Alocasia Reginae

Classification

Kingdom: Planta
(Unrated): Angiosperms
(Unrated): Monocots
Order: Alismateles
Family: Araceae
Subfamily: Alocasia
Genus: Alocasia
Species: calla lily brothers

Calla lilies can grow very quickly, and if conditions are right, some species are considered invasive, especially on the U.S. Gulf Coast. So check with your local municipality before planting this species in your outdoor garden. If you have children or pets, you may wish to avoid these plants altogether, as the leaves are poisonous to humans and animals. 12

Botanical name: Alocasia - silver velvet
Common name: Alocasia
Plant Type: Tropical plants grown as houseplants in non-tropical climates
Adult Size: 2-15 feet tall; 2-8 feet wide (depending on species and variety)
Sunlight: bright indirect light indoors; partial shade outdoors
Soil Type: Loose, well-drained potting soil or brittle loam
Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5 (slightly acidic)
Flowering time: spring and summer
Flower color: light cream yellow (flowers are not showy)
Hardiness Zone: 10-11 (USDA)
Native range: tropical and subtropical Asia, eastern Australia
Toxicity: Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to humans

• Alocasia Care

These plants grow quickly even with shorter growing seasons in northern climates. During warm summer months, calla plants can grow a new leaf each week, and each new leaf can be twice the size of the previous week. The shape of the leaves can vary from slender arrowheads to broad heart-shaped leaves. There are colorful textures and a variety of textures, from thick, waxy, smooth and glossy.

Once the plant has entered the dormant period (late fall and winter), it will begin the dormant period. Rapid leaf growth will stop, and the plant may remain untouched throughout the winter. Continue to take care of it and it will resume rapid growth for the next growing season.

• Light

Depending on the variety, needs vary from shade to full sun. Ask the grower or seller if the plants are used to sun exposure. Plants that grow best in full light tend to have better leaf color.

• Soil

Plant elephant ears in loose, well-drained potting soil or in brittle loam.

• Water

Keep alocasia plants moist year-round; they are water-loving plants. These plants have a nice route. You want to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Since plants are dormant, they need less water in winter.

Allow the top few inches of soil to become almost dry before watering. This helps keep the soil evenly moist. Wet soil makes plants susceptible to fungal infections.

• Temperature and humidity

Elephant ear plants are exposed to high temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Some varieties die in the cold weather and re-sprout from the rhizomes. They need to thrive in very humid conditions. To increase humidity around the plant, place it on a tray filled with pebbles and add water until the water level is just below the bottom of the pot. Keep them away from cold drafts from windows, doors, and air conditioners.

• Fertilizer

Alocasia can be heavy feeders, especially with large specimens. Fertilize with a liquid fertilizer during the growing season, or with frequent, small doses of granular fertilizer.