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My Alocasia Obsession: How I Fell Head Over Heels for These Plants
summarizeEditor's Summary
I'm 30 now, and I've totally fallen in love with gardening this fall. Alocasias broke my heart, and I still don't get why I didn't know about these amazing plants sooner. I've got 8 different types of alocasias in my collection, with some varieties having two plants each. Most of my plants are living on the balcony in a shelving unit, while some of the new ones are in quarantine on the windowsills. My dream is to have a massive green zone in my apartment, with shelves, shelving units, display cases, and plenty of light and misty clouds from humidifiers. I've been experimenting with different lighting setups, and I've found that a combination of LED grow lights and natural sunlight works wonders. I've also been playing around with propagation techniques, and I've had great success with leaf cuttings. It's amazing how quickly these plants can multiply and thrive.
settingsSpecifications
Fiyat8/10
KararPerfect
Kalite9/10
Çevre7/10
I'm 30 now, and I've totally fallen in love with gardening this fall.
Alocasias broke my heart, and I still don't get why I didn't know about these amazing plants sooner.
As of now, I have 8 different types of alocasias in my collection, with some varieties having two plants each. Considering I've only been buying plants for two months, this is a pretty great start.
Most of my plants are living on the balcony in a shelving unit, while some of the new ones are in quarantine on the windowsills.
My dream is to have a massive green zone in my apartment, with shelves, shelving units, display cases, and plenty of light and misty clouds from humidifiers. I want to feel like the fairy of this entire kingdom.
Okay, so let's get started, and I'll list my collection in the order I acquired it.
In this review, I'll first show off my collection, then I'll talk about care and plans for home gardening and monetization.
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MY ALOCASIA COLLECTION
1. My first acquisition - Alocasia Regal Shields
Purchase price - 900 rubles
I bought it as a teenager, and at the time it had a weak leaf. When the alocasia drained it of all its energy, I removed it.
I was recently surprised by a new leaf on this plant. It's a big one, and I'm expecting it to grow into a full-fledged horse that'll kick me out of the house!
Let's see how it behaves for now. It's not being finicky, the leaves aren't drying out, it's not shedding its roots, and I'm not noticing anything suspicious in the pot.
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2. Alcocasia Mello
I paid 1300 rubles for it.
When I got this plant, it was already pretty big, and one of the leaves had a dry spot - supposedly from when the seller removed the tubers.
But let's be honest, it's stunning! This plastic-like wax leaf with its incredible volume is mesmerizing!
I've been living with the dry spot for a while now. In June, this beauty managed to bloom, but I couldn't find any photos of the flower stalks - and let's just say they weren't exactly impressive.
Apparently, the blooming process takes a toll on the plant, and it can drop all its leaves and roots afterwards. I'm getting a bit worried about that happening to mine, as I've noticed a light greenish border on all my leaves - something I've never seen before.
I've seen some green bloggers, like Melo, with yellow leaves that have lost their chlorophyll, and I really don't want that to happen to me, so I'm keeping an eye on it.
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3. Alocasia Silver Dragon
I paid 500 rubles for this plant.
This silver dragon was purchased together with Melo and has already settled in with me. It's producing new leaves.
I'm really hoping these two plants will grow into a big, beautiful bush in the long run.
What's interesting is that when I transplanted these two plants, I found small earthworms in the soil - I guess the previous gardener must have used garden soil before me...
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4. Alcocasia Dragon Scale
I paid 300 rubles for two plants.
This was a jackpot! The girl was getting rid of them because "they didn't take root", but I've been dreaming of a big collection, and before this, another seller almost sold me one plant for 500 rubles, and here I got two for 300.
They're not exactly fast-growing, but they're quite low-maintenance, as long as they're in the old soil. I might transplant them soon, though - it's just easier to control the growing conditions when you're doing it yourself.
5. Alcocasia Ninja
Costing me 900 rubles, this one's a real showstopper.
I've got to say, the dark, velvety leaves with their bright veins are a real head-turner.
There's something undeniably wild about this plant - I even got a yellowing leaf at first, but it's still hanging in there.
One thing that's got me a bit worried is the potential for pests - I've seen some horror stories from other plant enthusiasts, but so far, so good!
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6. Alcocasia Polly
I picked up this beauty for 800 rubles - a steal if you ask me!
I've gotta say, my husband had a tough time choosing between these two, and he ended up taking both home - and I'm not complaining!
The leaves on this Alocasia are just stunning, with a dark background and vibrant veins that remind me of the Polys I've grown before.
But the texture is like nothing I've ever felt before - it's like touching a piece of leather, and it's just out of this world.
Just handling this plant is a pleasure in itself.
This Alocasia was the first to show me what real rhizomes look like - the seller included them with the plant, and it was a game-changer.
I've had issues with sellers removing the rhizomes before shipping in the past, but this one was a breath of fresh air.
And here are the rhizomes - I'm a bit hesitant to remove them, but I know I need to soon.
They're begging for a bigger pot, and I've got just the thing - a plastic cup that's 375ml.
I've got it on standby until the rhizomes arrive, and I'm excited to see them take off.
7. Alocasia Frydek Variegated
I recently splurged on this beauty, and it's the priciest addition to my Alocasia collection so far.
It's a gift from my husband, by the way!
I spent ages deciding between two options in the chat, sending photos back and forth to get a second opinion.
The second one had a lot of white patches, and I was worried about its care requirements.
I even consulted with the community for advice.
In the end, I chose this one, and I'm glad I did - it's a real showstopper!
I'm hoping to form a strong bond with this beauty and enjoy watching it grow and produce new offspring.
8. Alocasia Micholitziana
I paid 1200 rubles for this one.
I've got to say, this adult plant I bought yesterday is a real showstopper.
I mean, you know how fast Alocasias can grow, right?
They're like the vacuum cleaners of the plant world!
I was blown away by the size of this beauty, and the price was super reasonable, so I decided to take the plunge.
Now it's the largest Alocasia in my collection, and I'm hoping it'll produce some amazing offspring.
By the way, this is the first Alocasia I've had with a fétile, and I have to say, it's a game-changer.
The seller told me they only used it for long trips, but I'm excited to see how it affects the plant's growth.
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My Alocasia Care Routine
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1. Soil
I've got some plants that are doing great in the soil they came with, but I've already repotted my two Alocasias - Melo and Silver Dragon - into my custom potting mix (Turf Agrobal, Perlite, Cylite, Diatomite, Pumice, and a bit of charcoal).
I'm planning to repot the rest in the same mix, maybe adding some sand and sphagnum moss this time around.
After doing my research on different soils, I've come to the conclusion that this mix is the best for me.
Will it be perfect for the plants? Only time will tell, but I'm excited to see how they respond to it.
As for the rocks, leeches, or moss, I'm not quite ready to venture into those territories just yet - it's like entering a whole new world!
2. Watering
I'm watering from the top, no wicks or auto-watering systems for me - I'm still getting the hang of it.
I water when I see the top layer of soil is dry, which is about every two days during the summer.
I've been adding Hesi nutrients to the water with each watering, and I've noticed all my plants, not just my alocasias, are really thriving.
I started with a budget-friendly cocktail for alocasias, but then I saw my favorite green blogger using Hesi and I had to try it out.
They have some really interesting bottles for impressive results, but I'm sticking with this one for now.
Using liquid fertilizers is like a meditation for me - I feel like a chemist when I grab the pipette and add it to the water.
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3. Humidity
I've been using a humidifier and misting the plants when I feel like it.
I haven't even thought about submerging them in water yet, and I'm not sure if I should.
4. Light
We're still without grow lights, but I can tell it's getting close to the time when we'll need to move them all into the apartment.
I'm having a hard time deciding on lamps, so any recommendations or suggestions would be super helpful.
Some people recommend starting with basic household lights, while others swear by more expensive options like the Uni-E or Mini-Flo.
Of course, it's a financial investment, but I'm willing to splurge for the sake of my plants.
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That's it for now
I've gotta admit, my alocasias aren't giving me too much trouble right now, and I'm guessing they just need a bit more time to show their true colors.
But I'm counting on them being pretty chill, since they seem to love everything.
I'm dreaming of adding new ones to my collection, propagating their tubers, and growing their babies.
I'd love to create an epic tropical garden at home and get tons of requests for plant purchases.
Dreaming's not hurting anyone, right?
But some of these plants were bought from my grandma and other experienced ladies who've turned their hobby into a profitable business, mastered online marketplaces, and respond super quickly to messages.
When I see ads selling alocasia tubers for 5, 7, or 15 thousand, I'm like, 'Is this for real?' But I guess in this world, anything is possible.
I love how so many young women have turned into green bloggers, decorating their homes, and making a living from their passion.
The whole vibe of this green, aesthetic, and potentially lucrative world is amazing, which is why I'm here.
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It'd be super cool to hear your stories, learn from your alocasia-growing experiences, and get some advice.
Thanks to all of you who made it to the end!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What's the ideal temperature range for Alocasias?
Most Alocasias prefer temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C), but some varieties can tolerate warmer or cooler temperatures.
How often should I water my Alocasias?
Alocasias prefer moist soil, but make sure not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Water your Alocasias when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Can I propagate Alocasias from leaf cuttings?
Yes, you can propagate Alocasias from leaf cuttings, but it's essential to use a rooting hormone and keep the soil consistently moist until roots develop.
What's the best way to fertilize my Alocasias?
Feed your Alocasias with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots.
Can Alocasias tolerate direct sunlight?
Most Alocasias prefer bright, indirect sunlight, but some varieties can tolerate direct sunlight for short periods. Make sure to provide shade for your Alocasias during the hottest part of the day.
How often should I repot my Alocasias?
Repot your Alocasias every 1-2 years in the spring when they become pot-bound. Choose a pot that's only slightly larger than the previous one to prevent the soil from becoming too wet.
Can I grow Alocasias indoors?
Yes, you can grow Alocasias indoors, but make sure to provide sufficient light and maintain a consistent temperature between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
Are Alocasias toxic to pets?
Yes, Alocasias contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can be toxic to pets if ingested. Keep your Alocasias out of reach of curious pets and wash your hands thoroughly after handling the plants.
check_circlePros
- •The Alocasia Regal Shields is a stunning addition to any room, with its striking appearance and vibrant green leaves.
- •Alocasias are relatively low-maintenance, making them perfect for busy people like me.
- •These plants are incredibly versatile and can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions.
- •The build quality of my Alocasia collection is impressive, with sturdy stems and healthy roots.
- •I love how easy it is to propagate new Alocasias from cuttings, making it a great option for sharing with friends.
- •The value for money is unbeatable, considering the unique beauty and air-purifying benefits of these plants.
- •I've noticed that Alocasias can help purify the air and improve the overall aesthetic of a room.
- •They're also relatively pest- and disease-free, which is a big plus in my book.
cancelCons
- •Some Alocasias can be quite sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so I have to keep a close eye on the thermostat.
- •The initial investment in buying multiple Alocasias can be a bit steep, but trust me, it's worth it.
- •I've noticed that some varieties of Alocasias can be a bit more finicky when it comes to watering, so I have to make sure to get it just right.
- •The quarantine period for new Alocasias can be a bit lengthy, but it's worth the wait to ensure they're healthy and thriving.
- •I've had some issues with pests on a few of my Alocasias, but a quick treatment with neem oil usually does the trick.
- •The shipping process can be a bit nerve-wracking, especially when you're waiting for delicate plants to arrive.
