Amazonian elephant's ear Alocasia × amazonica
ABOUT
A hybrid often listed under the wrong name of Alocasia sanderiana. The fact is that outwardly the two plants have a lot in common, so they are often confused.
It is an artificially bred plant, the history of which began only in the 50s of the 20th century in America.
Alocasia amazonica has beautiful large leaves. They are distinguished by their elongated arrow shape and metallic luster. The dark green leaves are arranged on long petioles and have large white veins.
The plant itself reaches a height of about 3 feet.
Leaf size: width is 8 inches, length is 16-19 inches. The stem of the plant is 6 inches long, which allows you to place this plant even in small compositions in the interior.
The root of the plant is a tuber, from which shoots are formed
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae
Synonyms
Amazonian elephant's ear, African mask
Common names
Alocasia amazonica
ToxicityTo humans
The juice of the plant has poisonous substances. Ingestion and contact with the skin can cause severe discomfort and allergic reactions
To pets
The plant extremely dangerous to animals. Ingestion can cause severe allergic reactions and may cause death
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Dark green with white veins; purple beneath
Flower color
Greenish white
Height
3 feet
Spread
2 feet
Plant type
Bulbs
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Southeast Asia
Benefits
General Benefits
Very decarative;
Fragrant flowers;
With proper care, it survives in pots as well as outdoors.
Medical PropertiesIt is used to treat the stomach, benign tumors, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. But since the plant is poisonous, this treatment can only be prescribed by a doctor!
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiAssists in any struggle, hard work, in all affairs and undertakings requiring concentration, considerable effort and attention.
Therefore, the best location of the plant is a study or near the workplace.
Alocasia prefers the north or west direction of the room or apartment - that's where it will be able to show its properties in full force.
WaterThe plant needs moderate watering and constantly keep the soil of the plant slightly moist.
If you notice that the leaf plates are drooping, it indicates a lack of water.
In summer it needs watering once every 2 days, but in winter twice a week is sufficient.
LightEastern and western locations are better for growing alocasia. But it grows even better in small kitchens without air conditioning. On southern windows it needs shading.
TemperatureIt is a very heat-loving plant. Even in winter the temperature should not fall below 60-64 °F;
In summer the ideal temperature is 73-83 °F.
PruningIt does not need to be pruned routinely. Only old and diseased leaves are removed as needed. Pruning should be done with gloves as the sap of the leaves can cause serious allergic reactions if it comes into contact with the skin!
SoilA young plant needs annual replanting for the first 5-7 years. Every time the pot should be bigger then the previous one. Thereafter, it is sufficient to transplant the plant once every 2-3 years. You can also do with additing fresh soil once every 3 years - this will not harm your plant.
Alocasia needs a tall and narrow pot.
The soil for this plant should be light, loose and airy. It should also dry out quickly, as excess moisture leads to rotting of the plant's sensitive roots.
You can make your own soil by mixing sod, leaf and humus earth with coarse sand in a 4:2:2:1 ratio and adding peat and pieces of pine or pine needle bark.
рН of the soil needs to be 5,5-6.
RepottingA young plant needs annual replanting for the first 5-7 years. Every time the pot should be bigger then the previous one. Thereafter, it is sufficient to transplant the plant once every 2-3 years. You can also do with additing fresh soil once every 3 years - this will not harm your plant.
Alocasia needs a tall and narrow pot.
The soil for this plant should be light, loose and airy. It should also dry out quickly, as excess moisture leads to rotting of the plant's sensitive roots.
You can make your own soil by mixing sod, leaf and humus earth with coarse sand in a 4:2:2:1 ratio and adding peat and pieces of pine or pine needle bark.
Humidity & MistingNeeds high humidity. You can place wet moss or a container of wet pebbles next to the pot, or place a humidifier nearby.
Needs daily spraying with room temperature water.
Humidity level needs to be between 60 and 80%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
All year round
Outdoor
Since the plant does not like temperature changes and does not like cold winds, outside its natural habitat, being outdoor is not recommended.
Hardiness zone
10 - 12 USDA
Life cycleAlocasia grow at a slow rate. The plant does not become mature until 5-7 years later. It hardly blooms at home.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
This plant is best propagated by division in spring. Alocasia with several stems can be dug up and replanted in smaller pots. It is important that the plant is mature and healthy.
PestsSpider mite, Diaspididae, Aphid
DiseasesPhytophthora infestans, Root Rot, Powdery mildew
