How Often Should You Water Alocasia (Dumb Cane)?
Alocasia (also known as dumb cane) is a very popular foliage plant. It is best grown in a large pot or wooden barrel, suitable for decorating large halls or indoor gardens, and can also be planted in tropical plant greenhouses. It has the effect of purifying air and removing dust. Keeping a pot of Alocasia in the dry season means you can breathe fresh, moist air as soon as you get home. Let's take a look below at how often you should water Alocasia!
How often should you water Alocasia?
Alocasia is a plant that likes moisture, so watering is good for its growth, but it does not need to be watered every day - just water when needed. Generally, when the ambient temperature is between 15-30°C, water thoroughly after the soil surface dries; when the ambient temperature is above 30°C, water every day to keep it moist; when the ambient temperature is between 10-15°C, water thoroughly only after the soil has dried completely; when the ambient temperature is below 10°C and the plant has not been killed by frost, follow the principle of watering thoroughly only after the soil has dried completely, but use warm water (15-20°C).
How often should you fertilize Alocasia?
Alocasia grows very fast, so during its growth you must fertilize in moderation. Applying a dilute fertilizer of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium once or twice a month is enough; otherwise it easily causes the lower part of the Alocasia stem to become bare and hollow, which affects its ornamental value. Alocasia grows rapidly in summer and has high nutritional needs, so every 15-20 days you should alternately apply a liquid fertilizer such as decomposed soybean cake water and a compound fertilizer. In winter, fertilize once a month. Fertilizer should be light and dilute. When applying liquid fertilizer, never pour the fertilizer water into the leaf sheaths, as this will cause rot. For fertilizing, you can alternate decomposed soybean cake water with urea.
How should you grow Alocasia to keep it healthy?
1. Temperature: Alocasia likes warmth. The suitable growing temperature is 20-25°C, and the overwintering temperature is 10-15°C. It can only grow well at a temperature not lower than 20°C. If the temperature is below 15°C, Alocasia will enter a dormant state, which will cause it to stop growing.
2. Light: Alocasia needs a moderate amount of light, but it should not be too strong. If it is too strong, Alocasia will become "wilted". During the flowering period, Alocasia needs plenty of sunlight; otherwise the spathe will be tinged with green, affecting its quality. Ensuring about three hours of light per day should be roughly enough.
3. Water: In midsummer, Alocasia should be sprayed with water on its leaves every day at noon to increase air humidity. Only in this way will the leaves of Alocasia be large and thick. If it is too dry, the leaves will grow larger but become thinner, which greatly affects the beauty of Alocasia. So water is also indispensable.
4. Fertilizing: Alocasia is a plant that likes fertilizer. Fertilize Alocasia about every twenty days. Applying an appropriate amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can make the leaves of Alocasia larger, thicker and greener. If Alocasia is not fertilized for a long time, the lower part of its stem will become bare and hollow, and yellow leaves will appear or the leaves will become smaller.
5. Repotting: After Qingming Festival, move Alocasia outdoors. Repot after 2 weeks. Sprinkle water on the potting soil, then remove the plant from the pot, remove the soil from the roots, cut off diseased and rotten roots, then pot it up, cover with new soil mixed with base fertilizer, water thoroughly to settle the roots, and place it in a shady spot for about 1 week. After 2-3 days, water once with dilute fertilizer water.