Growing Alocasia Indoors

Alocasias add architectural drama

While you may be familiar with the optic - catching foliage of alocasia ( Alocasiaspp . and cvs . , Zones 9–11 ) in your one-year garden , this versatile genus is making big waves all year long indoors as well . Boasting some of the most striking foliage in the houseplant mankind , alocasias are an more and more democratic add-on to indoor flora ingathering due to their unmatched sculptured and architectural appeal . But there are a few tricks to check that these plant stay happy deep down .

Deciding where to put your plant requires a delicate balance

First , alocasias need bright but indirect light to thrive . Direct sun will make the leaves to burn up , so stave off placing your elephant ear in a blot where it will be exposed to verbatim sun for a prolonged period . But be warned—this plant is not tolerant of low-toned - illumination conditions indoors , so ensure the space you are placing yours in is bright for at least four to six hours per day . Alocasias are also native to — and grow substantially in — humid environs , so head off placing them near an air - conditioning social unit or a smoke . I ’ve ascertain great winner using subirrigated planters and pebble tray . Alocasias also respond well to generous mist over in the winter month to increase the comparative humidness around them .

Don’t overwater, especially in winter

Alocasias like their soil on the juiceless side . Always allow the top 2 to 3 inches of soil to dry between lacrimation to ensure the plant is n’t sitting in land that ’s too wet . Alocasias can be susceptible to root rot and fungal contagion if their stain does n’t have proper drain and becomes waterlogged . Additionally , they should be fertilized only during their growing season , broadly from April through September . I use organic fluent fertilizer that can be dilute during the normal lachrymation routine . In winter , alocasias may go through a sleeping period as the light wanes and temperature nerveless . During this time , your plant will ask less - frequent tearing , as the land will take longer to dry . If your plant begins to misplace leafage , do n’t give up hope ; it often will show racy ontogenesis again in spring .

Pest patrol: Spider mites

Alocasias are attractive not only to indoor gardeners ; they are a beloved food for thought root and habitat for wanderer mites as well . While many dissimilar types of houseplants can develop infestations of spider mites , alocasias are particularly vulnerable . If you have many houseplant , wanderer mites are likely to seek out alocasias before other plants . Regularly mist and pass over the leaves of your plant with a microfiber textile will do wonders to keep these pests at bay . Also , lop off any yellowed , dry out , or otherwise decay foliage , as leaving it can promote pests . For intense infestations of spider mites , view an constitutional pesticide .

Easy-care, top-performing options

take a cultivar that fits your penchant and lifestyle .

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1 . ‘ Frydek ’ is perfect for the missing - minded gardener . ‘Frydek ’ has been a rising ace in the indoor plant populace for the past couple of year . It is commonly call “ green velvet alocasia ” for honest reason . The leaves have a splendiferous velvety sheen that is highlighted by silvery green nervure . Though susceptible to spider mite like most alocasias , ‘ Frydek ’ is a very hardy variety that rebounds well from both pest infestations and neglect .

2 . ‘ Morocco ’ will fit on your desk . ‘Morocco ’ is lesser known but is one of my all - time favorite elephant ear for use as a houseplant . It boasts deep greenish , shield - shaped leaf lined with soft ashen veins atop collide with pink petioles . Its smaller size makes it a great choice for a well - lit desk or ledge , and I ’ve find it to be less susceptible to mites than some other varieties .

3 . ‘ Polly ’ is a classic for a reason . Probably the most common alocasia you ’ll see at the nursery , ‘ Polly ’ is one of the prosperous elephant ear cultivar to originate indoors and one of the most striking . With rich green leave-taking touched with silvern nervure and purple undersides , ‘ Polly ’ is a standout in any houseplant aggregation .

Rebecca Bullene is the founder of Greenery NYC , a botanical aim firm , and a cofounder of Greenery Unlimited , a Brooklyn - based retail and online plant shop .

Photos , except where noted : Rebecca Bullene

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