If you also like Alocasia, but have not found the right approach to the plant or are looking for the best care knives, then this article is just for you.
Alocasias are one of my favorite plants. The variation in the texture of the leaves of these plants is so huge that it is impossible to resist these plants because they will captivate you with their beauty. Since many of you have asked how I take care of my alocasias, I decided to share my care recommendations with you.
1. Soil 🪴
The first thing to talk about is definitely the soil, because it depends on it how the plant will feel. Alocasias need light, air-permeable and well-drained soil. I personally use my own created and mixed soil that is super airy and water permeable. I also offer to buy this soil in limited quantities.
2. Sun/Light ☀️💡
Alocasias need a sunny, bright place. The direct rays of the sun can burn the leaves, however, the Latvian sun is not so strong and the main thing is to protect the plant from the midday sun. Personally, I grow the large alocasias on the windowsill, but the small ones grow in a greenhouse with plant lamps.
‼️If Alocasias are not provided with a sufficiently bright space, they may go into a period of rest in the winter and then they may even lose all their leaves, but you don't need to worry about that, because Alocasias are gum plants and will bloom again in the spring.
3. Air humidity 💦💧
Alocasias are a tropical plant, so they like moist air. Ideally, if you have an air humidifier, you can place it near the plants, if you don't have one, it is recommended to spray the leaves of the plant with water twice a day or place a container with water next to the alocasias, which will help maintain moist air. I only spray my large alocasias with water because, as I mentioned, they grow on my windowsill. For the other alocasia plants that live in the greenhouse, the air humidity level is high enough and I do not spray them additionally.
4. Watering 🌧
As we found out before, alocasias are a tropical plant, so they like moist soil, but I emphasize moist, not wet! It is very important, as with any plant, not to water it.
‼️I often hear people asking for a watering schedule - once a week, twice a week, etc. - there is no such thing!!! In my opinion, the watering schedule is something that should be forgotten. The frequency of watering is determined by many factors - the size of the plant, the size of the pot, heat, humidity, the sun, the type of soil, the location of the plant, the plant. Therefore, the best option to follow is to put a finger or a wooden toothpick in the ground and if we feel with the tip of the finger that the ground is dry or see that the toothpick does not stay moist, only then water. If you stick to some watering schedule (by this I mean the mystical recommended 1x a week, etc.) there is a very high possibility that you will overwater or dry out the plant.
Alocasias are not recommended to be watered with tap water, as they may not like hard water. I would recommend watering with rainwater that is at room temperature or some other soft warm water. I personally use tap water because we have spice at home.
5. Fertilization 🪴
If we want big and beautiful leaves, then alocasia must be fertilized regularly. I fertilize my alocasia once a week in the summer with the most common liquid vito. In spring and autumn, I reduce fertilizing to once every two weeks. In winter (from October to March), I do not fertilize plants that do not grow in my greenhouse. Currently, I fertilize the alocasias that are in the plant greenhouse once every two weeks, because they maintain a tropical climate in the greenhouse all the time, but it is a little cooler than in the summer.
6. Air temperature 🌡
As we already know Alocasia is a tropical plant, therefore the recommended air temperature is from 15.5 to 27 degrees.
‼️If the air temperature in the place where the alocasia is located will be below 15 degrees for a long time, then the plant can go into winter rest. But as I mentioned before, there is no need to worry if this happens, because the alocasia will sprout new leaves in the spring.
- Indignant ☠️
You may not know, but Alocasias are poisonous plants - their juice is poisonous and can cause irritation when in contact with the skin, so it is recommended to wear gloves when handling the plant.
- Guma plants 🪴
As I mentioned in previous articles - Alocasias are rubber plants. This means that even if the plant drops all its leaves and goes into hibernation, it can grow new leaves again in the spring.
Propagation also occurs with gums. The plant occasionally grows small bulbs/gums from which new alocasias can grow.
- Water energy 💫
If you believe in the energy of plants, then it will be useful for you to know that Alocasias have a very beneficial effect on people - they calm, reduce stress and improve mood.
- Flowers 🌺
Alocasias also bloom, but this happens relatively rarely. As alocasias are close relatives of callas, their flowers are similar to calla flowers.
- Guardians🐜
Despite the fact that Alocasias are poisonous, they are loved by plant pests. The most frequent guests are aphids and webworms. A regular inspection of the plant will help best here. Also, keep in mind that ticks like dry air and heat, so if you spray the plant regularly, you can avoid them.
I've only had one encounter with aphids that wanted to feast on my alocasia, but after sprinkling with green soap, I successfully fought them off.
If you have any other questions about plant care, apply for a consultation and I will be happy to help you with advice so that you can take care of your houseplants like a professional in the future. https://augi-plants.lv/products/attalinata-konsultacija
