Does Alocasia macrorrhizos bloom? The latest answer is here
Do you know whether Alocasia macrorrhizos blooms? Alocasia macrorrhizos is a common foliage plant that can be grown either in water or in soil. Its leaves are simple and grand, making it very appealing. However, because it is a tropical plant, it generally does not bloom in the north, but if the temperature and other conditions at home are suitable, Alocasia macrorrhizos will also bloom.
Does Alocasia macrorrhizos bloom?
Alocasia macrorrhizos generally blooms in winter and spring, with the dormant flowering period from November to May or June of the following year, and the peak flowering period from February to April. Usually, Alocasia macrorrhizos can bloom in the second year of cultivation, but the flowering time mostly depends on whether the cultivation method is appropriate.
Are the flowers of Alocasia macrorrhizos toxic?
The flowers of Alocasia macrorrhizos are toxic. At the same time, the white sap in the stems of Alocasia macrorrhizos is toxic, and the water it drips is also toxic. Accidental contact with or ingestion of its sap can cause poisoning, but the floral fragrance of Alocasia macrorrhizos is non-toxic. Skin contact with the sap of Alocasia macrorrhizos can cause itching or strong irritation, and eye contact with the sap can cause severe conjunctivitis, or even blindness. Mistakenly eating the stems and leaves or sap can cause discomfort in the throat and mouth, with symptoms such as nausea and burning pain in the stomach, and in severe cases may also cause suffocation, leading to death from cardiac paralysis.
How should Alocasia macrorrhizos be handled after it blooms and bears fruit?
After Alocasia macrorrhizos blooms and bears fruit, the red fruits are already ripe. They can be cut off and soaked in warm water, then the skin rubbed off while wearing rubber gloves, and the black seeds planted.
What are the conditions for Alocasia macrorrhizos to bloom?
1. Temperature: The growth temperature for Alocasia macrorrhizos is 20-30°C, and it can tolerate a minimum low temperature of 8°C. In summer high temperatures, as long as the soil is kept moist, water is sprayed frequently, and shade is provided, it can still grow normally. In winter, the 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 scattered light is best.
2. Light: Alocasia macrorrhizos is a shade-tolerant plant that likes a semi-shady environment, and it should be placed in an environment that is both shaded and ventilated.
3. Humidity: Alocasia macrorrhizos especially likes moisture. During the growing season, it not only requires the potting soil to be moist, but also requires air humidity of no less than 60%. In summer high temperatures, spraying water should be strengthened to create a relatively cool and humid environment for it. If it is placed in an indoor air-conditioned hall, it is necessary both to keep the potting soil moist and to spray the leaf surface from time to time. If the winter room temperature cannot reach 15°C, watering should be controlled, otherwise it is easy to cause root rot in the plant. Generally, spraying warm water once a week can keep its leaves dark green.
4. Soil: Alocasia macrorrhizos can be cultivated in nutrient soil mixed with leaf mold, peat soil, river sand, and a small amount of thoroughly composted cake fertilizer. Alternatively, it can be hydroponically grown, but attention should be paid to preventing root rot and adding nutrient solution. Usually, the pot is changed once every spring, and the soil can be loosened once a month to keep the potting soil in a well-aerated state.
5. Fertilization: Alocasia macrorrhizos relatively likes fertilizer. From March to October, liquid fertilizer should be applied once every half month, and 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. When the temperature is below 15°C, fertilization should be stopped.