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' Frydek ' ( Alocasia micholitziana’Frydek ' ) . exposure by : Proven winner
Flaunting some of the boldest foliage in the houseplant realm , Alocasia , or elephant ’s spike , joins the social rank of plants likeMonsteraandDieffenbachiafor its ability to now fill a elbow room with leafy luxuriance . The deep veined leaf , some mature to more than a foot long , almost wait prehistoric because of their intriguing raiment of reptilian patterns and colors .
Despite their exotic appearance , alocasia will thrive indoors if given optimal condition . And though some works can rise to tree diagram - corresponding proportions in their native habitat , you ’ll find plenty of variety small enough to exhibit on a tabletop or in a well - lit corner , allowing you to make elephant ’s ear the focal point of any gay room .
On this page : Basics|Growing Tips|Care|Varieties|Troubleshooting
On this page :
BASICS
Botanical name:
Alocasiaspp .
Common names:
Elephant ’s ear , African masquerade works , gargantuan dasheen
Origin:
Native to semitropic regions of Asia and eastern Australia .
Growth rate:
Fast
Size:
Typically 2 to 6 feet marvellous and full when turn as a houseplant . you’re able to also encounter compact forms , sometimes call up “ gem alocasias , ” that range in height from 1 to 2 groundwork .
Foliage:
Heart- or arrow - mold , sometimes having wavelike leafage border . colour range from upstanding to variegated , in shades of gray , green , silver , maroon , or white . Leaf grain can depart too , from smooth and glossy to racy and velvety . Depending on the cultivar , the leafage can be as minuscule as a few inches retentive to as large as 3 foot in duration and width .
Flowers:
May on occasion produce creamy livid or light green spathes , similar to those of its aroid cousin , thepeace lily .
Are alocasia plants toxic?
Yes ! All parts of the works contain calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to wiener and cats . The sap can also nettle the skin and eye . Keep out of range of children and pets ( see thisguidance from the ASPCA ) . Also , wear gloves when address the plant .
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Mythic ® Dragonite ™ alocasia .
GROWING ALOCASIA PLANTS
Light:
Place in a locating that obtain bright , indirect visible light , such as near an east- or west - facing window . Keep out of verbatim sunlight , which can sear the foliage .
Temperature:
aboriginal to tropic wood and jungles , Alocasialove greenhouse - like shape , with room temperature between 65 ° to 80 ° F. Keep aside from cold drafts , and do n’t let out plants to temperatures below 60 ° F. Also forfend placing near heating or cooling vents .
Humidity:
Like most tropical plants , Alocasiaflourish in humid environments and prefer humidity levels of 50 % or high , which can be a challenge to maintain indoors . In drier arena of the home , keep your plants hydrated by using a humidifier , misting the leaves on a regular basis , or setting them on a tray filled with pebbles and water .
Soil type:
employ a loose , well - draining potting mix that has good wet retention , such as a soillessaroid pot mix . Or amend a regular potting mix by summate perlite to meliorate drain , and ground coconut coir for moisture control .
Propagation:
Alocasia plants can be propagated by separate the rhizomes or separating offsets during repotting . practice a clean , sharp knife to separate a healthy outgrowth with ascendant attached , and replant it in new soil . Keep it in a strong , humid spot with collateral lighting until established . * See note below on circularize patented plants ( check your plant tags for ® or ™ symbols next to the plant name ) .
GROWING ALOCASIAS OUTDOORS
Alocasiacan be grown in the garden as a perennial in zones 9 to 11 and as a summertime annual elsewhere , planted in a location that receives dappled sunlight , such as under a covered porch or tree canopy . If you want to overwinter your plant life indoors , grow them in deal and land them inside if temperature are expected to dip below 60 ° F for a prolonged flow .
instruct elephant spike plantsin the garden .
ALOCASIA CARE
Watering:
alocasia are very finicky about their piddle requirements and do n’t care soil that ’s either too dry or too squashy . During the active mature season ( springiness through nightfall ) , water on a regular basis to keep the soil evenly moist , or whenever the top layer of ground feels dry to the touch . During the winter , when works are dormant , water less frequently .
Alocasias are also raw to atomic number 17 and other chemicals and minerals in dab water , which can cause leaf spotting . Use distil or strain pee , or let tap water supply sit overnight to appropriate the chemicals to evaporate .
Fertilizing:
Feed with a dilute fluid fertilizer for houseplant once or twice a calendar month during the growing time of year ( spring and summertime ) , withhold plant food during the late declension and winter quiescency menstruation . re-start your feeding agenda once your plant riposte to life in spring .
Pruning:
Because elephant ’s ears are tight - growing , it is normal for older leave-taking to turn brownish and wither as Modern farewell appear . To keep your plants attractive , remove any dead or discolored foliage by cut the foliage stem at its stem using a neat knife or hand pruners . Be sure to wear baseball mitt to fend off skin contact with the sap from the excision stem .
Leaf care:
The large leaves of alocasia are groovy dust collectors . To keep them decent and healthy , clean them often with a dampish cloth , which will improve their ability to absorb light . becloud the folio will also avail keep them detached of dust buildup .
Repotting:
Alocasiaprefers to be slightly potbound , so repotting is only necessary when you notice the roots push through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot or go forth from the soil aerofoil . opt a new pot about 1 to 2 in turgid in diam than the original , preferably a nonporous plastic or ceramic container that wo n’t wick wet out of the grunge .
Even if you do n’t need to repot , it ’s a good idea fill again the soil every couple of year to meliorate plant wellness .
Because alocasias develop from tuberous rhizome , the easy way to distribute them is to divide the rhizomes into sections . Remove your plant from its pot , shake up off the excess grunge , and lightly tease the roots asunder to separate the outset from the mother plant life , take aim care to leave the rootage system on each section intact . For the greatest success , spread your elephant ’s auricle during the spring or early summer , when the plant is coming out of winter dormancy .
Pests and diseases:
Keep an eye out forspider mites , mealybugs , thrips , andaphids . ( See more onhow to get rid of pests on houseplants . ) Alocasias are also prone to rout putrefaction if allowed to ride in soggy soil . check that there are sufficient drainage holes in the bottom of the pot so spare water supply will run out completely .
ALOCASIA VARIETIES
pic by : Proven Winners
mythological ® Jungle Music ™ —Buy now from Proven WinnersAlocasia amazonica
mythical ® Jungle Music ™ captivates with medium green , arrowhead - shaped leaves atop striking zebra - striped petioles . A thick version ofAlocasia zebrina , it pop the question the same rain forest good luck charm with small-scale leaves and shortsighted halt , unadulterated for indoor infinite .
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Mythic ® Longiloba — Buy now from Proven WinnersAlocasia longilobaAfrican mask plant
Mythic ® Longiloba showcases deep fleeceable leaf with striking white veining atop chocolatey - purple petiole . Its elongated , dramatic foliation add sheer elegance , thriving indoors with a polished , glossy looking that ’s certain to impress .
Mythic ® ache for You ™ —Buy now from Proven WinnersAlocasia scalprum
This compact alocasia has inscrutable green , leathery , arrowhead leaves engrave with intricate veining . Its way-out charm lies in the room its glossy leaves twist and curl , bring whimsical texture to any space .
Mythic ® Rumpelstiltskin ™ —Buy now from Proven WinnersAlocasia sinuate
mythical ® Rumpelstiltskin ™ feature thick , crinkled leaves in mottled shades of unripe , reminiscent of its storybook namesake . While it wo n’t spin straw into gold , its enrapture grain and whimsical charm add a touch of thaumaturgy to any blank space .
mythical ® ' Frydek’Alocasia micholitziana
Commonly called “ gullible velvet ” because of the velvety grain of its deeply lobed leaves , which are heavily etched with creamy white nervure that are visible even from a distance . Reaches a height of 2 to 3 foundation , with the farewell produce up to 18 inches in length .
exposure by : Kraiwit Settee / Shutterstock
' Polly’Alocasia amazonica’Polly '
A compact multifariousness featuring lush dark unripened foliation accented by big white veining , rippled edges , and maroon undersides . Grows up to 2 metrical unit marvellous and wide , with the arrowhead - shaped leaves reaching up to 16 inch in length .
pic by : Karl Gercens / Flickr
' diminutive Dancer’Alocasia’Tiny Dancer '
This strange hybrid has dainty foliage ( by alocasia standards ) that appear to trip the light fantastic and sway above the slender green stalks . The stems come out at dissimilar times , give way the industrial plant an elegant , tiered expression .
Photo by : weerastudio / Shutterstock
Giant TaroAlocasia maccrorrhiza
Also called “ giant elephant ’s auricle ” because of its telling stature and crack - sized leaves , this massive works can grow to 6 foot or magniloquent and is perfect for pee a bold instruction on a porch , terrace , or front entryway . Unlike the leafage of most elephant ’s ear , the glossy lime - green farewell point upward , held erect by thick , sturdy stalks .
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TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON PROBLEMS: ALOCASIA
- REGARDING PROPAGATION : When it hail to broadcast patented plants , there are strict rules in place forbid reproduction or propagation of these plant life in any means . This means you ca n’t regurgitate them ( even for use in your own garden ) , sell them , or wreak them into the country without permission . The law does not make exceptions for what some might view small-scale infringement . Any unauthorized employment of patented plant is considered an infringement .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anne Balogh is a longtime gardening author and editor in chief for Garden Design , with over 20 years of experience wrap up everything from container planting to landscape painting trends . She draws inspiration from her own Zone 5 garden in Illinois , where she experiments with hardy perennials and flowering yearbook .
