Alocasia, also known as arrow leaf, is not cultivated as a houseplant because of its flowers, but because of its beautiful leaf decoration. Care is not that easy because it only develops its strong leaves if the location and care conditions are met. How to care for an Alocasia.
How do you properly care for an Alocasia?
For successful Alocasia care, they require regular watering without waterlogging, high humidity, halved fertilizer dosage during the growing season, occasional cutting and repotting as well as protection from diseases and pests.
How do you water Alocasia correctly?
Alocasia needs a lot of water, but cannot tolerate waterlogging. Therefore, water the plant regularly and thoroughly. The top of the substrate should be dry between each watering process. Pour off excess water immediately.
Spray the leaves with water more often to increase humidity.
When and how is the arrow leaf fertilized?
Fertilization is carried out at two-week intervals from April to September. Use a normal fertilizer for green plants (€7.00 on Amazon). Halve the specified dose.
Do you need to prune Alocasia?
You may cut the arrow leaf if the plant has become too large. It's best to do this in the spring. Cut the shoots back to two thirds.
You can remove dead leaves as well as the flowers.
What should you consider when repotting?
When the roots of the Alocasia have completely penetrated the substrate, you should repot them in early spring.
Place them in a larger pot that you have previously filled with loose potting soil or a mixture of leaf mold, gravel and clay granules. Place drainage in the bottom of the pot to prevent waterlogging.
What diseases and pests can occur?
If the substrate is permanently too moist, the roots will rot. Alocasia is also susceptible to various pests:
- Whiteflies
- Thrips
- Spider mites
Check the plant regularly for infestation and take control measures immediately.
How to care for Alocasia in winter?
Alocasia is cared for indoors all year round. Temperatures must not fall below 15 degrees even in winter. In winter, water a little less, but make sure that the humidity remains sufficiently high.
Tip
The arrow leaf belongs to the arum family and, like all members of this plant family, is poisonous. The milky sap can cause skin irritation. You should therefore avoid an Alocasia if you have small children or pets.
