Alocasia are truly distinctive creatures that require a lot of care. But don't worry, it's not that difficult to look after an alocasia.
The arrow leaf comes in about 70 different types and impresses with its unusual foliage. In its wild form, the plant comes from the Philippines. This already gives an idea that the care is not an easy task and that the Alocasia definitely makes its demands. If you have planted the alocasia correctly (instructions for planting alocasia) and if you also follow the tips and instructions below, the unusual plants will feel at home with you and may even develop their bulb-like flowers, which are typical of the arum family.
Some alocasia species presented
There are more than 70 different Alocasia species in total. The tropical plants all have unusual leaves and leaf markings. In terms of care, there are no differences among the individual members of the plant genus.
❍ Alocasia sanderiana:
This is probably the best-known representative of the Alocasia. The striking, metallic foliage and white-edged leaves have made Alocasia sanderiana a popular houseplant. The short shoots, which are dominated by the large, overloaded leaves, are striking. Also known as the "Beauty of the Philippines," the plant comes in several subspecies with variations in leaf color.
❍ Alocasia Iowii:
This species is native to Borneo and has rich green leaves. The olive-green leaves can grow up to 40 centimeters long. Alocasia Iowii needs a lot of light and temperatures around 23 degrees. Make sure the humidity is high and water moderately but regularly with rainwater.
❍ Alocasia macrorrhizos:
The giant-leaved arrowhead can grow up to two meters in height. The sheer size of this Alocasia species shows parallels to palm trees. It is not for nothing that this plant species is called elephant ear. The leaves can take on stately dimensions and reach a diameter of about one meter. Incidentally, Alocasia macrorrhizos has the largest known inindividual leaves occurring in the plant world.
How to properly care for the alocasia
Water Alokasie:
Plants need to be evenly hydrated. It is important to find a middle ground that is he althy for the plants. The alocasia must not dry out, but it also does not tolerate waterlogging. Excess water should be poured off the coaster immediately. If the roots begin to rot, the plants can usually no longer be saved. In the winter months, you need to water more sparingly. However, the soil must never dry out completely.
Tip: Preferably water with rainwater. Alternatively, you can also use mineral water. Calcareous tap water, on the other hand, is less suitable.
If you keep the plant in hydroponics, the included water level indicator is your benchmark. It is usually sufficient to water once a week. You can't really do anything wrong and the water level is displayed. In winter there is also less watering here. About 14 days of watering should be enough.
Create a tropical climate:
In order for the alocasia to thrive optimally, the plant needs consistently high humidity. You can achieve this by regularly spraying with rainwater. It is also advantageous if you place the plants in a tray filled with water. However, the planter must not stand directly in the water. Therefore, place the planter on pebbles.
By the way, a tropical climate develops by itself if you place the plants in a closed flower window.
Fertilize Alokasia:
Alocasia do not have excessive nutritional requirements. In order to support the growth and vitality of the plants, individual fertilizer applications can be made between April and September. Fertilize about every six weeks with commercial liquid fertilizer or fertilizer sticks. If you use long-term fertilizer, you can use it in spring. Outside the main growing season, between October and February, the plants are not fertilized. Incidentally, alocasia do not require any fertilizer at all for the first year after purchase.
Cut Alocasia:
A cut is neither necessary nor desirable. If you want to achieve branched growth by cutting off the upright shoots, you will usually be disappointed. You can of course remove yellow and unsightly leaves at any time. These are not only unattractive, they also rob the plant of unnecessary energy reserves.
Hibernate Alokasie:
From September the plant lays onegrowth pause and falls into a kind of hibernation. During this period, even soil moisture should be maintained, but watering should be reduced as plants have lower nutrient requirements during hibernation. In addition, due to incorrect watering behavior, there is a risk of waterlogging, especially in winter.
The thermometer should not drop below 15 degrees even in winter. Temperatures around 20 degrees are also tolerated all year round, so that the plants do not necessarily have to vacate their place at the flower window in winter.