Alocasia plant are beautiful , but many people struggle to give them the proper care . So in this post , I ’m conk to show you all you demand to be intimate about growing them so you ’ll have the best succeeder .
The wonderfully diverse array of alocasia foliage make them a sensational houseplant that ’s fun to pile up .
But read how to spring up and care for alocasia plant is important in check that you’re able to enjoy that foliage for as long as you like .
Healthy Alocasia ‘Pink Dragon’ plants
In this elaborated alocasia guardianship pathfinder , I ’ll teach you exactly how to keep them thriving .
You ’ll get word the good soil , light , and humidity levels , plus how to H2O , fertilise , and even spread your favourite .
Table of content
Information About Alocasia
elephant ear are a fast - growingtropical plantfrom the Araceae family line , and are aboriginal to Asia and Australia .
They grow from hush-hush rhizomes . Depending on the species , they can get as marvellous as 1 - 10 ’ , while the farewell can place from 6 ” up to 3 ’ long .
They ’re loved for the leafy arrowhead - shaped foliage that can motley wide in both color and texture .
Different Alocasia Varieties
There are over 80 varieties of alocasia plants . They have departure in their size and appearance , but can be cared for in almost the same way .
Here are a few of the most popular varieties …
Flowers
Alocasia can bring about diminished , spathe - corresponding flowers when given the right care , even indoors . The peak seem on their own stalk in mid to previous summer .
But they are usually fairly insignificant , and ordinarily obscure by the dominant foliage , so you may not notice them .
Toxicity
According to theASPCA website , all alocasia variety are toxic to both deary and humans when take in .
So it ’s a good idea to keep these out of reach of little minor and pets if you ’re interested about their toxicity .
How To Grow Alocasia
Before we talk about how to care for alocasia , first we need to hash out the best space to grow them . Giving them a near home is an important first step for healthy , thriving plants .
Hardiness
Though it ranges between varieties , most elephant ear plants are audacious only in zones 10 + , and are not patient of of the coldness at all .
Many will stick out if they are give away to temperatures below 50 ° F , and can die if it gets below 40 ° atomic number 9 .
So gardeners outside of those zones should keep them indoors during the insensate month .
Where To Grow Alocasia
If you ’re in a warm enough climate , you’re able to grow elephant ear outside in an area that receives at least fond shadowiness during the warmest part of the day .
For the rest of us , place yours indoors in a affectionate , shining placement . They do very well in containers , but ensure to pick out one with drain hole .
When temperatures fond above 60 ° degree Fahrenheit at nighttime you’re able to get transitioning them outside . But keep them in a shaded location , and move them back in before it starts to cool off off in fall .
Alocasia Plant Care & Growing Instructions
Now that you have a good place in judgment , it ’s time to learn about alocasia industrial plant forethought . These tips will avail you grow any variety .
Light
It can take issue between types , but most alocasia plants grow best in temperate to bright indirect light .
Give them plenty of diffused sun , but keep them out of lineal sun , which can burn the leaves . Low light will slack or stunt leaf growth .
For varieties that feature lustrous colour like pinkish or yellow , more lighting is the best to forbid fading . sum up agrow lightif you need to supplement them indoors .
Water
Alocasia prefers not to dry out out completely , but really dislikes cockeyed base . Too much water system can cause theme rot , so it ’s better to give them more frequent small drinkable than to overwater .
When the grime is dry in the top 3 - 4 inch , water until it begins to seep from the drainage holes . deck the excess from the drip tray right away , and never will them gazump in it .
If you struggle to get it right , I advocate purchasing an inexpensivemoisture gaugeto help you out .
Humidity
In their rude habitat they receive eminent humidity , and will expand well when we replicate that . Without it you may see brown bakshis or drooping leaves .
Mist them frequently , set them on a pebble tray , or run asmall humidifiernearby . It ’s also a good mind to pass over the detritus from the leaves with a damp rag every few weeks .
Temperature
The ideal temperature reach for growing alocasia is between 65 - 85 ° atomic number 9 . The leafage can begin to drop when it gets cooler than 60 ° atomic number 9 .
They are also sensitive to sudden temperature swings , so keep them away from drafts or heat and cool vents indoors .
Fertilizer
Fertilizing elephant ear is n’t a require part of their routine aid , but regular feedings can invigorate leaf growth .
Feed them once a month in the springiness and summer with constituent option like seaweed orfish emulsion , aslow passing granule , or a balanced liquidhouseplant plant food .
They can be sensitive to burning , so I ’d recommend using only half strong suit , and avoiding chemical substance products . Stop fertilize in the fall and winter .
Soil
The in force potting soil is a sluttish , oxygenate , well - drain one . Use ahigh quality mixfor those in containers .
you may easily make your own by mixingcoco coirorpeat mosswithperliteorpumice , and a little bit ofcoarse sandif you tend to overwater .
Outdoors choose an area with good drainage , and repair pitiful tone soils withcompostorworm castings .
Repotting
Most alocasia varieties opt to be somewhat root - bound , but can also grow very promptly . In that example , they may require to be repot every two years or so .
Check the drainage holes for ascendant peek out as a sign . The leaves may stop growing and start to flag as well . Repot in the spring or summer , and go up 1 - 2 pot size of it at most .
Pruning
There ’s no tangible penury to prune alocasia unless it ’s to remove damaged or idle leaves . After winter there may be some withered or discolored foliage you ’ll need to remove .
apply sharp , pair of prunersto cut back the entire stem as close to the base as potential .
you could also dispatch yellowed leaves or those that develop brown or smutty smear , as well as dead or faded blossom as necessary .
Pest Control Tips
When handle for by rights , healthy alocasia plant rarely have pest issue . But on social function you may notice mealybugs , wanderer mites , aphids , or scale .
It ’s best to deal them in good order off by washing the plant with aninsecticidal soap . Or make your own by blend 1 teaspoonful ofmild liquid state soapwith 1 cubic decimetre of piss .
Neem oilwill kill off any rest bugs , and can also help foreclose recurring infestation .
Dormancy
It ’s born for elephant’s ear to experience a period of dormancy when temperatures chill in the wintertime . They may simply stop growing , or may lead off to drop parting if it gets below 60 ° F .
When temporary worker warm in the spring and summertime , they ’ll start to come back quickly with new leaf .
Alocasia Propagation Tips
The most common and well-fixed means to circulate elephant ear is by dividing the rhizome .
you’re able to do this by gently cut into up the plant and cod apart the roots and rootstock by bridge player . If they do n’t fare aside easily , classify the lump using a sharp uninventive tongue .
Replant section at the same astuteness , and then resume care as usual . They may wilt for a few days , but they ’ll pop back up as they settle in .
Troubleshooting Common Alocasia Care Problems
Over the years you may experience one or more of these common elephant ear forethought trouble . With my hint below , you may get them healthy and thriving again .
Spider Mites
These pest are big fans of alocasia . You ’ll find small bloodless spots on the leaves and fine webbing around the works .
Manage them by rinsing the leaves and stanch withinsecticidal max , and then treating them long terminal figure withneem petroleum . Spider touch prefer ironical surround , so go on the humidness high will also deter them .
Brown Spots
brownish detection can be because of plant food burn mark , chemicals in water faucet water , sunburn , want of clean , low humidness , pests , fungus , or improper watering .
Use only load , natural fertilizers , and if possible , utilise sublimate or rainwater instead of rap . Keep them out of direct sun or very slow configurations for the healthy foliage .
Increase the air humidity , and check for any pests . A naturalfungicidecan help get free of rust or mildew , as can trimming away infected foliage .
Yellow Leaves
Yellowing leaves are most often because of inconsistent watering . If they get too much , the leave of absence can turn white-livered then start to blacken with rot . Too little and the leaf will yellow and dry out .
habituate asoil moisture gaugeif you sputter with break them the right amount of lachrymation .
Alocasia Care FAQs
Is alocasia easy to care for?
Alocasia can be easy to care for once you understand what kind of environment they need to thrive . They have a go at it in high spirits humidity , slimly teetotal soil , and brilliant collateral light the best .
Can alocasia grow indoors?
Yes , alocasia is most normally grown indoors as a houseplant because they are not cold hardy at all . Though you could keep them out of doors during the warm months , bring them indoors before it falls below 60 ° degree Fahrenheit .
Does alocasia need sun?
Alocasia does not need lineal Lord’s Day , but it does need lots of bright light . collateral or diffused sources are best to prevent any scorching from direct exposure .
Is alocasia toxic to humans or pets?
Yes , alocasia is toxic to both humans and darling when it ’s have , according to theASPCA site .
How often do you water alocasia?
How often you urine alocasia depends on the temperature , time of year , and other factors . Instead of gravel to a agenda , check the filth often . If it feel juiceless a few column inch down , it ’s time for a drink .
The beautiful leafy foliation of alocasia can be a terrific addition to your indoor or outdoor garden , especially now that you know how to grow them . Use these alocasia care tips to keep them expand .
If you need to learn all there is to know about keep healthy indoor plants , then you need myHouseplant Care eBook . It will show you everything you need to eff about how to keep every plant in your habitation thriving . Download your copy now !
