Why won't my Alocasia macrorrhizos (giant taro) grow bigger, and why are its leaves small with no dripping?
Many people like to place flowers in their rooms, especially in new houses, where various flowers can absorb formaldehyde. Alocasia macrorrhizos (giant taro) is a plant that everyone likes to grow indoors; it not only has extremely high ornamental value but can also purify the air. But some friends who grow Alocasia macrorrhizos indoors find that its leaves are getting smaller and smaller. Why is that?
Why Alocasia macrorrhizos won't grow big (small leaves)
When the growth of Alocasia macrorrhizos is restricted (water, light, fertilizer, etc.), its leaves will get smaller and smaller, because the nutrients it obtains cannot meet its growth needs, so the leaves become smaller. This can be understood as malnutrition.
1. If the pot is not large, and there is little potting soil or the potting soil has not been changed for a long time, then growers can consider repotting and changing the soil. Repotting Alocasia macrorrhizos is very simple, so do not worry, it will not die; just water it thoroughly after repotting.
2. Check whether the leaves of Alocasia macrorrhizos have red spider mites. This is also one of the reasons the leaves get smaller and smaller. You can check whether the leaves have a waxy texture and whether there are spider webs on the back. If there are red spider mites, just wipe and wash with soapy water, once every three days; wiping twice in a row will show results.
3. If it is grown indoors, then move Alocasia macrorrhizos to another position, a place with ventilation and light.
If the above three points are done well, Alocasia macrorrhizos will definitely grow very robustly.
Why the leaves of Alocasia macrorrhizos do not drip
However, many people who grow Alocasia macrorrhizos find that it does not drip, and this is mainly due to the influence of climate.
When growing Alocasia macrorrhizos, the reason may be that the air is too dry. In fact, in many regions of our country the air is relatively dry, especially in the north, where the air is dry and there is little rainfall. Potted Alocasia macrorrhizos is grown indoors, relying only on watering and spraying to maintain humidity, so a dry environment easily occurs, and at this time you will rarely see Alocasia macrorrhizos drip.
If Alocasia macrorrhizos does not drip, this does not mean it is growing poorly, so there is no need to deliberately make it drip; just let nature take its course.
How to prevent the leaves of Alocasia macrorrhizos from turning yellow
1. Give Alocasia macrorrhizos reasonable lighting conditions. Alocasia macrorrhizos likes a semi-shaded environment. During care, pay attention to shading, but remember not to place it in a dark environment for a long time. In addition, also pay attention to the ventilation of the environment and keep the air flowing.
2. Alocasia macrorrhizos has a high water requirement. Water as soon as the soil is dry, and water thoroughly at one time until water flows out of the bottom of the pot. Watering should be regular; do not let the potting soil stay too dry or too wet for a long time. When watering, also use a spray bottle to clean the leaves, keep the leaves clean, and by the way you can also see the form of water rolling off the leaves.
3. Alocasia macrorrhizos does not have high requirements for soil, but the fertility of the potting medium must be guaranteed. Choose sandy loam or humus loam containing organic matter, change the soil in time, and increase nutrients. To increase the plant's own resistance, do not use only nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer; use it alternately with organic fertilizer. Applying a little ferrous sulfate will make the leaves larger and greener.
4. Keep the living environment of Alocasia macrorrhizos warm and humid. In winter, when the weather is cold, move it indoors in time; slowly change the living environment of Alocasia macrorrhizos so that it adapts to changes in environmental temperature. Remember never to place Alocasia macrorrhizos in an environment where the temperature suddenly rises and falls.
5. Prevent man-made damage to Alocasia macrorrhizos. The sap of Alocasia macrorrhizos is toxic, so try to avoid contact with its body. When red spider mites appear on the plant, spray with 40% dimethoate emulsion at 1000 times dilution or 80% dichlorvos at 1000-1500 times dilution.
What to do if Alocasia macrorrhizos has root rot
1. Solution for root rot of soil-grown Alocasia macrorrhizos: pull up the Alocasia macrorrhizos, cut off the rotten roots, and also cut off a little of the healthy tissue near the rotten part, ensuring that what remains is all white. After cutting the roots, be sure to let them dry, and after the wounds heal, plant it in well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic soil. You can also apply some plant ash to the wounds for disinfection and sterilization. Note that the sap of Alocasia macrorrhizos is toxic, so wear rubber gloves when cutting the roots to prevent poisoning yourself. After Alocasia macrorrhizos is planted in the soil, remember to water only after it dries completely; do not water when it is not dry. In addition, place it in a ventilated place for growing.
2. Solution for root rot of hydroponic Alocasia macrorrhizos: cut off the rotten part of the roots, wash the mucus from the tubers and root system, and change the water or nutrient solution. During growing, pay attention to keeping the water in the bottle clean. You can also first plant it in soil, and after the plant returns to normal (roots have grown), then grow it in water.
Through the above content, I believe everyone has gained some understanding of Alocasia macrorrhizos. Alocasia macrorrhizos is actually a very easy green plant to grow. Although it is easy to grow, it still needs care. If it is not cared for well, Alocasia macrorrhizos will not only have yellow leaves but also get smaller and smaller, affecting its overall appearance!