When it comes to houseplant , few are as stunning as the Alocasia . With their lush green foliage and unparalleled condition , Alocasia flora make a great increase to any home . But did you bang that there are really several different types of Alocasia ? have ’s take a look at some of the most popular assortment and how to manage for them .
The first case of Alocasia is the Alocasia maharani ‘ Grey Dragon ’ . This is one of the rare varieties of Alocasias , with its softened silvern deep green foliage . liken to other plants in the genus , ‘ Grey Dragon ’ is somewhat dwarf in size , rarely growing taller than 14 inches and with leaves that sweep up to 6 inch long . Another popular cultivar is the Alocasia Polly which has rich unripened leave touched with silvery veins and regal bottom ; this sort is prosperous to grow indoors making it a great pick for those who do n’t have much experience with houseplants .
Another case of Alocasia worth mentioning is the Colocasia tubers which are enceinte and egotistic and surrounded by stripy lot ; these Tuber are also known as “ dasheen ” and are used for food in Hawaii . In contrast , Alocasia tubers are minuscule , sparse and plain without the prominent stripes or eyes . Lastly , there ’s the Alocasia cucullata ‘ Hooded Dwarf ’ which has thick husky leafstalk that hold glossy heart - influence leaf more upright allow them to get about 7 inches blanket by 12 column inch long ; this variety is stout than other metal money of Alocasias so it can be grown in either hopeful indirect sun or amost full shadiness .
No matter which type you choose , caring for your Alocasias will be similar across all species ; they require high humidity levels ( of at least 50 % ) so fog on a regular basis or keep on them near a humidifier can help sustain optimal levels . to boot , they opt dirt that is equally moist but not quaggy so ensure not to overwater your plant otherwise they may suffer from root hogwash or fungus gnats . Lastly , keep them aside from direct sunlight as this can cause leaf tan on most type of alocaisa plants ; or else opt for bright but indirect Inner Light like near an east facing windowpane or even under fluorescent lights if necessary .
Now that you know more about some of the different types of alocaisa available as well as point on how to care for them properly , why not add one ( or more ! ) into your home today ? With their vibrant colors and interesting shapes , these tropic beauties make a enceinte addition to any living distance !
The Rarest Alocasia Species
The rarest Alocasia is Alocasia maharanee ‘ Grey Dragon ’ , a variety with muted , silvery deep green foliation . This plant is see somewhat dwarf in sizing compare to other works in the genus and typically produce no taller than 14 inches , with leaves that span up to 6 inch long . It is an incredibly rare motley , take it a esteem ownership among plant collectors .
reference : littleprinceplants.com
The Easiest Alocasia to Grow
Alocasia ‘ Polly ’ is one of the easy alocasia cultivar to develop indoors . It has a prominent appearing , with green leaves touched with argent vein and purple undersurface . It is tolerant of a scope of light levels and does not require much water system or fertilizer . With its minimum forethought prerequisite , ‘ Polly ’ is an ideal option for officious homeowner looking for a low - maintenance houseplant .
Differences Between Colocasia and Alocasia
The main dispute between Colocasia and Alocasia is their tubers . Colocasia tubers are turgid , self-conceited and encircled by stripy banding , while Alocasia genus Tuber are small , thin and plain without the outstanding stripes or eyes . Colocasia tubers are also have a go at it as “ taro ” and are used for food in Hawaii .
The Hardiest Alocasia Variety
The Alocasia cucullata ‘ Hooded Dwarf ’ is considered to be the hardiest of all Alocasia varieties . It can tolerate some direct sunlight , but prefer indirect igniter and semi - shade . This variety has thick , kernel - shaped leaves that can get through up to 7 inches wide and 12 column inch long . Its husky petiole reserve the leaves to brook upright more easily , making it more tolerant of lower light condition . It is also known for its resilience to cold temperature and involve minimal maintenance .
The Rarity of Dragon Tooth Alocasia
Yes , Dragon Tooth Alocasia is a rare species of Alocasia . This tropical evergreen plant is native to India , Sri Lanka , and Southeast Asia , but it has become increasingly difficult to find in the wild . It is characterized by its unique tooth - like leaves , which are expectant and bright green with striking white veins . Its rarity make it extremely sought after among plant collectors and enthusiasts likewise .
Source : thespruce.com
Is the Purple Sword Alocasia Rare?
Yes , the Purple Sword Alocasia ( Alocasia Lauterbachiana ) is considered to be a rarefied variety of aroid . This attractive works has a slender , steel - mold leaf with a beautiful purple hue to the back of the leaf and stem . It is extremely look for after by collectors , so it can be difficult to find in nurseries or garden centers . However , it can once in a while be found online or through specialty plant sellers .
Do Alocasias Prefer Small Pots?
No , Alocasias generally opt larger pots . While the sizing of a pot will depend on the motley , most Alocasia varieties require corporation that are at least 36 inches wide and 16 in thick . littler pots may stamp down their growth and will require frequent repotting to admit their root system . Providing your Alocasia with a large grass will allow them to develop to their greatest potential and avail them thrive for many years .
Do Alocasias Benefit from Being Root Bound?
Alocasias generally favour to be a bit root bound , intend that they do n’t need to be re - potted very often . This is because they are degenerate agriculturist , and can promptly outgrow the passel they are in . However , this does n’t mean that re - potting should never take seat ; when the roots of your Alocasia have filled up their current throne and go to circle around , it is fourth dimension to move them into a larger one . This will offer them with more space for further growth and help keep them healthy .
The Safety of Touching Alocasia Leaves
No , you should not meet Alocasia leaves . The plant life has sharp and toxic sap that can cause tegument annoyance and discomfort . If your skin does make physical contact with the plant life , wash away your hands at once and fend off touching your eyes or mouth . to boot , it is good to fag out gloves when treat the plant life to avoid any contact with bare skin .
Source : bluebuddhafarm.com
Identifying the Difference Between Elephant Ear Alocasia and Colocasia
Elephant ears belong to two related genera of plants in the Araceae menage : Colocasia and Alocasia . Colocasia are more often grown outdoors , as they lean to farm turgid than Alocasias . Alocasias , on the other hand , are more coarse as houseplants . Both types of elephant spike can be grown indoors or outdoors count on your preferences and environment .
Winter Care for Alocasia Plants
Alocasias , like many tropical plants , go into a point of dormancy during the winter months . This means that they experience a obtrusive decrease in growth , and may even appear to stop grow altogether . During this sentence , they do n’t require as much water as they do during the mature season and should only be watered when the dirt is wry to the touch . It is significant to ensure that the land does not beome overly teetotal , as this can damage or even stamp out the plant . The cooler temperatures of winter also mean that Alocasias should be sheltered from frost to prevent damage or death of the flora . If you hold up in an area where temperature send packing below freeze , it is skillful to move your Alocasia indoors for protection until spring arrives .
The Growth Rate of Alocasia
Yes , Alocasia plants can raise rapidly during the summer months . Under ideal condition , some species can produce a raw leaf per week . However , growth generally slows or stops when the plant life enters its hibernating period in the winter and may even conk down and fall back its leaves . For estimable results , fertilize with liquid plant food once or twice a month during the summer calendar month . It is also important to note that occasional leaf shrivel and death is normal for Alocasia industrial plant .
Conclusion
In conclusion , Alocasia is a genus of works that make out in many different mixture . The most vernacular variety is “ Polly ” which has fat light-green leave stir with silver veins and purple undersides . There are also some rarer varieties such as the “ Grey Dragon ” which is much smaller than oher varieties and has tone down , silvery deep dark-green foliage . to boot , there is the “ Hooded Dwarf ” which is fearless and can grow in promising , indirect sunlight to almost full refinement . Alocasia tuber are smaller than Colocasia tubers and do not have prominent stripes or eyes . No matter what case of Alocasia you opt , it will be sure to make a beautiful addition to your houseplant collection .
Caroline Bates
