How to grow Alocasia macrorrhizos (giant taro)? Humidity and temperature control are key
What is Alocasia macrorrhizos (giant taro)? Alocasia macrorrhizos is famous for its leaves that drip water; its leaves are thick and rounded, so it is considered to have a very good fortune-attracting effect and is quite suitable for placing in the wealth position. However, some people believe that growing Alocasia macrorrhizos indoors can harm people's health and cause poisoning. In fact, Alocasia macrorrhizos is not a cancer-promoting plant; as long as you are a little careful in daily life, there will not be any safety problems. So, how do you grow Alocasia macrorrhizos? Below, let the editor give you a detailed introduction.
Notes on growing Alocasia macrorrhizos indoors
The toxic substances in Alocasia macrorrhizos can cause symptoms such as throat itching and pain in people. Generally speaking, neither the stems nor the leaves can be eaten, and do not directly touch the water droplets it drips with your hands. For adults there is no problem, and Alocasia macrorrhizos can also effectively purify the air, so it should not be rejected for growing altogether.
This is mainly aimed at families with young children, because children are more curious, so they may very likely eat it just for fun. Therefore, if there are very young children at home, it is best not to place it indoors.
How to grow Alocasia macrorrhizos indoors - temperature
The most suitable growing temperature for Alocasia macrorrhizos is between 20°C and 30°C, and the lowest temperature for overwintering is 8°C. If the temperature is lower than 5°C, it may freeze to death.
How to grow Alocasia macrorrhizos indoors - humidity
It prefers a humid, semi-shaded environment, so it is best to place it on the inner side of a balcony or another well-ventilated but shaded environment. In summer and autumn, avoid exposure to direct sunlight, otherwise the plant will suffer large-area damage.
In terms of humidity, it requires that the surrounding air humidity must not be lower than 60 percent. Therefore, in spring, summer and autumn, frequently spray water on the leaf surface of the plant. Especially when it is relatively dry in summer and autumn, it is best to place it near an air humidifier.
How to grow Alocasia macrorrhizos indoors - fertilizer
The soil requirement for Alocasia macrorrhizos is that it be fertile. Generally, peat soil, leaf mold and river sand soil plus a small amount of fully decomposed cake fertilizer are used to make it. Every spring, change the pot once, and loosen the soil once a month to ensure good soil aeration.
In addition, because Alocasia macrorrhizos likes fertilizer relatively much, between March and October, apply liquid fertilizer about once every half month. Remember that the concentration must not be too high, and more nitrogen fertilizer should be used, which will make its leaves grow as broad and thick as lotus leaves, making it more ornamental. At other times, fertilize about once every 20 days. In cold weather, because growth is slow, fertilizer does not need to be applied.
Finally, because Alocasia macrorrhizos is a tropical plant, when grown in the north it generally will not bloom. But as long as the temperature is good, Alocasia macrorrhizos grown indoors will also produce beautiful flowers, making it even more ornamental.
Although Alocasia macrorrhizos is good-looking and can also bloom, and is a very good ornamental plant, its flowers cannot be eaten, and do not let the skin come into contact with the pollen, to avoid allergies.