Do you know Alocasia? Alocasia or Elephant Ears is a plant from tropical regions in the South Pacific, Asia, Oceania, and Eastern Australia. This Alocasia plant can reach 10 feet in height. Alocasia grows from tuber rhizomes. This plant has a unique leaf shape and motif, so it is suitable when placed in the yard or as indoor decoration.
Alocasia plants have large, heart-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves. Apart from the shape of the leaves which attracts attention, the color of the leaves is also the main attraction of the Alocasia plant, because it has a variety of leaf colors, from shiny dark green to yellow. Some varieties of Alocasia Plants also have velvety leaf surfaces. They need warm and moist conditions to thrive, so that in areas where the winter is cool Alocasia will die or drop its leaves.
How to Maintain Alocasia Plant ?
Light
Alocasia plants thrive in shade or in the sun under a dense rainforest canopy. The plant should be kept in a shady place, away from hot sunlight so that the leaves do not burn. Artificial grow lights can be used to supplement Alocasia needs.
Temperature and Humidity
Alocasia does best in temperatures between 60-85°F. Don’t allow temperatures to drop below 60°F, as not all varieties of Alocasia plants can tolerate low temperatures, as this can cause the plant to die in cold weather. Alocasia plants really need a humid environment, one of which is the planting medium used.
Soil
Alocasia prefers slightly acidic soil. Use a potting mix that holds moisture and drains well to grow Alocasia. Use a growing media mix specially formulated for Alocasia or a premium quality growing media mix with added ingredients to improve drainage such as husk, fern, perlite, sphagnum moss, and cocopeat.
Water
Keep Alocasia plants’ soil moist. Soil that is too dry or wet can cause plant stress and even root rot. Water the plant when the soil surface is dry to the touch. Let the water flow into the growing medium until you see water coming out of the pothole. Reduce watering in fall and winter or when the plant is dormant, keeping the soil slightly moist.
Fertilizer
Apply fertilize twice a month during the growing season using liquid fertilizer formulated for ornamental plants, or use a slow release fertilizer.
Pruning
Leaves that look yellow, damaged or sick should be pruned immediately to maximize branch growth and also to reduce shade, so that the plant gets enough sunlight. Summer is the optimal time to prune Alocasia plants. Use pruning scissors to cut defects foliage stems, use gloves when pruning the Alocasia ornamental plant.
Potting and Repotting
The main component when repotting an Alocasia ornamental plant is choosing a pot that has sufficient drainage holes. Alocasia does not respond well to being placed in puddles. The size of the pot, the depth of the pot, and the shape of the pot used will influence plant growth, because each type of plant has different roots so it requires a deeper or shallower pot. Plastic pots are generally non-porous which can help maintain plant humidity. Furthermore, clay pots can also be used. The advantage of clay pots is that they have small pores that allow water and air to flow through the walls of the pot. This helps prevent water logging and keeps plant roots healthy by providing sufficient oxygen.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Most Alocasia plant species are attached to mealybugs and aphids. Alocasia plants are usually rarely attacked from disease. Place the Alocasia plant in a safe and protected place, because this plant is easily torn by the wind due to the large size of its leaves.
Common Problems That Occur in Alocasia
Yellowing Leaves
Several causes of yellowing of alocasia leaves. The most likely cause is a problem of watering too much, or perhaps too little, which can cause discoloration of the leaves. The leaves can also turn yellow if planted in a pot that is too small.
Shriveled or drooping leaves
If the Alocasia leaves are drooping, there is most likely an error in watering or fertilizing. Alocasia plants need more humidity. The solution that can be applied is proper watering by setting a watering schedule, checking soil moisture, and watering the plants evenly. Providing the right fertilizer by choosing the appropriate fertilizer, following the instructions for use, and applying fertilizer regularly.
Growing Alocasia From Seed
Alocasia plants are very easily propagated by root division, so propagation through seeds is rarely done. Because root division usually grows faster because it already has a formed root system and helps rejuvenate the mother plant. However, Alocasia plants can also be propagated by extracting seeds or tubers from dry pods and planting them in moss-based planting media mixture. The method is to harvest the tubers from the roots, then wash them until clean and sprinkle the seeds or tubers on the surface of the moss. Keep the planting medium moist.
Writer : Fauziah Nurarifah (College Student of Bandung State Islamic University, Indonesia)