How to care for potted Alocasia macrorrhizos (giant taro)? A detailed guide to the latest care methods

Alocasia macrorrhizos is also known as tian yu, Guanyin lotus, gu po yu, etc. It is a large evergreen herbaceous plant of the genus Alocasia in the Araceae family, native to the primitive forests of Southeast Asia and Australia, and is also found in South China and Lanyu and other places. In northern China it needs to overwinter indoors, while in the south it can grow outdoors. Its corms and leaves can be used medicinally but are highly toxic. Now let us take a look at how to care for potted Alocasia macrorrhizos!

Growth habits of Alocasia macrorrhizos

The growth temperature for Alocasia macrorrhizos is 20-30°C, and it can tolerate low temperatures down to 8°C. In summer, as long as the soil is kept moist, water is sprayed frequently, and it is shaded, it can still grow normally during high temperatures. In winter, the indoor room temperature must not be lower than 5°C. Alocasia macrorrhizos is an understory plant of tropical rainforests, so its growth requires high humidity, and diffused light is best. Alocasia macrorrhizos is a shade-tolerant plant that likes a semi-shaded environment, and should be placed in an environment that is both shaded and well ventilated.

Propagation methods of Alocasia macrorrhizos

1. Division: Every summer and autumn, the tubers of Alocasia macrorrhizos sprout small Alocasia macrorrhizos with leaves, and division can be carried out along with repotting and soil changing.

2. Sowing: After fruiting in autumn, collect the orange-red seeds, sow them immediately after collecting, or dry and store them, and sow them after spring the following year.

3. Cuttage: Cuttage is for perennial old plants. Along with plant renewal, cut the stem about 5 cm from the base of the plant above the soil surface, and carry out stem cuttage propagation.

How to care for potted Alocasia macrorrhizos?

1. Soil: Cultivate with nutrient soil prepared from loose, well-drained and well-aerated domestic peat, a 2:2:1 mixed soil of pond mud, peat soil, and coarse sand, plus a small amount of thoroughly decomposed cake fertilizer. Add water to the peat and mix well. After adding water and mixing well, tightly squeeze a handful of peat, and water seeps out from between the fingers. Then plant in cups.

2. Potting: For old pots that are reused, they must be soaked in a 2000-fold potassium permanganate solution for more than half an hour, then rinsed with clean water, and dried for later use. Large pots are generally planted with 20 cm specification pots. When planting, first place about 4 cm of substrate at the bottom of the cup, then move the screened seedlings into the cup. Small seedlings should not be planted too deep; it is appropriate to keep them level with the base of the plant, with the substrate at moderate tightness, filling to 8 parts full of the cup, 2-3 plants per pot.

3. Water spraying: Alocasia macrorrhizos particularly likes moisture. During the growing season, not only must the pot soil be moist, but the air humidity must also be no lower than 60%. During high summer temperatures, spraying water should be strengthened to create a relatively cool and humid environment for it. For those placed in indoor air-conditioned halls, it is necessary both to keep the pot soil moist and to spray the leaf surfaces from time to time. If the indoor temperature in winter cannot reach 15°C, watering should be controlled, otherwise it is easy to cause root rot in the plant. Under normal circumstances, spraying warm water once a week can keep its leaves dark green.

4. Fertilizing: Alocasia macrorrhizos relatively likes fertilizer. From March to October, apply liquid fertilizer once every half month, in which the proportion of nitrogen can be appropriately increased. If a little ferrous sulfate can be added, so much the better, as then the leaves will grow as large as lotus leaves and be smooth and attractive. Fertilizing should stop when the temperature is below 15°C.

5. Pruning: Alocasia macrorrhizos is a foliage plant. Under improper planting and care, the largest leaves may turn yellow and dry up. At this time, they should be cut off together with the stem using a knife, otherwise it will affect the growth and ornamental value of the other leaves.

6. Repotting: It can be cultivated with nutrient soil prepared from leaf mold, peat soil, river sand plus a small amount of thoroughly decomposed cake fertilizer. Alternatively, it can also be hydroponically grown, but attention must be paid to preventing root rot and adding nutrient solution. Usually repot once every spring, and loosen the soil once a month to keep the pot soil in a well-aerated state.

Precautions for Alocasia macrorrhizos

1. The white sap in the stem of Alocasia macrorrhizos is toxic, and the water dripping from it is also toxic. Accidental contact with or accidental ingestion of its sap will cause discomfort in the throat and mouth, and a burning sensation in the stomach. Special attention should be paid to preventing young children from accidentally eating it. However, Alocasia macrorrhizos is not a carcinogenic plant.

2. Alocasia macrorrhizos is toxic. Skin contact with its sap will cause itching or severe irritation, and eye contact with the sap can cause severe conjunctivitis, or even blindness. Accidental eating of the stem and leaves will cause symptoms of nausea and pain, and in severe cases can also cause suffocation, leading to cardiac paralysis and death. Therefore, contact with Alocasia macrorrhizos should be minimized, and families with children had best not grow it.