Looking to add a dramatic focal point to your home? Look no further than the tropical collector’s plant Elephant Ears! Alocasia can be distinguished by their leaf shapes varying from slim arrowheads to wide heart-shaped leaves. These stunning jewels are known to be water-loving plants and add the perfect exotic touch to planters and big pots as they thrive in the summertime and can be brought inside for the Winter.
Alocasia are fast growers and are known for their colourful veins and variety of leaf textures ranging from thick, waxy, slick and glossy. You will be able to differentiate this plant when you see its leaves pointing towards the sky, standing in a horizontal direction.
This week we are learning more about Alocasia 'Calidora' & Alocasia 'Sumo'.
Alocasia 'Sumo' showcase extremely large leaves that are deep green on the topside and are lighter with red ribs and bronzy coloration underneath. Whereas Alocasia 'Calidora' produces big ribbed light-green foliage that looks like it could have fanned Cleopatra once upon a time. Its upright, arrow-shaped leaves sit on larger-than-life petioles.
Alocasia Information & Care Instructions:
Light: Bright Indirect light (needs vary from shade to full sunlight based on variety - refer to care card when purchasing)
Water: Let the top few inches of soil become nearly dry before watering. Keep the plant evenly moist, but not soggy year-round. Water daily on hot Summer days.
Soil: Loose, well-drained potting mix or crumbly loam.
Temperature: Need temperatures above 60°F, they thrive in humid conditions. If you do not have a humid environment for your Alocasia, you can place it on a tray filled with pebbles and then add water until it rises to just below the bottom of the pot. Keep Alocasia away from cold drafts from windows, doors and air conditioning.
Fertilizer: Feed with water-soluble 20-20-20 general purpose fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. No need to fertilize during the winter months.
Potting: Re-pot Alocasia annually into larger pots with fresh, free-draining potting soil. Spring and Summer are when you will see growth.
Growth: Range is based on variety from 2’ tall and 2’ wide to 15’ tall and 8’ wide.
