What are the planting methods for Alocasia?

Alocasia, whose scientific name is Alocasia macrorrhizos, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Alocasia in the Araceae family. It is a large foliage plant suitable for growing indoors as an ornamental plant. It is native to southern and southwestern China and the Taiwan region, and is also distributed in Southeast Asia. It generally grows in tropical rainforests and wild banana forests at altitudes of 200 m to 1,100 m. It likes high-temperature and humid environments and cannot tolerate strong light or strong wind. In artificial cultivation, it is generally grown in large pots or wooden barrels, and can also be grown in tropical plant greenhouses. So how should Alocasia be planted?

1. Temperature

Alocasia likes a warm environment, and the suitable growing temperature is 20°C to 25°C. Alocasia is not very cold-resistant; in winter, the temperature must be kept at 10°C to 15°C for it to overwinter successfully. Alocasia can continue growing only above 18°C. If the temperature is below 18°C, Alocasia will enter dormancy and stop growing.

2. Humidity

Alocasia likes a moist environment. In summer, water it more, place Alocasia in a semi-shaded, ventilated place, and spray water on the leaves of Alocasia to keep the air humid. However, be careful not to water too much. Excessive watering will cause waterlogging and make the rhizome of Alocasia rot, so watering should be moderate and the amount must be controlled well. In particular, Alocasia needs less watering in winter, because Alocasia enters dormancy in winter, so watering should be controlled. In colder places, Alocasia should be moved indoors in autumn and winter.

3. Soil

Alocasia is generally grown with garden soil plus peat soil, sand, or grass turf soil and leaf mold. It can also be grown in a nutrient soil mixed from leaf mold, peat soil, river sand and a small amount of thoroughly decomposed cake fertilizer, and it can also be grown hydroponically. Usually, Alocasia needs the soil loosened once a month to keep the soil loose and well aerated, and the pot needs to be changed once every spring.

4. Fertilizer

If you want to grow good Alocasia, fertilizing is also an essential step. Alocasia is in its growing season from April to October, and liquid fertilizer needs to be applied weekly, while appropriately increasing the amount of nitrogen fertilizer to promote leaf growth. Fertilizing Alocasia about every 20 days can make its leaves large, thick and brightly colored. A lack of fertilizer will cause the leaves to become smaller and yellow, and even the lower part of the stem to become bare.

5. Light

Alocasia is a shade-loving plant, and the light should not be too strong. Especially in summer, pay attention to shading; too strong light is not good for the growth of Alocasia. But it also needs a moderate amount of light for photosynthesis to promote the growth of Alocasia. Ensuring about three hours of light per day is enough.

The above is what Tuliu.com brings you on how Alocasia should be planted.