Is Alocasia macrorrhizos poisonous? Grow it this way to keep it thriving

Alocasia macrorrhizos not only has a name full of Zen meaning and vitality, but also a tenacious and sturdy vitality. This bonsai has large leaves and thick stems, and looks especially beautiful when planted indoors, making people feel comfortable. That is why many flower lovers grow it at home. So, is Alocasia macrorrhizos poisonous? How do you grow it so it thrives?

1. Is Alocasia macrorrhizos poisonous

1. Alocasia macrorrhizos is poisonous. The water it drips is not toxic, but its stems and leaves are toxic. As long as you do not accidentally eat its stems or sap, there is no problem keeping it normally at home.

The water dripping from Alocasia macrorrhizos is not poisonous, but the white sap in its stems and leaves is toxic. Accidental contact or accidental ingestion can cause discomfort in the throat, and in severe cases can even lead to cardiac paralysis and death. Slight skin contact with the sap can cause itching and irritation. If the sap of Alocasia macrorrhizos gets into the eyes, it can cause conjunctivitis and even blindness.

Alocasia macrorrhizos has a strong dust-absorbing effect, can improve the home environment, and gives people a fresh feeling. The leaves of Alocasia macrorrhizos are thick and look lush and green. Seeing it makes all worries disappear. Perhaps for this very reason, people ignore its toxicity and place it in the most conspicuous spot at home.

2. Can Alocasia macrorrhizos be kept at home

Alocasia macrorrhizos can be kept at home. Alocasia macrorrhizos is indeed poisonous, but as a very common foliage plant, many flower lovers have a pot of Alocasia macrorrhizos at home. Then flower lovers may wonder: since Alocasia macrorrhizos is poisonous, why keep it at home? Flower lovers may not know that although Alocasia macrorrhizos is poisonous, its toxicity is passive. That is, as long as it is not eaten, it will not harm the human body.

As for the sap that Alocasia macrorrhizos exudes, as long as people who are not allergic touch it, there will not be a big problem.

3. Can Alocasia macrorrhizos be kept in the bedroom

Alocasia macrorrhizos is not suitable for keeping in the bedroom. Although Alocasia macrorrhizos does have a certain air-purifying effect, it is still somewhat toxic, and the bedroom space is small, so there are certain hidden risks. In addition, Alocasia macrorrhizos is relatively large. During the day it absorbs oxygen through photosynthesis, and at night respiration releases carbon dioxide, which has a certain impact on the air in the room.

4. Can it be kept at home if there is a pregnant woman or baby

If there is a pregnant woman or baby at home, it should be kept with caution. Whether or not Alocasia macrorrhizos is poisonous, children and pregnant women are key protected members of a family, and no carelessness is allowed. For pregnant women and children with sensitive skin, try to keep away from this plant.

2. How to grow Alocasia macrorrhizos so it thrives

1. Light

This plant originally grows in tropical environments and likes light filtered through water vapor beneath the forest canopy. Because the plant generally lives in dense rainforests with tall trees, it can also grow normally in shaded environments lacking direct light.

2. Temperature

Its place of origin determines that this is a plant that can endure the test of relatively high temperatures. The most suitable temperature for it is 20 to 30 degrees. The plant cannot be kept in conditions that are too cold. Below 8 degrees it begins to be affected, and the lowest it can tolerate is no lower than 5 degrees.

3. Soil

The soil is similar to that for most flowers and plants. Choose fertile soil that is loose, breathable, and well-draining. You can mix peat soil, pond mud, and sandy soil, and add some fertilizer.

4. Watering

Its place of origin is very humid, so it has developed a moisture-loving characteristic. When growing it yourself, the air humidity should ideally not be lower than 60%. During high temperatures and drought, spray more water and ensure ventilation. In winter, when room temperature is lower, reduce the amount of water, otherwise the roots will turn black and rot. At this time, spraying warm water once a week can better ensure the leaves stay evergreen.

5. Fertilizing

Alocasia macrorrhizos has a relatively high demand for fertilizer. In the warmer months, it should be fertilized once every half month, mainly with nitrogen fertilizer. If a solution containing iron is sprayed appropriately, the leaves can grow larger and more glossy. Below 15 degrees, the growth of Alocasia macrorrhizos basically stops, and fertilizing should be stopped.

6. Pruning

This bonsai is mainly appreciated for its leaves, so when the leaves turn yellow and dry, the leaves and stems should be removed together with the stems, so that the overall appearance remains attractive.

7. Precautions

The water used for watering Alocasia macrorrhizos must be clean, because the roots and stems of Alocasia macrorrhizos easily turn black and rot in relatively unclean water, so never use dirty water to water it.