Genre Alocasia understand 79 species. Ces tropical plants belong to the family of Araceae. All have a decorative foliage, bluish-green or even with purple underside, and some of these species are impressive with their leaves that can reach a good meter in length. For example, in our latitudes the giant Taro (Alocasia macrrorhiza) is among the species most widely grown as a houseplant. He wears his nickname very well.elephant ear. Let’s see how to care for an Alocasia which can, under certain conditions, be planted outdoors.
Caring for an Alocasia (Elephant Ear)
This large, very decorative tropical plant with gigantic leaves is quite easy to live with.
dust off
It is very important to clean the sheets regularly of an Alocasia to facilitate light absorption and allow the plant to breathe. To do this, simply use a damp sponge or even a microfiber cloth previously passed under water. The leaves being brittle, this dusting operation requires delicacy.
Fertiliser
From the month of June until the end of October, contributions offertilizer for green plants required every two weeks. You can opt for a liquid fertilizer to dilute in the irrigation water. Of course, we scrupulously respect the dosages indicated on the bottle.
Cut
L’Alocasia do not prune, but on the other hand, it needs that its faded leaves are gradually removed. This is essential to maintain its decorative appearance.
Pests and diseases
The Alocasia is little affected by pests and diseases. At most we can fear an attack from scale insects in a confined environment, namely hot and humid, which is often the case in our overheated and insufficiently ventilated homes during the winter season. These parasites must be dislodged by hand with a cotton ball soaked in a mixture of black soap and methylated spirit. The operation should be repeated as soon as the mealybugs reappear.
Alocasia culture
The Elephant Ear Alocasia is a majestic plant to which it is necessary to reserve a sufficient space of the order of 4 m². However, having a huge room is not enough. It is also necessary to be able to offer an Alocasia sufficient light throughout the year, knowing that the dim light is strongly recommended, as well as in a fairly hot environment. The ideal room temperature should be understood between 18 and 25°C. The greenhouse and the veranda are spaces particularly well suited to growing Alocasia.
Note, however, that direct sun is to be avoided since it risks seriously burning the leaves of this exotic plant. The best location is therefore close to a large bay window facing west.
Growing the Alocasia in a living room with a slightly too dry atmosphere in winter is an excellent idea. Its very large leaves sweat a lot, which has the effect of humidifying the surrounding air.
In the most southern regions where the risk of frost is rarely to be feared, it is quite possible to growing the Alocasia outdoors. In this case, we reserve an area of the garden that is well sheltered from the prevailing winds but also sufficiently shaded to limit any risk of burning by direct sunlight. We can try to reproduce the natural living conditions of these species native to tropical forests, namely theshade from a damp undergrowth. Elephant’s Ear can be planted in a mixture of 40% good garden soil, 35% compost and 25% river sand.
Repot the Alocasia
An Alocasia grown in a container must be repotted every 4 years, namely when the roots have invaded the entire container. The best time is spring. On the one hand, repotting makes it possible to completely renew the substrate.
Preferably, a potting soil for green plants. On the other hand, it is essential to install the plant in a pierced pot larger than the previous one, and if possible whose width is greater than the height. The good idea is to choose a decorative tray to showcase this undeniably graphic plant.
We recommend placing a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot to facilitate the flow of irrigation water. Clay balls, gravel or terracotta debris are quite suitable.
Watering the Alocasia
If you want to see your Alocasia prosper and keep it for many years, it is essential to keep the substrate moist from January to December and from mist the foliage very regularly preferably in fresh water. Rainwater is therefore perfect. If its cultivation soil lacks water, its leaves dry out at their tips and become covered with brownish spots. But make no mistake: excess water can also be detrimental to an Alocasia. If the plant has deformed leaves, this is a telltale sign: it is essential to reduce the water supply.