Alocasia
Disclamer: I’ve used a number of sources and also a level of my own knowlegage, In order to enhance the information within this blog. Developing our Knowledge on any topic, we should be actively engaging, in various ways of learning, remembering that what works for me might not work for you.
Have you guess it yet? I hope you can see through my business cards, website logo and photography that my love for the Amazing Genus Alocasia, is a firm favourite and a predominate Genus in my collection of indoor plants.
I represent a small insight as a lover of Alocasia, living in England, Cambridgeshire. The information written in this blog is things I have learnt through failure and Success over the 5 years of collecting Alocasia.
My First introduction to Alocasia started in 2019 With apparently a Challenging Alocasia for me she has had ups and downs. Now Ellie the Amazonica is in her 5th year of life rocking, once again after getting damaged and vacuumed. Thus began my obsession with Alocasia
My first 5 Alocasia. Honestly, out of these Five, only one has been replaced. This switch happened last year with the Green Dragon Scale. I now have 60 odd Alocasia, this includes baby corms and double ups.
Polly Amazonica, Cuprea Red Secret , Baginda Green Dragon Scale, Black Velvet, Baginda Silver Dragon
I often think with Alocasia to consider that most people that grow tropical house plants might struggle with Alocasia more than others. Which isn’t surprising in the UK considering the environment that we live in isn’t like that of Asia/Australia/ South American Climates.
I often find people questioning the most simple things:
Like maintaining more than three leaves
root rot
pests
brown stuff, soil mixes,
I know I have Freak out one moment when one leave suddenly Decides to go yellow, before I really started really getting to know this Genus myself.
I do not claim to know all the answers to these questions or whats happening as I’m still learning to. -
Before I tell you some top tips, lets explore what an Alocasia is and its natural Environments. Alocasia are a Rhizomatous plant with showy leaves and an arrow head heart shape in some cases. Alocasia Plants begin life as a corm, where the Energy is Stored once the corm becomes moist, roots will emerge to grow you Alocasia. Foliage comes directly out of the corm and not the leaf before. They use the energy Stored in the corm to produce leaves and flowers. They will maintain the leaves and flower as long as they recieve the correct care.
Once a leaf/flower is done it will not waste that energy as the plant will then take in the old leaf/ flower until they dry out and become Yellow, this is the natural process and cycle of the plant.
Within the genus Alocasia they're considered to be around 100 known species.
Alocasia in Araceae Family produces flowers on Spathe and spadix, can be hybridize.
-Originally found in Tropical and subtropical Humid Forests.
Alocasia plants typically grow in primary and secondary forests, early regrowth areas, and open swamps. They thrive on the forest floor, in leaf litter, and sometimes in humus deposits on rocks. Except for a few types, Alocasia plants are mainly found in lowland areas with wet conditions and deep shade. (Aroidpedia)
As you can imagine these places are also warm and recieve High temperatures during the summer months and high levels of humdity.
They can be found growing naturally in places like, the lower lands of the Himalayas, Malaysia, Australia Queenlands and New South Wales, Fiji and various other Asian countries.
The challenge for us as Alocasia growers in the UK is to maintain this throughout the year if this is not maintain and regular you can often find that Alocasia will react to this change by dropping leaves or growing slower to reducing to just the corm and roots again.
Growth does not happen during our dark and cold winter months in the Uk if you can not maintain warmth, humdity and light.
A sudden change in environment during the UK winter can encourage them to go dormant.
Certain areas of the UK have better more Humidity this could be that part of the country sees more rainful than others.
Some peoples houses are newer and find that heat retains better.
Older houses might not be a good at retaining heat.
Sometimes living in the middle flat above and below other flats this can also increase the temp.
The way your house faces can see a decrease in light.
My setup has a large north-facing window in the bedroom keeps it warm above 18 degrees or above in winter. I Also have grow lights and a heat mat during the winter months. The room's humidity is 65%-70%, while the cabinets and greenhouse have higher humidity levels. I use a hydrometer to help me measure the environment in my home. I also live in the fens which often floods and produces more rain. My house is New with Double Glazing, insulation and Central heating therefore it holds in heat better.
When I lived in Cambridge city centre my house was either freezing cold or too hot and often dry making it more diffcult to keep Alocasia happy during the winter months.
Jungle Floor’s Top Tips when Growing Alocasia:
One: Before purchasing, gather as much information as possible from the seller. Do not hesitate to ask questions - There is no limit. If the seller avoids answering or the photos seem suspicious, avoid buying.
Two: If the leaves of your Alocasia turn yellow after you get it, do not panic. The plant needs time to adapt to its new environment. It may lose some leaves during this adjustment period. Leave it for Two weeks before changing the medium its in.
Three: Don’t Faff or mess around with the Alocasia to much I would consider giving the leaves a wipe with rain water and a soft cloth recommend. If rest of the plant is Actively producing growth, do not chop off leaves or flowers let the natural process of energy transfer back into the plant. I recomend leaving them till they have fully dryed out and gone pale yellow.
Four: Soil mixes / semi hydro. If you check out my video page you will find some videos to help you with Semi-hydro. Also Remember that the roots the plants had before will be different depending on the medium. If you decided to change substrates, the plant will need to Adapt to the new substrate. In time for the plant to get used to the substrate, this will mean lossing old roots in the process.
Five: Soil Ninja Alocasia Mix is a perfect blend make sure you shake the bag before using it to distribute the mix so its evenly chunky and well draining. Sometimes I buy a extra bag of fine bark to add extra to the mix.
Six: Alocasia sensitive to environment changes. Use of hygrometer for humidity and temperature, will help achieve an Understanding of the plants needs. Choose one that will give you a 24 hour picture.
Seven: Do not let The Alocasia Dry out. Nevertheless, no prolong soaking. Clear pots or transparent pots will help you establish when they need Water. Recomended when they are actively producing leaves or flowers. Feed more during growing season. I recommend Liquid Gold Leaf for feeding.
Eight: The Best locations in your house to keep Alocasia is a bright Bathroom/ kitchen no direct sunlight. These places tend to have a higher humidity. When growing Alocasia plants bright in direct light is best. You will find further understanding, and recommended reading on my previous blog on increasing lighting.
Nine: Some Top First time Alocasia: Regal Shields, Gaganea, Cucullata, Pink Dragon.
Ten: Best top tip has to be Be Patience as with every plant your growing it has to adapt to your environment, sometimes it takes time.
I hope this blog helped you understand Alocasia a bit more to set you on your way to learning to love this Genus as much as I do. If you have a any burning questions comment below.
