Alocasia, also known as elephant ear or arrow leaf, is often said to be somewhat complicated when it comes to care. In fact, the houseplant is quite sensitive to incorrect watering. Can care be simplified by switching to hydroponics?
Is Alocasia suitable for hydroponics and how do I care for it?
Alocasia is well suited to hydroponics as they are tropical plants that require a lot of water. To switch to hydroponics, you need a hydro pot, water level indicator, clay granules and a he althy plant. Further care includes weekly watering, special fertilizers and high humidity.
Is Alocasia suitable for hydroponics?
Tropical foliage plants such as Alocasia, which comes from India, are generally very suitable for hydroponics. The large leaves evaporate a lot of water, and the plant often loses moisture through a phenomenon called guttation. Cared for as a hydroponic plant, the alocasia is always supplied with exactly the amount of water it needs - if you do it right!
After all, she can provide herself with the precious water to her heart's content. As a result of the change, you in turn have significantly less care required, and the risk of pest infestation is also reduced - it has been proven that hydroponic plants are less threatened by pests and diseases than plants grown in soil.
How do I convert the Alocasia to hydroponics?
You can purchase the alocasia as a hydroponic plant from specialist retailers or convert an existing specimen that was previously kept in soil culture to hydroponics. To do this, you first need the right accessories:
- inner pot suitable for hydroponics
- Planter
- Water level indicator
- Clay granules (e.g. expanded clay)
- a he althy, young plant if possible
In a first step, pot the Alocasia out of its previous substrate and carefully remove all adhering soil. You can also rinse the roots under gently running water. In the meantime, place the clay granules in water so that they can soak up. Finally, fill the clay granules into the pot and plant the Alocasia there. Earth is not necessary.
How to properly care for alocasia in hydroponics?
Please note that no nutrient solution may be added to the irrigation water when planting! Further care for your hydroponic plant follows this schedule:
- approx. water once a week
- every two weeks in winter
- Water is filled into the planter
- Water level indicator or moisture meter tells you how much water you need to refill
- fertilize approximately every two to four weeks with a low-dose special fertilizer
When fertilizing, please note that hydroponic plants require a special hydrofertilizer. Conventional fertilizers for houseplants are dosed too heavily and are therefore not suitable.
Tip
Pay attention to high humidity
As a tropical plant, Alocasia only feels comfortable in warm temperatures and high humidity. Therefore, spray the plant from time to time with a flower sprayer, for which you should use rainwater that is as soft as possible. Tap water contains lime, which leaves unsightly white spots on the leaves.
