How do you make alocasia grow big?
The amount of light the plant receives will dictate how quickly it grows. If you want your plant to push out new leaves actively and produce the large leaves it is known for, then make sure the alocasia is in a spot where it can receive plenty of bright indirect light.
Do all alocasia grow big?
You will rarely need to upgrade the pot size, and should only do so during late Spring and early Summer so that the plant has time to adjust before Winter kicks in. Most Alocasias will grow huge even in a small pot.
How big can alocasia plants grow?
Typically 2 to 6 feet tall and wide when grown as a houseplant. You can also find compact forms, sometimes called “jewel alocasias,” that range in height from 1 to 2 feet.
Can you grow alocasia from cutting?
Alocasia plants are tuberous, which means they sprout from a central rhizome. Because of this, unlike many other houseplant species such as Monstera, it's not really suitable for propagation by means of taking cuttings.
What is the lifespan of an Alocasia?
Size and Growth An Alocasia Polly plant has an average lifespan of about 5 years. However, since it can be propagated by divisions you can always have fresh young plants growing.
Why is Alocasia so hard to grow?
The tricky part about growing Alocasia is in the humidity; they prefer 60 to 70% humidity. What is this? Anything less than 60% humidity is not enough to create conditions in which your Alocasia will thrive. As most homes are not nearly that humid, the use of a humidifier is recommended.
Do Alocasia like deep pots?
Choose a container that's at least 18 inches wide and 16 inches deep for Colocasia varieties, or 36 inches wide for the larger Alocasia varieties. Using large pots will allow these plants to develop to their greatest potential and it also means you won't need to repot them for several years.
How long does it take an Alocasia to mature?
Expect top growth to emerge in 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the availability of warmth and moisture. These large plants will grow tall throughout the season and often develop side plants from bulb offsets or root runners.
What is the largest Alocasia plant?
Alocasia macrorrhizaAlocasia macrorrhiza, also known as giant taro, is the largest species of Alocasia in the world. In the ground, this plant can reach up to 15 feet in height. The leaves alone often grow to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide!
How do you multiply Alocasia?
Gently lift the plant out of the soil– there should be many long tubers just underneath the ground (those growing in containers can be gently pushed from the plant). Brush the soil away and carefully divide the tubers— each of these will grow into a new plant of its own.
Does Alocasia root in water?
Place the cutting in a pot with fresh potting soil. Pour a little water around the cutting, so that the soil is slightly moist. You can also place the Alocasia cuttings in water. Although not every Alocasia specie is suitable for water propagation.
How long does it take Alocasia to root?
"After a few weeks, you'll notice the tip getting longer and roots beginning to grow on the sides of the corm. The process from corm to first leaf can take 1-4 months!” She emphasizes that patience is key during this process.
Which Alocasia is the biggest?
Alocasia macrorrhiza, also known as giant taro, is the largest species of Alocasia in the world. In the ground, this plant can reach up to 15 feet in height. The leaves alone often grow to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide!
What is the smallest Alocasia?
With dark, velvety leaves gilded with silvery veins, Alocasia reginula 'Black Velvet' is a gorgeous little plant. What is this? In fact, it's probably the smallest of all the jewel alocasias, making it a great fit for terrariums of all sizes.
How long does it take for Alocasia to mature?
Water and fertilize regularly. Plants can typically take up to 600 days to mature. Before first fall frost, dig up the pots and bring them inside where they can overwintered.
Which is bigger Alocasia vs Colocasia?
Most varieties of Colocasia grow between three to ten feet, but have been known to vary in size from 8 inches to over nine feet. Alocasia varieties are smaller than Colocasias with their average height being between two to six feet.
How often do Alocasia plants produce new leaves?
In the warm summer months, Alocasia plants can produce a new leaf every week, and each new leaf can be twice the size of the previous week's. The leaf shapes can vary from slim arrowheads to wide heart-shaped leaves. have colorful veins and a variety of textures from thick, waxy, slick, and glossy.
Why are Alocasia plants hybridized?
Alocasia plants are primarily hybridized because of the appeal of their leaf form, color, and size. Consider these varieties: Alocasia sanderiana, also known as the Kris plant, has extremely dark green foliage and provides an exotic-looking houseplant.
How to raise humidity around elephant ear plants?
They require, and thrive in, very humid environments. To raise the humidity around your plant, place it on a tray filled with pebbles and then add water until it rises to just below the bottom of the pot. Keep them away from cold drafts from windows, doors, and air conditioning.
What is the name of the plant with arrow-shaped ears?
Large rhizomes or tubers produce enormous heart-shaped or arrow-shaped ears, leading to the popular common name, elephant's ear.
What pests are in Alocasia?
Common pests of Alocasia include mealybugs, scale, aphids, and spider mites. Every few weeks, spray the plant with warm soapy water to prevent these pests and keep the plant dust-free. If an infestation occurs, use ultra-fine insecticide oil or neem oil. These products will kill the pests and their eggs.
How big is an alocasia?
Alocasia. Common Name. Alocasia, elephant ears. Plant Type. Tropical plant grown as a houseplant in non-tropical climates. Mature Size. 2–15 feet in height; 2–8 feet in spread (depends on species and variety) Sun Exposure.
Can Alocasia survive in shade?
Most Alocasia species will survive in shade, but they often appreciate slightly brighter filtered sunlight. The bigger varieties can be trained to handle the full tropical sun.
How to propagate Alocasia Portora?
Alocasia Portora can easily be propagate by separating its rhizomes. There are other ways to propagate the plant. However, I’ve found that this is the most straightforward way.
How to dig a hole for alocasia?
In the ground, you want to dig a hole that’s wider than the plant and come from the outside going inwards as you go deeper. This way you don’t damage the plant with the shovel or spade. Be very careful with alocasia plants especially when pulling them out since the stems and roots at the bottom are fairly soft and will easily get damaged.
How humid is Portora?
Similarly, the Alocasia Portora favors humid conditions, ideally over 50%. It will likewise have no problems if humidity goes over 70%.
How far do sage leaves spread?
Also, its large leaves will spread a bit outwards even if they have an upright growth habit. This allows them to cover around a 5 foot spread from side to side.
Do orchid mixes come packaged?
These are not regularly packaged like orchid, cactus and succulent mixes. Instead, they’re more specialty blends so you do need to look around for shops that make aroid mixes.
Is Alocasia Portora hardy?
The Alocasia Portora is hardy to USDA Zones 7b to 11. As such, it can tolerate more cold climate than most houseplants. In fact, it can take a bit of light frost without sustaining damage.
How to propagate an alocasia?
These thick roots will store extra water for the plant. The nodes are located on the roots, so to propagate an Alocasia, remove a section of the root and plant it in soil. Given enough time and the right conditions, a new plant will sprout from the rhizome. More Plant Care.
How to keep alocasia from growing too fast?
Rotate the pot a quarter turn every time you water your Alocasia. This will ensure the plant receives even sunlight and will prevent it from growing towards the light and becoming top-heavy. This is a helpful tip for all houseplants, but since Alocasia can grow rather quickly it is particularly helpful for this plant.
What is an alocasia plant?
Alocasia have a very commanding presence. This is a plant that pulls you in with its striking looks and undeniable charm and adds effortless style to any end table or bookcase.
How to get rid of dampness in houseplants?
If you live in a drier climate or just don't have an area with enough humidity, then consider using a humidifier or a pebble tray with water. Both of these options can help give these plants the extra boost of dampness they crave.
Why do alocasias have large leaves?
In nature, these plants grow underneath a tree canopy, so the Alocasia naturally develops large leaves to help give it an edge over other plants when it comes to soaking up sunlight. Some varieties of Alocasia will grow into massive plants with exceptionally large leaves.
Where does Alocasia come from?
These are subtropical plants that hail from Asia and Eastern Australia.
Is Alocasia macrorrhizos poisonous?
Important! Alocasia macrorrhizos is poisonous if ingested, so be very careful if you have pets and/or small children.
What is the best soil for alocasia?
Soil requirements and planting instructions. Mix together the following: 50 percent potting soil ; 20 percent peat moss; 20 percent orchid bark with charcoal; 10 percent shredded sphagnum moss and a handful of perlite. Place this mixture in a pots, beds or garden and plant your alocasia.
How tall are Alocasia Borneo Giant plants?
We offer Hybridized plants grown from tissue cultures to ensure they are disease free and an exact replica of the mother plant. Plants for sale are between 5-16″ tall.
How tall is the Borneo Giant?
Alocasia Borneo Giant is capable of reaching 6-8 feet in its first year, and a mature specimen can exceed heights of 12 feet, with individual leaves 5 feet wide. Its leaves are thick and held firmly upright by the stout stems, which makes them much more manageable in the landscape.
What is an alocasia?
Alocasia are also referred to as Giant taro, Ape plant, Elephant Ear, Ape flower, Elephant’s Ear Plant, Night-scented Lily, New Guinea Shield, and Taro. Florida Hill Nursery is your internet source for buying rare plants and fruit trees.
Do not over water alocasia?
Do not over water any members of the alocasia family, for example, if using drip irrigation allow soil to dry slightly between watering.
Prognosis
Culture
- Plant in loose, well-drained potting mix or a crumbly loamy soil. Try to let the top few inches of soil become nearly dry before watering. This will help keep it evenly moist. Soggy soil makes the plant susceptible to many fungal infections. Keep Alocasia plants moist all year; they grow best in very high humidity. They are water-loving plants. The...
Diet
- Alocasias can be heavy feeders, especially large specimens. Feed with liquid fertilizer during the growing season or frequent, small applications of granule fertilizer. Repot Alocasia varieties annually into larger pots with fresh, free-draining potting soil. Also, it's best to divide the rhizome annually to keep the plant a manageable size and increase your collection.
Cultivation
- Most Alocasia plants can be propagated by clump or rhizome division. Cut off a piece of the underground rhizome and pot it up separately, then keep it warm and moist until new growth begins. There are about 70 species of Alocasia, as well as dozens of hybrids. Alocasia plants are primarily hybridized because of the appeal of their leaf form, color, and sizes. Some include: Add…
Health
- While quite striking, these plants can be quite sensitive, especially to over-watering. A variety of diseases including crown, stem, and root rot, Leaf Spot, and Xanthamonas are particularly common with alocasia plants. Signs of diseases are typically black or dark brown spots on the leaves and a yellowish rim around the spots. Diseases can be prevented by avoiding over-wateri…
Prevention
- Common pests of the Alocasia plants are Mealy Bugs, scale, Aphids, and spider mites. Every few weeks, you can spray the plant with warm soapy water to prevent these pests. This will help keep the plant dust-free. If an infestation does occur, use an ultra-fine insecticide oil or Neem Oil. These products will kill the pests and their eggs.
Toxicity
- The Alocasia is a very poisonous plant; the leaves contains insoluble oxalate crystals. If a human or pet chews or bites into the leaves, they will release the crystals. It can cause swelling and irritation of the mouth and GI tract. Very rarely, there will be extreme swelling of the upper airway, making it difficult to breathe. Keep the plant away from children and pets and call poison control…