What omen and symbolism does it signify when the Alocasia (dumb cane) blooms?
The Alocasia (dumb cane) is an excellent foliage plant, a perennial upright herb of the genus Alocasia in the Araceae family. Its plant form is tall and upright, its stems are thick and rustic, and it grows very vigorously and magnificently, with a tropical rainforest look. At the same time, its leaves are broad, glossy, full and round, giving people a feeling of expansive grandeur and vibrant vitality. Now let us take a look together at what omen it signifies when the Alocasia (dumb cane) blooms!
What omen does it signify when the Alocasia (dumb cane) blooms?
The Alocasia (dumb cane) blooming is a very good omen. When it blooms, a single column of milky-white flower spike stands gracefully, and behind the flower spike rises a green oval spathe. The flower spike seems to stand in front of this spathe, embraced by it. That milky-white flower spike is just like the jade body of Guanyin, and the spathe is even more like the halo of Buddha's light radiating from Guanyin's body. The pure white flower spike stands amid a field of Buddha's light, as if Guanyin Bodhisattva has manifested in your home. It is absolutely an omen of great good fortune.
When does the Alocasia (dumb cane) bloom?
The Alocasia (dumb cane) likes to grow in a hot and humid environment. It generally blooms in winter and spring after October, with the peak blooming period from February to April, and the dormant blooming period from November to May or June of the following year. In the north, because the ambient temperature and humidity are not easily able to meet the requirements for the Alocasia (dumb cane) to bloom, it generally will not bloom. However, if the temperature and humidity in the home meet the blooming requirements of the Alocasia (dumb cane), then it will occasionally bloom as well.
How should the Alocasia (dumb cane) be cultivated to do well?
1. Temperature: The Alocasia (dumb cane) likes warmth. The suitable growth temperature is 20-25°C, and the wintering 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, it will cause the Alocasia (dumb cane) to enter a dormant state, which will cause it to stop growing.
2. Light: The Alocasia (dumb cane) needs a moderate amount of light, but it should not be too strong. If it is too strong, it will cause the Alocasia (dumb cane) to become “wilted”. During the blooming period, the Alocasia (dumb cane) needs sufficient sunlight, otherwise the spathe will carry a green color, affecting its quality. Ensuring about three hours of light per day should be about enough.
3. Water: In midsummer, the Alocasia (dumb cane) should be sprayed with water on its leaves every day at noon to increase air humidity. Only in this way can the leaves of the Alocasia (dumb cane) be large and thick. If it is too dry, the leaves will increase in size but become thinner, which still greatly affects the ornamental appeal of the Alocasia (dumb cane). Therefore, the water requirement is also indispensable.
4. Fertilizing: The Alocasia (dumb cane) is a plant that likes fertilizer. Fertilize the Alocasia (dumb cane) about every twenty days. Applying an appropriate amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can make its leaves larger, thicker and greener. If the Alocasia (dumb cane) is not fertilized for a long time, it will cause the lower part of its stem to become bare and hollow, and yellow leaves or smaller leaves will appear.
5. Repotting: In the second year, after Qingming Festival, move the Alocasia (dumb cane) outdoors to let the plant receive sunlight and quickly recover its growth. After 2 weeks, repot it. Sprinkle water on the potting soil to moisten it, then remove the plant from the pot, remove the soil from the roots, cut off the diseased roots and rotten roots, and then pot it, covering it with new soil mixed with base fertilizer. After watering thoroughly to settle the roots, place it in a cool place for about 1 week, and after 2-3 days water it once with diluted fertilizer water.