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Alocasia amazonica - Care Sheet
Alocasia amazonica
African Mask Plant
Family: Araceae
Genus: Alocasia
Species: Amazonica
Cultivars: Polly, Bambino, Albo, Pink Variegated
Common names: African Mask Plant, Amazon Elephant Ear
Difficulty: Medium
Description: This classic Alocasia is the introduction to this beautiful genus for many plant parents. The Polly cultivar is the most common of the species, but all show off beautiful deep green foliage on top with burgundy underside of the leaf on spade shaped leaves that sit atop long light green stems. This classy classic comes with a gorgeous and rare twist with its variegated forms that ban either have white or pink variegation on the leaves.
Mature size: The biggest difference in the cultivars is the size with the most common, Polly, growing to 2 feet wide and 2 feet tall. The Bambino, being the most compact is considerably smaller with a 1 foot tall and 1 foot widespread. The original Amazonica is the most uncommon and will get slightly larger than the Polly indoors but outside in zones 10-12 can earn the Elephant ear title.
Light: Bright indirect light. Under a grow light or a West or South facing window. Avoid direct sunlight as the plant would need to be acclimated to this in order to not burn. Not enough light on this plant gives its reputation for being difficult. This is not a low light plant.
Water: This plant wants a deep watering when 50% dry. It has been seen countless times that it does exceptionally well in semi hydroponics like LECA, PON, or Stratum.
Temperature: Ideal between 60-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid temperatures below 55 degrees.
Humidity: This tropical plant will require additional humidity than most people’s homes will provide. Using Semi-hydroponics can solve this issue, or use a humidifier, greenhouse cabinet (our preferred method).
Soil: A rich airy mix is needed for Alocasia. We use 2-parts coco coir, 2-parts perlite, 1-part charcoal, 1 part bark, ½-part worm casting.
Nutrition: The Alocasia genus is hungry! Fertilize year-round with half strength foliage fertilizer with every watering. If Alocasia are not getting enough nutrition, they will cannibalize their oldest leaf. This is how many people can only keep 2 or 3 leaves alive at once time. It should be noted from the light section, that this plant needs tons of light and winter is not in its vocabulary. Keep it bright and warm to avoid the fertilizer year-round causing issues.
Repotting: This plant will only require repotting once per year as a soil refresh to keep those nutrient levels high. This is when you should evaluate the pot size. Only use a pot 1 inch bigger than the diameter of the root ball. This plant will require drainage if not grown in semi-hydro.
Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. Mildly poisonous to humans, dogs, and cats, causing gum bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset. While it is not considered fatal, please contact your doctor or vet if consumed. They may not be familiar with the species, however they should be familiar with the genus and family of the plant.
Native to: Funny enough, the Amazonica, or African Mask Plant, are not from the Amazon or from Africa! They are native to tropical Southeast Asia, Oceana, and Northern Australia!
Companion Animals: This plant would do well in a small tropical and arboreal animal habitats, like anoles and tree frogs! This plant is not recommended for herbivores.
Alocasia cuprea - Care Sheet
Alocasia cuprea
Red Secret
Family:Araceae
Genus:Alocasia
Species:Cuprea
Cultivars:None
Common names:Red Secret
Difficulty:Medium to high
Description:This is the Cadillac of Alocasias! It is so pretty it is difficult to describe. So, here we go! Massive upside-down pear-shaped leaves that open fresh as a metallic pink that fade into a deep hunter green without losing the gorgeous metallic shine. While the back of the leaf is a maroon richer than Daddy Warbucks! While more challenging than the Alocasia Polly, it is worth the effort!
Mature size: This plant’s leaves are huge! The mature plant will be no more than 24 inches tall and wide; the leaves will get 18-24 inches taking up all the space.
Light:Bright indirect light. Under a grow light or a West or South facing window. Avoid direct sunlight as the plant would need to be acclimated to this in order to not burn. Not enough light on this plant gives its reputation for being difficult. This is not a low light plant.
Water: This plant wants a deep watering when 50% dry. It has been seen countless times that it does exceptionally well in semi hydroponics like LECA, PON, or Stratum.
Temperature: Ideal between 60-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid temperatures below 55 degrees.
Humidity:This tropical plant will require additional humidity than most people’s homes will provide. Using Semi-hydroponics can solve this issue, or use a humidifier, greenhouse cabinet (our preferred method).
Soil:A rich airy mix is needed for Alocasia. We use 2-parts coco coir, 2-parts perlite, 1-part charcoal, 1 part bark, ½-part worm casting.
Nutrition:The Alocasia genus is hungry! Fertilize year-round with half strength foliage fertilizer with every watering. If Alocasia are not getting enough nutrition, they will cannibalize their oldest leaf. This is how many people can only keep 2 or 3 leaves alive at once time. It should be noted from the light section, that this plant needs tons of light and winter is not in its vocabulary. Keep it bright and warm to avoid the fertilizer year-round causing issues.
Repotting: This plant will only require repotting once per year as a soil refresh to keep those nutrient levels high. This is when you should evaluate the pot size. Only use a pot 1 inch bigger than the diameter of the root ball. This plant will require drainage if not grown in semi-hydro.
Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. Mildly poisonous to humans, dogs, and cats, causing gum bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset. While it is not considered fatal, please contact your doctor or vet if consumed. They may not be familiar with the species; however, they should be familiar with the genus and family of the plant.
Native to: Tropical Southeast Asia, Oceans, and norther Australia.
Companion Animals: This plant is not recommended in animal habitats as it is expensive and would steal the show of anything in the vivarium with it. Seriously, it is that pretty!
Alocasia calidora - Care Sheet
Alocasia calidora
Pink Dragon
Family: Araceae
Genus: Alocasia
Species: Calidora
Cultivars: None
Common names: Pink Dragon, Morocco
Difficulty: Medium
Description: This Alocasia is one of our favorites! A quick growing lovely member of the genus! They have long tall pink stems that have a light green oval shaped leaves coming to a tip. When mature and with enough light, they will get red veining on the underside of the normally green leaves.
Mature size: This beaty gets up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide, although this requires an immense amount of light. Most specimens will get 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide.
Light: Bright indirect light. Under a grow light or a West or South facing window. Avoid direct sunlight as the plant would need to be acclimated to this in order to not burn. Not enough light on this plant gives its reputation for being difficult. This is not a low light plant.
Water: This plant wants a deep watering when 50% dry. It has been seen countless times that it does exceptionally well in semi hydroponics like LECA, PON, or Stratum.
Temperature: Ideal between 60-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid temperatures below 55 degrees.
Humidity: This tropical plant will require additional humidity than most people’s homes will provide. Using Semi-hydroponics can solve this issue, or use a humidifier, greenhouse cabinet (our preferred method).
Soil: A rich airy mix is needed for Alocasia. We use 2-parts coco coir, 2-parts perlite, 1-part charcoal, 1 part bark, ½-part worm casting.
Nutrition: The Alocasia genus is hungry! Fertilize year-round with half strength foliage fertilizer with every watering. If Alocasia are not getting enough nutrition, they will cannibalize their oldest leaf. This is how many people can only keep 2 or 3 leaves alive at once time. It should be noted from the light section, that this plant needs tons of light and winter is not in its vocabulary. Keep it bright and warm to avoid the fertilizer year-round causing issues.
Repotting: This plant will only require repotting once per year as a soil refresh to keep those nutrient levels high. This is when you should evaluate the pot size. Only use a pot 1 inch bigger than the diameter of the root ball. This plant will require drainage if not grown in semi-hydro.
Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. Mildly poisonous to humans, dogs, and cats, causing gum bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset. While it is not considered fatal, please contact your doctor or vet if consumed. They may not be familiar with the species; however, they should be familiar with the genus and family of the plant.
Native to: They are native to tropical Southeast Asia, Oceana, and Northern Australia!
Companion Animals: This plant would do well in a small tropical and arboreal animal habitats, like anoles and tree frogs! This plant is not recommended for herbivores.