How to grow Alocasia macrorrhizos in water? Master 8 key points to keep it vigorous

Alocasia macrorrhizos, also known as Alocasia and Buddha's hand lotus, is loved by many households for its broad, oily-green leaves. But many people do not know how to grow it. Below, the editor shares 8 key points for growing Alocasia macrorrhizos in water, to produce a vigorous plant.

What are the methods for growing Alocasia macrorrhizos in water?

1. Temperature

It likes warmth, grows rapidly above 25°C, and the most suitable temperature for growth is 25-30°C. It has a certain cold resistance; as long as the overwintering temperature is maintained above 2°C, it is fine.

2. Light

It likes partial shade and cannot tolerate intense direct sunlight. From May to September, shade should be provided, blocking about 50% of sunlight. At other times, it should be given sufficient sunlight. It cannot tolerate excessive shade, otherwise the leaf stalks become thin and long, and not only is the plant shape unattractive, but it also breaks easily.

3. Watering

Because the leaves are large, it consumes more water, so it is afraid of drought. It likes a slightly moist soil environment; during the growing period, watering should follow "alternating dry and wet, leaning toward moist," and watering should be thorough; even watering a bit more is fine. Especially on hot, sunny summer days, pay even more attention to supplying water to meet the plant's water requirements. Because the leaf surface is large, in the morning water droplets often appear at the leaf tips, which is quite strange, hence the name "Dishui Guanyin" (Dripping Guanyin). However, it requires that the potting soil always remain moist to ensure the plant absorbs sufficient water and relies on root pressure to transport water to the leaf tips and exude it; when the potting soil is dry, there will be no water to drip. In winter, water should be controlled, keeping the potting soil slightly moist, as long as the leaves are not soft and drooping; overly wet potting soil easily causes root rot.

4. Environmental humidity

It likes a humid environment and dislikes dry air. During the growing season, on sunny and dry days, water should often be sprayed on the branches, leaves and surroundings to maintain a relatively high air humidity.

5. Fertilizing

It likes fertilizer. Because of its large growth volume, nutrients need to be supplemented in time so that the stems grow thick and strong and the leaves are large, deep green and glossy; when lacking fertilizer, the leaves are small and yellow. During the growing period, a nitrogen-based fertilizer should be applied about once every 10 days. After the beginning of autumn, stop applying nitrogen fertilizer and apply 2-30 phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. Stop fertilizing in winter.

6. Pruning

Yellow leaves should be cut off at any time. Because the leaf stalks are long, when moving, placing and caring for the plant, avoid breaking the leaf stalks. If they are broken, they should be cut off in time.

7. Repotting

Repotting is needed once every 1-2 years. It has low requirements for soil, but likes fertile, loose, well-drained sandy loam; the substrate can be prepared from materials such as leaf mold, garden soil, peat soil and river sand. If sufficient base fertilizer is applied, the leaves can grow large and thick. Because the leaves are large but few in number and the leaf stalks are long, when moving the plant and caring for it, avoid damaging the leaves, otherwise the ornamental value will be reduced.

8. Propagation

(1) Sowing: Wild plants often bear seeds; sow in spring. The suitable germination temperature is 25-28°C, and germination occurs 20-25 days after sowing.

(2) Cuttings: Carry out in April. Cut thick stems into stem segments about 10 cm long with several buds as cuttings; after drying slightly, insert them obliquely or lay them flat in the seedbed; when laying flat, the depth should be just enough to bury the stem segment; the cuttings can also be inserted directly into pots. After insertion, keep the substrate moist and the environmental temperature at 25-2TC; after 4-5 weeks they can root and survive.

(3) Division: Potted plants easily produce many small plants at the base; in April, combine with repotting to divide them, separating the small plants from the mother plant and planting them separately. Division is best carried out when the temperature reaches 20°C or higher; while keeping the substrate moist, new shoots can emerge in about 20 days.

The above is the relevant introduction in this article. I believe that after reading it, you also have a simple understanding of this. If needed, you can continue to follow No.1 Home Network to learn more information.