Alocasia California

Description

Features stunning foliage that can become the centerpiece of a garden or room. In the right conditions, they can grow very fast, but they are also sensitive plants. Alocasia grows well in big pots; they can thrive in the summertime and then be brought indoors in the winter. They are sometimes referred to as Elephant Ears, or African Masks. Even with a shorter growing season in northern climates, these plants can have rapid growth. In the warm summer months of the growing season, alocasia can produce a new leaf every week. Each new leaf may be twice the size of the previous week!

Light Requirements

Bright indirect light. Can tolerate direct sunlight.

Watering

Keep Alocasia plants moist all year; they are water-loving plants. There is a fine line with these plants. You want to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. They require less water during the winter months because the plant is dormant.

Additional Care Tips and Info

Once the plant is in its dormant period (in the late fall and winter), it will begin resting. The rapid leaf growth will be quite diminished and the plant will likely remain as-is throughout the season. Continue to care for it, and the rapid growth will return the following growing season.

Alocasias can be heavy feeders, especially large specimens. Feed with liquid fertilizer during the growing season or do frequent small applications of slow release fertilizer.

Repot Alocasia varieties annually into larger pots with fresh, free-draining potting soil. Also, it's best to divide the rhizome annually to keep the plant a manageable size.

Plant in loose, well-drained potting mix or a crumbly loamy soil. Try to let the top few inches of soil become nearly dry before watering. This will help keep it evenly moist. Soggy soil makes the plant susceptible to many fungal infections. Try out our indoor and tropical soils for best results.