Alocasias for My Greenhouse
It's no secret that I love gardening and plants of all kinds. I have a particular fondness for potted specimens and over the years, I've amassed quite a collection here at my Bedford, New York farm.
Among my favorites is the alocasia. Alocasia is a genus of rhizomatous broad-leaved plants from the family Araceae. Currently, there are about 90 species native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and eastern Australia. Alocasia is also known by the common name elephant's ear because of its enormous arrow-shaped leaves. Many species are popularly grown for their bold markings and prominent veins. Last week, I added a few more varieties to my greenhouse from Excelsa Gardens in Loxahatchee Groves, Florida.
Enjoy these photos.
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- Most alocasias are loved for their striking foliage. This is Alocasia reginula ‘Black Velvet’ – a dwarf Alocasia with velvety broad dark leaves and silver veining.
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- ‘Black Velvet’ is one of several Alocasia species native to Southeast Asia, likely from the jungles of Borneo. It was collected during the 1860s by English plant collectors.
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- Ryan pulled pairs of like pots to transplant my new Alocasias. I like to use clay pots because they allow proper aeration and moisture to penetrate through the sides and to the plant. These pots are made by master potter, Guy Wolff.
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- Unfortunately, pots do break, but don’t throw away the shards. They come in handy for potting plants.
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- There is a drainage hole at the bottom of each pot. We place shards over the holes to help with drainage and to prevent soil from falling out.
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- Here, Ryan sizes up the potted Alocasia with its new pot. When choosing a container, select one that is about two-inches larger than the current pot.
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- Alocasias prefer soil that is well-draining and loose. Choose a tropical mix with bark, sand, and loam.
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- Here, Ryan begins to fill the pots with the appropriate soil medium. The root ball will also be surrounded with soil, so leave enough room so the base of the plant can sit just under the rim of the vessel.
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- Just remember, this type of Alocasia is toxic to both humans and animals. Like all of the Araceae family members, this plant has calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause illness when chewed or eaten.
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- Ryan removes the plant from its pot and gently loosens the soil around the roots with his hands to stimulate growth.
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- Once it is in its new pot, Ryan tamps down to ensure good contact with the soil. ‘Black Velvet’ thrives in dappled, bright but indirect light. It does best in north or east-facing windows, where morning light isn’t too intense.
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- I am a big believer in feeding all plants – if you eat, so should your plants. My houseplants are given Osmocote. Each granule is covered with an organic resin that regulates the daily release of nutrients.
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- Before going on one of the long tables in my main greenhouse, Ryan gives them all a good watering. When caring for Alocasia ‘Black Velvet,’ water deeply, drain away any excess, and allow around 20-percent of the topsoil to dry before watering again.
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- Other new alocasias in my collection include this variegated variety. Alocasia odora ‘Variegata’ is a dwarf Alocasia that grows to approximately three feet tall. Every leaf is different, showing off its interesting green and white markings.
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- Variegated alocasias may also have variegated stems of light green to white in color.
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- Alocasia sumo is a new hybrid between Alocasia ‘Portora’ and ‘Purple Cloak.’ The dark leaf stems are reddish-black.
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- This is Alocasia macrorrhiza ‘Lutea’ with its large dark green leaves with bold yellow petioles and stems.
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- Alocasia tyrion prefers dry environments. When mature, the edges of the leaves are wavy and heart-shaped.
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- This is a unique and interesting Alocasia macrorrhiza ‘Stingray.’ It grows best in warm, humid conditions and dappled sunlight. The distinctive “tail” combined with the “wings” looks very much like the boneless batoid fish. What are your favorite Alocasia varieties?
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