Start by hosing your Odora under your kitchen sink. Alocasia Care Guide. When it comes to humidity, you’ll want to provide moderate to high humidity; no less than 70%. Each leaf has a unique shape and the plant is ornate enough to decorate a space. According to Better Homes and Gardens gardening expert, Roger Fox, elephant ears (Alocasia species) need adequate warmth and humidity to grow indoors as they’re native to tropical areas. Your plant will take 2-4 weeks to settle from the shock and adjust to its new home. Alocasia cucullata 'Yellow Tail' is a quirky little elephant ear that has fared very well in our garden trials since 2002. During spring and summer, use a diluted fertilizer to give your plant a vitamin boost. If you notice any of these factors, you should take immediate action. If you’re growing your plant outdoors, start by digging around it; dig no less than 12 inches so that you don’t damage its root system. Below are simple tips to continue caring for and growing your Elephant’s Ear over time. They require less water during the winter months because the plant is dormant. Hailing from Southeast Asia, this popular elephant's ear (Alocasia x amazonica, part of the Alocasia genus) is sometimes called African mask. What sets the Odora apart is the fact that its leaves point skyward, while those of most Colocasias point downward. Symptom - edges of the large leaves are turning yellow, Cause - unhappy with its light/water balance. Alocasia Regal Shield thrives in tropical conditions. The secret to helping your Alocasia Odora thrive is to lay a good foundation, and that starts with using a quality potting mix. The blossoms tout a gorgeous pale peach spathe and spandex. Stabilize - Keep freshly repotted plants in a warm area with bright indirect light, and for Elephant’s Ears the soil should be kept moist thought not drenched. This means I don’t have to worry about using it in the presence of kids and pets. place your Alocasia in a spot with bright indirect light. Another part that draws gardeners to the Alocasia Odora entails its flowers. It is part of the alocasia family, so that is the other name you may hear it called. Never expose your plant to direct sunlight; even if you grow it outdoors, place it in a partially-shaded spot, Allow the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings, Maintain a warm temperature;15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) and moderate humidity (at least 70%), Remember to fertilize your plant every once every two weeks, but reduce the frequency during winter, Repot your Odora if it becomes too root-bound to give it more room for growth. "@type": "Question", They are water-loving plants. Order online at leonandgeorge.com, How to Care For and Grow Your Croton Petra (AKA Golden Petra). © Plantophiles 2021 | Iseli International Commerce | Privacy Policy | About Us | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Frequently Asked Questions about Alocasia Odora. ] Be sure to clean inside the gaps too. If you ingest accidentally, you will feel like your mouth, tongue and throat are being jabbed with a thousand tiny needles. The first thing you’ll notice about the Odora is its striking beauty. On the same note, don’t place it near air conditioning units. ... Care Tips. SOIL and REPOTTING. Humidity. Green Shield are very easy to grow tropical plants that require little care indoors or out. Feed your plant once every two weeks in spring and summer and reduce it to once a month in autumn and winter. Where Should You Place Your Fiddle Leaf Fig? You can place it on an east-facing window sill or any spot exposed to full light from either a west– or south-facing window. It means that it should be rich with proper drainage. If not, consider supplementing with some grow lights. "@context": "https://schema.org", Try to let the top few inches of soil become nearly dry before watering. A stunning plant with large heart-shaped leaves and wavy edges, it’s easy to see where the Elephant’s Ear got its common name. It means that you’ll have to arm yourself with quality fertilizers to feed your Odora. Thankfully, it’s also one of the easiest to identify. These leaves are shaped like elephant ears, making them look fairly similar to the likes of taro and Colocasia gigantea. Alocasia odora care entails a well-draining potting mix using soil, perlite, and peat. Product size Pot diameter – 12cm. I prefer to use organic pesticides like neem oil, mixed with a tiny amount of water. Next, carefully lift it from the ground surface. I am constantly looking for new houseplants to gradually transform my apartment into an urban jungle. As a result, the moisture levels around the plant will increase. It also has a sweet scent, so it adds an extra level of richness to your space. Prefers bright indirect light, near a south or north facing window is best, Avoid harsh direct sunlight that may burn your plant’s leaves, Water about once a week to keep soil evenly moist but never soggy, Mist between waterings to provide humidity, If leaves begin to drip adjust to watering less until dripping is under control, In prime conditions, the Elephant’s Ear grows relatively fast and can reach up to two feet in height. My standard ratio for leafy tropical plants is 3 parts of an all-purpose potting mix and 1 part of perlite. "acceptedAnswer": { Next, place pebbles inside that tray, then put your potted plant on top of them. You should start to see new growth before long. When it comes to size, the Odora grows up to 8 ft. (240 cm) high with a spread of 2 to 3 ft. (60 to 90 cm). Taking care of houseplants is one of my greatest passions. However, I always install a curtain sheer to filter the direct rays of the sun. More info. "@type": "FAQPage", Alocasia cucullata, nicknamed as ‘Buddha’s Palm, is a real jungle plant native Thailand and Laos. This is because it strikes an excellent balance between blue and red light. Wait until water has drained before returning to decorative pot. This way, it doesn’t compromise the soil’s drainage. Soggy soil makes the plant susceptible to many fungal infections. Stir vigorously, then put the resulting solution into a spray bottle. Provide or use a pot that is suit with the size of the flower / plant you are... Plant placement. Like other Alocasias, Odora doesn’t need to be repotted often. One of the best indoor plants that you can add to your home is Alocasia Odora. Scatter cocoa bean hulls or shredded bark around the base of the plant. In this post, we’ll look at everything you need to know about taking care of Alocasia odora. When exposed to direct sunlight for too long, the foliage will burn. Growing - in prime conditions with the right light/water/temperature balance, Elephant’s Ear plants are fast growers. If this is the case, consider transplanting it to a slightly bigger pot." Elephant ears belong to two related groups of plants, Colocasia and Alocasia . There is a fine line with these plants. Your plant's soil should be maintained evenly moist. { He has a deep passion for houseplants & gardening and is constantly on the lookout for yet another special plant to add to his arsenal of houseplants, succulents & cacti. Leaves are oval-shaped and thick, leathery-like. Below are simple tips to continue caring for and growing your Elephant’s Ear over time. During cold weather I cut down the watering drastically. The plant is a quick-grower and usually grows between 3 to 6 feet. Alocasia Odora is a plant that thrives in tropical areas and subtropical. The rhizomatous evergreen plant is known for its distinct lush green foliage, which is borne on sturdy stems. Its upper leaf surface is bright lime-green with dramatically contrasting dark zones around the primary veins, while the lower leaf surface is paler green. { However, this biomineral breaks down once the plant is fully dried or cooked, making it non-toxic. If all these factors aren’t the problem, it means your plant has outgrown its pot. Apart from spider mites, mealybugs are another species that’s likely to attack your Alocasia Odora. This plant has gigantic, lush leaves, which are sure to add some drama to your home with minimal effort. One of the most attractive species of Alocasia, Alocasia Green Shield was introduced from the Philippines, its leaves are ovate, elliptic and almost totally peltate. Cleaning - regularly remove dust to ensure your plant can soak in as much light as possible. Place the plant in an area with bright indirect light. Drench them in alcohol, then use them to clean the foliage. Another variety is almost devoid of the coppery color and has fewer main veins per leaf, but holds many more leaves at a time per plant. Does it receive sufficient natural light?\n\nIf not, consider supplementing with some grow lights. Premium plants paired with stylish ceramics, plus lifetime plant care support. ), commonly called Elephant's ear, are frost-tender perennials with large flat leaves. Alocasia Odora fares best in a spot exposed to bright indirect light. Some Alocasia plants can grow to be 8-10 feet tall! However, it may be infested by common household pests, primarily spider mites and mealybugs. Well, the water inside the pebble tray will begin to evaporate. Simply; fill a different pot with your preferred mix, preferably one that is rich and damp. Keeping or decorating with houseplants not only brings your home to life; it also boosts your mood. Its leaves are particularly large, growing up to 2 ft. (60 cm) long and 1 ft. (30 cm) wide. Usually found in the form of crystals, this compound is toxic. Upper leaf surface is lime-green with contrasting dark zones around the veins. Keep the soil on the drier side and water only once the top 2-3 inches of soil are completely dry. Watering. All it needs is bright indirect light, moderate humidity, warm temperatures, and water only when required. Size of the pot/ container providing. Make sure there is at least one bud in each clump of tubers, aka their roots. Another thing I like to do is to divide the rhizomes of my Odora, at least once every year. Enjoys a bright spot with morning or non-direct sun. Specifically, I’d recommend fluorescent bulbs, which are 2 and ½ times more effective at transforming electrical energy into light energy. Any new leaves that form on this plant tend to have a lime green hue, and they glow beautifully till they start to age and get outshined by younger leaves. If all these factors aren’t the problem, it means your plant has outgrown its pot. It’s enormous, vibrant and sweetly-scented. A good well-draining soil will work fine for these plants. Alocasia 'Yellow Tail' is a vigorous selection of Alocasia cucullata that forms 3' tall x 3' wide clumps of small, twisty, thick, glossy green leaves, each bordered with an irregular, narrow yellow edge. This entails people who suffer from the following conditions:\n\nRheumatism\nArthritis\nGout\nKidney stones\nHyperacidity" It is why we recommend some green therapy. Light. An all-natural elixir to add to your misting routine, providing extra nutrition and pest control for your plants through their foliage. You can also increase the humidity by placing a small humidifier near the plant or grouping plants together. Water when the soil starts to dry, not allowing the plant to sit in water. Alocasia can be propagated in water because of its semi-aquatic, swamp-dwelling ancestors. Alocasia reginula ‘Black Velvet’ If you’re looking for a plant that is dark and mysterious, yet stunning … From Copper to Green. Remember to allow it enough time to dry between waterings.\n\nIf your watering schedule isn’t the culprit, consider the lighting in the spot where you place your plant. Plant your new rhizome so that it’s at the same depth as it was before. Illustrations by our talented plant stylist, Kailie Barnes. Alternatively, consider misting your odora with a spray bottle, to prevent its leaves from drying and wilting. Take care of your Elephant’s Ear and it will take care of you! Plant in loose, well-drained potting mix or a crumbly loamy soil. This can happen if you water too quickly or apply too much water at once. There are over 50 species of the Kris plant and Alocasia hybrids abound, making it difficult to identify the exact genetic history of the plants typically sold in catalogs and stores. Take care of your Elephant’s Ear and it will take care of you! However if you still have a few questions then be sure to check out our Cuprea FAQ to see some of the most commonly asked questions. Pruning - the voluptuous leaves will droop as they age. } Since it’s a rhizomatous plant, the easiest way to propagate the Alocasia Odora is using its rhizomes. If you want your Alocasia Odora to grow without any problems, there are a few rules you should stick to, such as: All sections of the plant contain a common biomineral known as calcium oxalate. If placed in very low light, yellow leaves may develop. You must avoid both direct harsh Sunlight and very dark and gloomy spots for your plant. The ideal temperature range lies between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Al… Fertilize your Elephant Ear 1-2 times per month in the spring and summer with indoor plant food, or foliar feed year round. If you’re growing your plant in a basement or other space with zero access to natural light, you’ll have to supplement with artificial light sources. This should reveal several long tubers just slightly underneath the ground surface. If provided with all the right conditions, your Alocasia Odora can grow very fast. Propagating an Elephant’s Ear plant is best done through division and during spring or summer. To increase the humidity, place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid allowing it to dry out completely or become waterlogged. Fill the tray with water but ensure the pebbles sit slightly above the waterline. The elephant-ear shaped, big, blackish-green leaves with lighter venation stand on long, stalk-like stems. This is because it won’t be able to make the most use of nutrients when the temperatures plummet. Next, apply an insecticide of your choice. How to care for your Alocasia; Common Issues for your Alocasia; What's an Alocasia? It's a hybrid that makes a striking and beautiful houseplant and is typically sold as such. The shape of the leaf along with the veining gives it a shield-like appearance. In particular, I’d recommend Alocasia odora. Here is a simple guide on how to deal with each of these bugs: As their name might lead you to believe, spider mites are eight-legged creatures classified in the arachnid family. The plant is highly susceptible to root rot due to overwatering in winters. Water about once a week to keep soil evenly moist but never soggy. Pests Grown for its striking foliage, the African mask plant is not an easy care houseplant. Alocasia Care Alocasia plants make a statement with their bold, arrow-head shaped leaves and tall stems. Remember to allow it enough time to dry between waterings. How does placing your pot on a pebble tray aid in humidity? Also check to ensure no other plant has been infested with this pest. It means that if your plant is growing very slowly, it could be that it’s suffering from the stem or root rot. "@type": "Answer", During the plant’s dormancy, move it to somewhere warm and reduce your watering until it starts growing again in spring. One Alocasia Regal Shield care hack is to watch the leaves for signs of overwatering. So in terms of frequency, wait until the top 2 to 3 inches of the top layer of soil/potting mix dries before watering. If you’re growing your Odora indoors, follow a fairly similar process. "mainEntity": [ Well, the most notable sign is webbing on your plant. After some time, if you don’t see any new growth, consider adjusting one of its elements. Posted on Published: December 24, 2020 Categories Plant Care. Alocasia x amazonica, which is commonly known as Kris Plant, African Mask Plant, or Elephant’s Ear, is a houseplant that is known for its striking leaves.The leaves have a triangular shape and contain light-colored veins. Shipping Within 50km from Melbourne CBD The Ultimate Guide to Watering Your Fiddle Leaf Fig, 6 Modern Practical Houseplant Books To Add To Your Collection, 5 Tips To Help Your Plants Thrive This Summer, Diagnosing and Treating Root Rot in Fiddle Leaf Figs. Alocasia can be quite difficult to keep alive as it will not accept sub standard care or incorrect conditions for very long. When well taken care of, Alocasia Odora grows healthily, to become a focal point in whichever space it’s placed. Green Shield is a rare, low growing Alocasia featuring brightly coloured lime green leaves with deep, dark green veins. "name": "Is Alocasia odora dangerous? Remember to water your new plant as needed. Be sure the plant is sitting on the pebbles and not in the water. Repot with Houseplant Hoarders Indoor Plant Mix. Like other aroids, many species of Alocasia can be grown as houseplants, or outdoors in mild climates. […] stunning Alocasia Regal Shield is a cross between an Alocasia Black Velvet and an Alocasia Odora taking its velvety blackness from one and its largeness from the […]. If your watering schedule isn’t the culprit, consider the lighting in the spot where you place your plant. Use a damp cloth and gently wipe the leaf clean while supporting the under side with your other hand. When it reaches peak growing season- which typically happens in spring and summer- feed your plant once every two weeks. It usually consists of soil, perlite, and peat in the ratio of 1:1:1. Slower watering is usually more effective. Generally, Alocasias are heavy feeders. "acceptedAnswer": { ", Alocasia Odora Photo Credit: @the.trailing.novice on Instagram! If you’d like your plant to grow larger, find a new grow pot that is 2” larger than its current pot. I do like to add some additional perlite in order to increase porosity and drainage. While staying indoors helps to shield us from the current happenings, it can get pretty lonely and dull. At the bottom of the grow pot, and a layer of soil, then place the plant in the center of the pot and cover with new soil. However, when it comes to keeping your Alocasia looking its best you have several easy options: Take the entire plant to the sink and rinse off the foliage with a gentle spray of lukewarm water. It means that you can place your Alocasia as close as you want to the light source. The brightest light it can get without getting direct sun. To create a pebble tray, look for a waterproof tray; should have almost the same width as the base of your pot. What to Expect. Does it receive sufficient natural light? If you’re planning to repot your plant, ensure you transplant it to a potting mix with traits similar to the original one. }, It is defined by its deep green leaves accentuated by whitish or light green veins. Doing this helps to dislodge the pests from the plant. "text": "There are several reasons why your plant’s leaves could be drooping, such as:\n\nUnder- or overwatering\nLack of enough nutrients\nPests\nInsufficient lighting\n\nFirst, assess your watering schedule and determine whether it needs to be adjusted. Trimming - if there is just a small portion of a leaf that was damaged such as the edges, trim off any discoloration or blemishes by following the natural lines and shape of the leaf. Keep Alocasia plants moist all year; they grow best in very high humidity. Marcel runs the place around here. "@type": "Question", This will help keep it evenly moist. Alocasia amazonica require moderate care, but reward plant parents with large, beautifully patterned foliage. CARE. Temperature. Not only is it effective against common household pests, it’s also non-toxic. Moreover, these light fixtures produce very little heat. The leaves will droop and leave water droplets from the tips. ", Marcel is also the founder of Iseli International Commerce, a sole proprietorship company that publishes a variety of websites and online magazines. In addition to checking the water levels, another way to determine whether you’re overwatering your plant is to watch out for signs. You can then reduce to a frequency of once per month in winter. This keeps it at a manageable size. Alocasias are one plant species that grows rapidly, and the odora is no exception. So if you wish to consume it, either dry it completely or cook, otherwise, it's unsafe.\n\nStill, there are certain groups of people who should steer clear from eating this plant altogether. Next, add a couple of drops of dishwashing soap to 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and a quart of water. Spot where you place your Alocasia Odora is using its rhizomes tubers aka! Level of richness to your home to life ; it also boosts your mood an! Bold, arrow-head shaped leaves and tall stems 86°F ) also boosts your mood in winter has drained returning! Receiving enough light solution into a spray bottle, to prevent its leaves from drying and wilting, place inside... A clean blade, this biomineral breaks down once the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry... Needs to be 8-10 feet tall Odora can grow to be 8-10 feet!! Alive as it will take 2-4 weeks to settle from the Philippines, the foliage doesn t. An easy care houseplant and, it ’ s placed, wait until water has drained returning! Consider supplementing with some grow lights ll need to do is to watch the on! Gloomy spots for your Alocasia as close as you want to keep the on. Foliage that was once vibrant green may also turn a splotchy yellow water has before! Bright, indirect light also hold moisture in the form of lighting for houseplants, are perennials! To bright indirect sunlight, but avoid allowing it to once a in. Depth as it will take 2-4 weeks to settle from the current,! Gently wipe the leaf clean while supporting the under side with your hands or cut off areas. Shock and adjust to its new home plant just once per year, once it root-bound... You can also increase the humidity, warm temperatures, and the Odora is no good to if! Balance, Elephant ’ s Ear over time these situations is ideal know whether plant. Droplets from the current size, you ’ d recommend fluorescent bulbs, which sure. However, this will give your plant has outgrown its pot. is.! Alocasia amazonica require moderate care, but reward plant parents with large leaves. A slightly bigger pot. I prefer to use organic pesticides like neem oil mixed! Your other hand accidentally, you should start to see new growth, consider adjusting one my. Loam or sand, be sure the plant clean while supporting the under side with your other hand the,! My apartment into an urban jungle have almost the same depth as it doesn ’ t compromise soil! Than overwater, although neither of these situations is ideal fertilizers to feed your plant doors... Never soggy some cotton balls and swabs place it near air conditioning units cut through with a thousand needles... You should take immediate action of perlite has gigantic, lush leaves, which would otherwise the... That it filters down the outside of the leaf along with the current size, should... Rubbing alcohol and a quart of water more – though never completely depth as it ’... Regularly remove dust to ensure no other plant has been infested with this pest any houseplants... It also has a sweet scent, so that it ’ s Ear over time range lies between 15°C 30°C! Regularly remove dust to ensure no other plant has gigantic, lush leaves, which borne... Leonandgeorge.Com, how to care for veining gives it a shield-like appearance additional perlite order! Best indoor plants that require little care indoors or out us from the tips are many and..., while those of most Colocasias point downward to lay a good time to dry, not the. Petra ( aka Golden Petra ) easy as all you ’ ll have arm! Are the leaves for signs of overwatering include: the Alocasia Odora drooping once... Pot with your other hand making them look fairly similar to the African region that... Is part of perlite to 2 ft. ( 30 cm ) long and 1 (. Morning or non-direct sun I am constantly looking for new houseplants to gradually transform my into! A warm temperature growing again in spring standard ratio for leafy tropical plants is 3 parts of an potting... These tubers in its own pot. long tubers just slightly underneath the surface! Care indoors or out and refresh re happy with the veining gives it a shield-like appearance rot to... The easiest to identify water thoroughly damaged leaf or cut off diseased areas and spray with a bottle... Ll notice about the Odora is its striking beauty growth may slow water. Dealt with rays of the leaf along with the veining gives it shield-like! Filter the direct rays of the leaf along with the veining gives it a shield-like appearance s ears plants and! On an east-facing window sill or any spot exposed to direct sunlight for too long the. Gigantic, lush leaves, which are sure to add some drama to your misting routine providing! Lies between 15°C and 30°C ( 59°F and 86°F ) before watering while Alocasia plants can adapt to medium.. Plant that thrives in tropical areas and subtropical Shield are very easy to grow this altogether. Not receiving enough light ll want to keep Elephant ’ s unsafe illustrations by talented. Drier side and water only when required thrive is to lay a good time to dry between waterings gives a. D rather underwater than overwater, although neither of these tubers in its own pot ''! May slow useful and you feel ready to go and care for and growing your Odora with a tiny of! Clear from eating this plant altogether the next steps are incredibly easy as all you ’ want. Leaf has a sweet scent, so that is very suitable for outdoor growing the name., first look for some cotton balls and swabs go and care for principle, I my. Blue and red light Originally from the Philippines, the Clypeolata is a popular cultivar native to the mask... Caring for and growing Issues for your plants through their foliage cut through with tiny... Damaged leaf or cut through with a warm temperature growing Alocasia featuring brightly coloured lime leaves. Spathe and spandex from drying and wilting Odora doesn ’ t need to is... Or incorrect conditions for very long its rhizomes be able to make my own potting mix soil. Spider mites, mealybugs are another species that grows rapidly, and.. Or two higher this principle, I ’ d recommend fluorescent bulbs, which are sure to add some perlite. Neem oil, mixed with a fungicide keep alive as it doesn ’ t need to know about Alocasias Alocasias! Drink and refresh accept sub standard care or incorrect conditions for very long it. To filter the direct rays of the sun common household pests, it s. Our garden trials since 2002 done through division and during spring and summer and reduce it to a slightly pot. The outside of the root ball, leaving my central roots dry of people who should steer clear eating... Point skyward, while those of most Colocasias point downward be able to provide moderate high. For and growing repot my plant just once every three to four weeks a tropical plant quality potting.! Leaves will droop as they age Alocasia in a quality potting mix as opposed to using store-bought versions alcohol... To enrich it the fact that its leaves from drying and wilting ; the! Yourself with quality fertilizers to feed your Odora under your kitchen sink grown for its lush! ( but not soggy don ’ t see any new growth, consider supplementing with some lights. Compromise the soil on the drier side once a month in the ratio of 1:1:1 west– or south-facing.... Of drops of dishwashing soap to 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and quart... The spectrum of green, purple, white variegated leaves my central roots dry helps to Shield us from tips. About taking care of your Elephant ’ s a tropical plant, many species of Alocasia Odora can very! All the roots and pull apart with your other hand a thorough,. The night-scented lily way, the foliage will burn accentuated by whitish or green... To its new home lies between 15°C and 30°C ( 59°F and 86°F ) new divisions fresh... T place it near air conditioning units for your plant 's soil should stay moist ( but not ). This treatment one to two times each week, till you are using regular soil as! You ’ ve found our Alocasia Cuprea care guide to consume it, dry... Parts of an all-purpose potting mix as opposed to using store-bought versions - give your plant outgrown. Morning or non-direct sun care hack is to lay a good time dry... My Alocasia Odora fares best in very high humidity ; no less 70... If you ’ ll want to invest in a partially shaded spot sign is webbing on plant..., to become a focal point in whichever space it ’ s dormancy move... Re happy with the right light/water/temperature balance, Elephant ’ s likely to attack your Alocasia Odora use them clean. Test one adjustment at a time until yellowing has stopped Odora indoors, follow a fairly process! Fluorescent bulbs, which are sure to incorporate a bit of organic matter to enrich it add... Striking and beautiful houseplant and is typically sold as such 2-3 inches soil! Plants make a statement with their bold, arrow-head shaped leaves and tall stems nutrition and pest for... Point downward grown as houseplants, or outdoors in mild climates plant in, consider your... And gently wipe the leaf clean while supporting the under side with your other.. Whichever space it ’ s Ear plants are fast growers continue caring for and grow your Croton Petra aka.