How to propagate Alocasia? An expert teaches you five methods
Alocasia is a common large potted ornamental plant. It grows very vigorously, and when placed in the home it gives a strong tropical atmosphere. What are the propagation methods for Alocasia? Let's find out below:
Propagation methods for Alocasia:
Propagation methods for Alocasia: 1. Sowing method
Wild or field-grown Alocasia often produces seeds. They can be sown in rows or in holes in the open ground, and transplanted after the seedlings emerge.
Propagation methods for Alocasia: 2. Cutting method
The stems of Alocasia are very well developed. For plants that have grown for many years, a section of stem can be cut in spring to serve as a cutting, about 10 cm or so, and planted directly in pot soil or inserted into a cutting bed. After it grows 3-4 true leaves, transplant it into the field.
Propagation methods for Alocasia: 3. Division method
During the growing season, many young plantlets often grow from the base of Alocasia. When they have grown a little larger (3-4 true leaves), they can be dug out and planted to become new plants.
Propagation methods for Alocasia: 4. Bulb method
Dig out the small bulbs that naturally form at the roots of Alocasia and grade them, generally into two grades: those above 2 grams are grade 1, and those below 2 grams are grade 2. Before sowing, plow and level the ground and make a sunny seedbed 1 m wide and 20-30 m long for sowing. Sowing density: for grade 1 seed, the row spacing is 20 cm and the plant spacing is 8 cm; for grade 2 seed, the row spacing can be appropriately reduced. When sowing, ditches need to be opened on the prepared seedbed surface for directional sowing. The sowing depth is 4-5 cm, then cover with soil, level it, and water. After watering, spray herbicide promptly. Generally, use 100-150 ml of 33% pendimethalin EC per mu, mixed with 60-75 kg of water, and spray evenly on the seedbed surface with a sprayer. Finally, shade with a sunshade net, opening it in the morning and evening and covering it during the day. Remove the sunshade net immediately after the seedlings emerge.
Propagation methods for Alocasia: 5. Tissue culture method
Callus tissue can be produced through leaves, petioles, roots and inflorescences, and then adventitious buds can be induced for rapid propagation. Cut off leaves, petioles, etc., sterilize with 0.1% mercury solution for 10 minutes, rinse several times with sterile water, cut into small pieces of 1-2 sq cm, and inoculate them onto N6 + 1 mg/L 2,4-D, 4% sucrose agar medium. The culture room temperature is 28±2°C, and after 20 days spherical callus tissue appears on the cut edges of the explants. After 2 months the callus grows larger. At this time, transferring the callus to N6 + 0.2 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid + 0.5 mg/L cytokinin agar medium is best for bud differentiation. Hormone-free medium can also differentiate into seedlings. After 2 months of culture, callus of 0.6-0.8 cm can differentiate on average into 10 plantlets, and after 3 months can differentiate into more than 30 small plantlets. With a slightly extended culture period, the small plantlets can take root.
Alocasia has large leaves that are so green they seem about to drip, and placing it in the home can relatively easily create an environment with a tropical rainforest flavor. The propagation methods for Alocasia are introduced here, and I hope they are helpful to everyone.