Alocasia, commonly known as elephant’s ear plants, are a popular houseplant known for their showy, tropical foliage. Getting ready to buy an alocasia plant? Here is everything you need to know before bringing one of these stunning plants home.
Choosing an Alocasia Variety
There are around 70-80 species of alocasia, offering plenty of leaf shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from. Here are some of the most popular varieties for indoor growing:
Alocasia ‘Polly’
The ‘Polly’ variety features velvety, deep green leaves with prominent white veins. It stays fairly compact, topping out around 2 feet tall and wide. This makes it a good choice for tabletops and plant shelves.
Alocasia ‘Stingray’
Named for its unique, stingray-shaped leaves, this variety has narrow, pointed leaves in a deep green color outlined in lime green. It spreads to around 2-3 feet wide.
Alocasia ‘Zebrina’
‘Zebrina’ has large, arrowhead-shaped leaves marked with dark green veining against a light green background, resembling a zebra pattern. This variety can reach 3-4 feet tall and wide.
Caring for an Alocasia Plant
Caring for an alocasia plant is not necessarily difficult once you get the basics down. Here is an overview of their key care needs:
Soil and Potting
Alocasias prefer a rich, well-draining potting mix amended with compost or worm castings. Choose a pot with drainage holes using standard potting soil or an aroid mix.
Water and Humidity
These jungle plants love consistent moisture. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings then soak the soil completely. Mist frequently or use a pebble tray to provide ample ambient humidity.
Sunlight
While alocasias will tolerate low light conditions, they truly thrive with 3-6 hours of bright, indirect light per day for best growth and to prevent leggy growth. Direct hot sun will scorch their leaves.
Temperature
Daytime temperatures of 65-80°F and above 50°F at night are suitable. Protect plants from cold drafts. Move outdoors in warm weather if desired.
Fertilizer
During the growing season, feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength to support lush foliage. Cease fertilizing over winter when plant goes dormant.
Pests/Diseases
Watch for common houseplant pests like aphids, mealybugs and spider mites which can be treated with neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays. Prevent issues by providing good care.
“Explore the Exceptional 2023 Alocasias Variegata Collection: A Curated Selection of the Rarest and Most Unique Varieties Available.”
Buying Tips
When you go to purchase your alocasia, here are some tips for picking a healthy plant:
Inspect Leaves and Stems
Choose a plant with no yellowing leaves and intact stems and leaf stems (petioles). Look for new unrolled leaves emerging from the center.
Check Root System
Gently remove the plant from its pot to check for a healthy white root system with no mushy roots. This ensures the plant is free of root rot.
Consider Size and Form
Pick a plant with a balanced form whose size suits your space, factoring for future growth potential of a variety. Consider the plant’s mature width and height.
Displaying Alocasia Plants
There are many creative ways to effectively showcase the spectacular foliage of these statement plants:
Foyer Focal Points
Place a large statement alocasia in an entryway corner or alcove where its huge leaves make a dramatic first impression.
Living Room Accents
Let an alocasia star as a stand-alone specimen atop a pillar or plant pedestal to admiration from across the room.
Table Centerpieces
A compact tabletop alocasia makes the perfect living centerpiece for dining or coffee tables, drawing eyes in with its bold leaf shapes and colors.
Bathroom Greens
The high humidity environment of bathrooms suits alocasias nicely. Set smaller varieties on the countertop or floor beneath lightly shaded windows.
Shelving Displayers
Arrange a few alocasia plants down a bright, sheltered bookshelf to bring eye-catching architecture and welcoming greenery to any room.
Where to buy Alocasia? Benefits from importing plants from Thailand
- Shipping: Door to door shipping, fast and safe with Dragon Courier
- Biodiversity: Thailand is known for its rich biodiversity, including a wide variety of aroid species. This diversity allows importers to access a broad range of unique and exotic aroid plants.
- Quality and Health of Plants: The suitable climate helps the plants grown here stay healthy and of high quality.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Due to favorable growing conditions and efficient production methods, Thai aroid plants can often be more cost-effective compared to those from other countries.
- Access to Hybrid Varieties: Thai growers are often involved in the development of new hybrid aroid varieties, offering unique plants that may not be available from other sources.
Alocasia species are the most sought after by aroid plant lovers
Conclusion
With stunning leaf shapes and marks plus tropical flair, few houseplants can compete visually with alocasias. By choosing the right variety, providing adequate care, and displaying plants properly, anyone can enjoy these gorgeous “elephant ear” plants in their home. Just be prepared for your alocasia to become a much-admired new addition!
See more 5 Amazing Health Benefits of Alocasia Plants: Discover Nature’s Secret
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