![]() ![]() Make sure containers are placed a good six inches apart and away from walls for ample air circulation that inhibits disease and promotes healthy growth.Īvoid locations where they’ll be hit by cold drafts, or windy spots outside. The soil should be slightly moist at all times, not oversaturated. Water when the surface feels dry to the touch, but make sure it doesn’t get waterlogged. While they can’t tolerate wet feet or standing water, Alocasia species do need consistently moist soil. To grow one at home, you may need to employ frequent misting, add a shallow tray of water and pebbles beneath the pot, or even use an electric humidifier. This tropical beauty would really appreciate at least 50 percent humidity in its growing environment, which can be tough to achieve in a typical household. If your home doesn’t offer enough indirect natural light, you may want to consider using grow lights for at least part of the day. ![]() First, consider the following: TemperatureĪlocasia species grow best at temperatures of at least 60☏ and will suffer and start dropping leaves when the temperature is lower than 50☏. ![]() If you can meet its demands, you’ll have a beautiful tropical specimen to look forward to. It really pays to anticipate the needs of these plants ahead of time, before investing in one of your own. Place in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light with ample humidity, just like a mature specimen requires. Some settling when you water is normal, so you may want to moisten the soil gently with tepid water at this point and let it drain before you add your plant, so it will be easier to position it at the right height.įill in with more soilless mix to within about an inch of the rim so the crown of the plant sits about an inch above the soil surface, and gently tamp it down with your fingers. The container should be about two inches wider on all sides than the transplant.įill the container about a third of the way with the mix, then place the transplant in position. You’ll also need a pot with drainage holes and a saucer to catch excess water as it drains out. Once you’re more familiar with what these plants have to offer, I’ll also share tips on accommodating their specific growing needs.įor more specifics on choosing the right soil for houseplants, see our guide. If creating that environment indoors sounds like something you’d be willing to do, won’t you let me introduce you to some of the dramatic varieties in this genus? They need conditions that mimic the areas where they’re native.Ī few of their growing requirements include humidity of at least 50 percent, home temperatures of 60☏ or higher, and plenty of bright, indirect light. What’s a little extra watering and creating a humid oasis here in the dry air of my home when such beauty and drama are the results?ĭescribed with various common names including African mask, giant taro, kris plant, and elephant ear, Alocasia species boast big, beautiful leaves that would be at home in the tropics, which is where they originated.Īnd that’s what makes them a little tougher to grow and care for than the average pot of philodendron or spiderwort. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |