ALOCASIA

ALOCASIA is a genus of rhizomatous or tuberous plant from the family Araceae. There are about 90 accepted species native to tropical and subtropical Asia and eastern Australia. Around the world, many growers widely cultivate a range of hybrids and cultivars as ornamentals.

Alocasias are a beautiful and stunning plant which can be grown indoors or outdoors in a pot or in the ground. They are fast growing tropical plant with arrowhead or heart shaped foliage with many different colour veins and textures from thick, waxy, slick and glossy foliage. The best required environment for alocasia’s is they love the high humidity, bright indirect light (not liking direct midday sun which will burn the leaves or too low on light will stunt the growth), and a well-drained soil, they do not like wet feet. If the soil is to wet this could lead to root rot and you could lose your plant.

A small insignificant flower can be seen on the stems in late summer which look like a spathiphyllum (peace lilly) flower. They are sensitive to sudden temperature swings so keep them away from drafts or heating and cooling vents. Alocasias don’t grow well in cooler temperatures they can suffer in temperatures of 10 degrees and may die in temperatures of 5 degrees.

Regular feeding can invigorate leaf growth and feed once a month in spring and summer. Because they can lay dormant (they can lose their leaves and stop growing) in winter it’s better not to fertilize. When the warm weather comes back they will reshoot again. Alocasias are sensitive to fertilize burn so just use half strength and they love organic rather than mineral based fertilisers.

If you are planting your alocasia in a pot, use a good quality potting mix and make sure your pot has drainage holes. If you want to make your own potting mix a combination of these medias are excellent. Mix coco coir, peat moss, perlite, pumice and some coarse sand together and your plant will love you. If you are planting in the ground and your soil is poor refresh it with a good quality compost mix or worm castings.

Bugs are not much of a problem, but they can attract mealybugs, spider mite, aphids and scale. To treat just use soapy water which you can make at home or spray with neem oil. The easiest way to propagate your plant is by dividing the rhizomes, just tease apart the roots and rhizomes by hand or use a shape knife, then replant the plants at the same depth they were, and water and you have just produced new plants.

There is one thing about alocasias though all varieties are toxic to both pets and humans when they are ingested so be aware.

As Green As Garden Centre is packed with plants including some different varieties of alocasias, also in stock are the

Flame of the Forrest, Jade vines and the amazing Rainbow Gum. Also selling beautiful bunches of fresh flowers by A Dash of Pollen and serving pancakes and coffee on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 12pm from Jam & Butters Coffee Co. This Saturday the Village in the Valley Tully Markets are on at the Lions Park Tully from 8am to 12pm come on down and support the markets. Live music and market stalls.