Extremely stately and one of the most popular potted plants of recent years. Although it can be capricious at times, you can fall in love with it. An absolute bargain! It has long attracted crowds of collectors and exotic plant enthusiasts. Among the alocasia, you will find many specimens that you can also confidently grow at home. In order to grow it beautifully, it is enough to know the basic principles of its car

Allocasia - characteristics

The alocasia is an extremely decorative plant that occurs in the wild in Asia and Australia in the rainforest canopy. It belongs to the pictorial family, which includes other popular species such as monstera, horsetail, diphenbachia and philodendron. In Poland, it is known as zakleśń. The trademark and greatest ornament of alocasia are the exceptionally long, patterned, intensely green leaves with slightly jagged edges. Allocasias are among the air-purifying plants, so they are worth placing not only in the home. They are perfect as plants for offices, plants for schools or public spaces.

The most popular varieties of allocasia

The best known and also the most showy varieties of allocasia are those belonging to the Amazonian allocasia species (Alocasia amazonica), also known as the skeleton allocasia. Varieties include: Polly, the slightly smaller Bambino Arrow, Calidora with its large leaves and thick stems, and the Portadora, which reaches a considerable size and has rust spots on its stems.

Alocasia - how to care?

Although aloscasia is not the easiest plant to grow, it is worth paying a little more attention to. It will certainly repay you with its beauty and will be a unique decoration for your home.

✔️ position

Allocasias grow best in a bright but diffused light position. This can be the windowsill of a north, east or west window if not too much sun reaches the plant. It is important that the aloscasia does not stand next to a window that is frequently opened. Due to its origin, any gust of wind or draught can harm the aloscasia. This is why it is important that, once you have purchased your alocasia, it is well protected during transport.

✔️ temperature and humidity

Alocasia is a thermophilic plant. However, it does not tolerate changes in temperature. Air humidity is also important for alocasia. This should be around 60-65%. If the air in your home does not reach these values, consider purchasing a humidifier.

✔️ substrate

The substrate for aloscasia should be light, strongly loosened, permeable to water and acidic. A 20% acid peat supplemented with additives and fillers such as expanded clay, coconut fibre or vermiculite is sufficient. This is to prevent water lingering too long, which can cause root rot.

✔️ watering

We do not overwater alocasia! This plant does not like stagnant water in the roots. Overwatering can also harm it. So it is best to be vigilant and find a balance in watering. As the water requirements of aloscasia vary depending on the growth stage or conditions, it should only be watered when the substrate is dry.

✔️ fertilisation

Like most tropical plants, alocasia also needs regular fertilisation during spring and summer. A green plant fertiliser or a mineral or organic fertiliser will work very well.

Pests and problems in the cultivation of allocasia

Alocasia are a delicacy for all kinds of pests. It is particularly popular with spider mites, thrips and mealybugs. When growing alocasia, it is important to maintain sufficient air humidity and to get into the habit of frequently inspecting the leaves. This will enable you to react quickly enough with natural methods or immediately apply a dedicated treatment for diseases and pests.

Why do alocasia leaves die?

The sight of the oldest leaves of an alocasia starting to yellow and die is no reason to panic. And certainly not to throw the plant away. In the case of alocasia, as with many other plants, this is a natural stage of development. When an alocasia puts out a new leaf, it sucks the juices and vitality out of the oldest one, "killing" it. This is why it is important not to immediately cut such a leaf so that its successor can absorb as many nutrients as possible.