of houseplant sounds like a number of a stretching for you , welcome to the lodge . learn on for tips that will make the outgrowth of develop and manage for elephant ears more accomplishable .
A Note of Caution:
The insoluble atomic number 20 oxalate alocasia contains makes the leave and stems toxic to human being , dogs , cats , and horse .
In addition , it can get skin irritation , so it ’s advisable towear gloveswhen deal these plants .
To be secure , only grow alocasia where curious pets and children ca n’t reach out it .
Alocasia Plant Propagation
Because the leaves sprout from a primal rootstalk , you wo n’t be able to propagateAlocasiaby steady down root word or leaf cutting off .
It is potential to circulate the petite corm that farm at the alkali of the rootstock , but I would n’t recommend this method acting .
It ’s undependable and tedious , have many months and not needfully yielding any new works .
From Divisions
Happily , there are only a distich of step demand in propagating alocasia from divisions .
If you have a booster with a kris plant or an elephant ear of your own that ’s spreading via rhizomes , arise new specimen from divisions is the way to go .
This job is best completed when the plant is coming out of its winter dormancy .
But if you may see roots growing from the drain holes in the industrial plant ’s container , you may go ahead and repot , and grab any offshoots that have two or more leaves at the same time .
To freestanding offshoots , ease the entire plant from the mint with one hired hand , have it over a tabletop cover with paper or an empty , clean sink .
Using your free hand , tease out any offshoots that are already freestanding from the parent or that can be disentangled promptly . Be certain to keep the rhizome and roots entire with each cluster .
For clumps that are entangle with the roots of the parent industrial plant , apply a sharp , uninfected paring tongue to cut them away from the master rootstalk . Make trusted to keep the roots of each clump connected to the crown .
Plan to pot the lop or separated offshoots right out . show on for more specific directions .
Transplanting
Before you buy a plant from a local nursery or retail merchant , check that to pick up one that has a healthy people of color .
Avoid any that have discolored leaf , which could indicate a pest problem or that it ’s been growing in substandard conditions .
While it ’s a natural part of aging forAlocasiato drop a few leaves each year , circle of ironic , predominantly browned stems or leaf are sure signs of a plant that ’s on its way out .
Also , checker the drain hole at the bottom of the pot to verify the root do n’t have an off olfactory property . If they ’re slimy and browned or sense a routine like a full diaper , exceed on that one . It may already have a case of root rot , which is fatal .
If you ’ve purchased an alocasia online , be sure to schedule the delivery for a clock time when you ’re at home so you’re able to immediately unpack the specimen and get it into an ideal environment .
Most online suppliers will include directions for caring for the plant upon arrival , including whether it should immediately be repot or given water or not .
This mental process will vary a bit depending on how the grower pack the alocasia and how long it takes to reach you .
A healthy specimen can commonly stay in its grower ’s flowerpot for a few calendar month . Alocasia iscontent in cozy twenty-five percent .
If you notice a pot of outgrowth or the soil is dry out quickly , it may be time to place the buy plant in a new pot .
Whether you ’re potting up offshoot you ’ve separated yourself or transplanting or repotting a purchased specimen , the method is basically the same .
Be indisputable to pick out a tight - draining soilless mix formulated for indoor industrial plant .
One upright choice is Miracle - Gro Indoor Potting Mix , which isavailable from Home Depotin 16 - quart bag .
Miracle - Gro Indoor Potting Mix
For more specific onchoosing the veracious stain for houseplant , see our guide .
You ’ll also postulate a smoke with drain holes and a saucer to catch excess water as it drains out . The container should be about two inches wider on all sides than the transplant .
Fill the container about a third of the way with the mix , then place the organ transplant in position .
Some settling when you water is normal , so you may desire to moisten the territory gently with tepid water at this point and rent it drain before you add your plant life , so it will be easier to place it at the right height .
Fill in with more soilless mix to within about an column inch of the lip so the crown of the plant ride about an inch above the ground control surface , and gently tamp it down with your finger .
Place in a lovesome area that encounter brilliant , collateral light source with ample humidness , just like a ripe specimen requires .
How to Grow Alocasia Houseplants
It really pays to anticipate the needs of these industrial plant ahead of time , before investing in one of your own .
If you’re able to meet its demands , you ’ll have a beautiful tropic specimen to look forward to . First , count the following :
Temperature
Alocasiaspecies grow best at temperatures of at least 60 ° F and will suffer and start dropping leaves when the temperature is low than 50 ° farad .
If they ’re exposed to more than a day or two of temperature below 50 ° fluorine , they might out and out exit on you .
Light
Elephant ears need at least four hours per daylight ofbright light , but verbatim sunlight should be invalidate . vivid , direct light can lead to leaf singe and drooping .
If your home does n’t provide enough collateral born light source , you may desire to consider usinggrow lightsfor at least part of the daytime .
Humidity
This tropic beauty would really appreciate at least 50 pct humidity in its growing surroundings , which can be tough to achieve in a distinctive household .
To grow one at home , you may need to utilize frequent misting , add a shallow tray of water and pebbles beneath the wad , or even use an galvanising humidifier .
Watering
While they ca n’t tolerate tight pes or tolerate piddle , Alocasiaspecies do involve systematically dampish soil . Water when the surface feels dry to the touch , but verify it does n’t get waterlogged .
The soil should be more or less dampish at all times , not oversaturated .
Airflow
check that container are placed a good six inches asunder and out from walls for ample air circulation that curb disease and promotes healthy growth .
Avoid placement where they ’ll be strike by cold-blooded drafts , or long-winded spots outside . They ’ll languish on a chilly windowsill or near a draughty hearth .
Growing Tips
Maintenance
you may decompress a bit once your alocasia is plant in a hospitable grow environs , but you ’ll need to keep up the honorable work with a few maintenance chores , especially if you ’ve opt to bring your pot plants outdoors for the summer .
Pay attention to weather condition trends and diligently move your works back inside in the lead of coolheaded temperatures that will harm them .
It ’s best to be proactive , and move them as soon as temperatures dip below 60 ° F . While they ’ll probably live through several weeks of temperatures in the mid- to upper-50s , it ’s probably not worth the risk .
If you traverse weather patterns throughout the twelvemonth in your area , make a note of hand in yourgardening journalso you ’ll have an idea of when to bring these babies back indoors . As the common alteration in the atmospheric condition approaches , set out check the daily prognosis .
Planning ahead also gives you time to check for signs of blighter or disease before bring plants back in .
After plants have spent the frigid months indoors , make certain to give them a few days of gradual vulnerability to the out-of-doors when it ’s metre to move them back outside again .
They can be traumatise by an abrupt transition from warmth and artificial light to lower temperatures and stronger Light Within outside the house .
As for other maintenance chores , you wo n’t usually need to rationalise alocasia , but you should go ahead and clip off any dead or dry leaves when you see them .
When they ’re a couple of old age old , these flora will need repotting , but do n’t rush it . Alocasia like to be a bit close in its potful .
When it ’s time , you may note that roots are growing out of the drainage maw or that the soil no longer absorbs water as readily .
Be sure to only move to a pot that ’s a sizing larger than the previous one , about an inch or two encompassing on all sides .
And be sure to lightly tap wanton the old potting mixing from the root word during the conversion . Alocasia revalue a soil refresh every two to three years .
Alocasia Species and Cultivars to Select
Most of the varieties you come across at local retailers or online will be jewel types , meaning that they ’re little and highly desirable for growing indoors , either yr - round or in the cold calendar month in Zones 4 to 8a .
Here are a few to get you started :
Black Velvet
A. reginula , lives up to its common name “ inglorious velvet ” with green - dark , distinctly veined leaves that have a velvety texture .
As an add bonus , they sport purple undersides if you care to take a peep .
Appropriate for small place , A. reginulareaches one to two foot tall and spreads about two fundament extensive .
flora are useable in six - in potsfrom Fast Growing Trees .
Kris
A. sanderiana , aka the kris plant , has arrow - shaped leave that are profoundly lob at the edge . The glossy , coloured light-green leaf has white vein , and can grow up to 15 inches long .
Kris Plant
In the landscape painting , the kris plant can reach up to six feet tall , but indoors , it ’s improbable to attain this size , staying more in the two- to four - foot orbit .
you could ascertain kris plants in four - inch potsavailable from Walmart .
Polly
Also known asA.xamazonica , Polly is a loan-blend . Its glossy , dismal - green leaves can grow more than a foot long . These have angular edges with wide , blank venous blood vessel .
Its max height indoors is in the main about a foot , and it will spread five or six inches , making it a fitting selection for small spaces like an bureau or invitee lav where you might not have enough room for expectant tropicals .
Five - inch specimen in either wood or jute potful areavailable from Fast Growing Trees .
Zebrina
More of a landscape painting plant that can be farm as a perennial in Zones 9 to 11,A. zebrinaaka the zebra works , can also be cultivated as a sizable tropic houseplant .
With deep light-green leave of absence in the shape of arrowhead , its stem turn are patterned like a zebra ’s coat , though the colouration are light rust and green rather than mordant and white .
Alocasia Zebrina
While these may happen upon a height of five to 10 feet when grown in the landscape , they ’ll typically max out at three or four feet tall indoors .
you’re able to findA. zebrinaavailable in 10 - in agriculturalist pots from National Plant Networkvia Home Depot .
Managing Pests and Disease
Too little humidness , too little light , and temperature that are too cold are the most ominous foes for tropical alocasia .
These plant do n’t often face problems with pesterer or disease , but there are a few to look on for and forbid when possible .
Particularly if your alocasia spend the warm months out of doors , you may encountermealybugs , scale , orspider miteswhen they come back inside .
Be sure to check thoroughly and address any infestation before bring them indoors to keep spreading pestilence to your other houseplants .
Waterlogged soil or poor air circulation get about most of the notice disease hassle for allAlocasiaspecies . Eliminate those conditions , and you ’ll probably have footling to worry about .
The most potential issues are powdery mold , which look like a fine dusting of flour on the foliage , or root rot .
Powdery mildew is more easy handle . It may yield to a quick wipe or spray , or an software of neem oil . you’re able to learn , detecting , and cover this progeny in our guide .
tooth root rot is more deadly . If you notice foul - smelling or slimed brown roots , it may already be too late to rescue the plant , and plants with this status should be dispose of .
Planting in fast - draining soil , never letting them sit in tolerate water , providing adequate flow of air , and striving not to overwater your plants are your best options for successful prevention of fungal diseases .
Best Uses
In general , an alocasia plant will show a tropic vibe into your menage .
More specifically , it ’s idealistic to anchor a box of a brightly - alight modest quad , whether that ’s a home part with a window or the schoolmaster bath with a skylight .
While I would n’t produce it in a dish garden , since it gets so braggart , it is worthy as an upright focal compass point for a aggregation of potted plants .
Shorter indoor flower plants likeflaming KatyorAfrican violetscan bit as companion , or you’re able to continue the tropical vibe by placing alocasia next tocrotonin the home environment .
I detect alocasias also extend a welcome change for the type of black thumb gardeners who tend to toss off houseplants by overwatering .
If you like to tinker around and H2O often , alocasia will react well to frequent spattering of water that will keep the soil gently moist .
Mind you , it ’s still potential to swamp your elephant ear buddies , but they ’re a all right choice for the indoor nurseryman who likes to keep the piss come .
Quick Reference Growing Guide
Have You Come Across a Kris Plant?
I ’ll always conceive elephant ears a welcome upgrade to my indoor garden outer space .
I ’d never recommend them as a candidate for My First Houseplant or as a solution for someone seek to overcome a “ black thumb ” reputation .
But for someone who ’s ready to do a piffling more , who has already win with a less needy plant , alocasia could provide that modest measure up you ’re looking for .
And if you ’re aware of its handful of non - negotiable requirements , it will create a vivacious , topical temptingness .
Forinformation on other striking houseplantsyou might want to grow , check out these guides next :
Photos by Rose Kennedy © Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . Product photo via FastGrowingTrees.com , Home Depot , Miracle - Gro , and Walmart . Uncredited photos : Shutterstock .
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Rose Kennedy
