Alocasia lauterbachiana, or more commonly known as an elephant ear plant, is a beautiful and delicate tropical plant that has become popular in recent years. It’s the kind of plant that thrives indoors all year round.
The demand for these plants has increased so much that it can be hard to find them at your local garden center. However, with the right care, they can last decades! This article will provide you with eight tips on how to keep your alocasia happy and healthy.
Alocasia Lauterbachiana Care Guide
Light
The alocasia is a tropical plant that needs lots of light. They like to be in direct sunlight or near an artificial source, such as bright fluorescent bulbs. The more intense the lighting is for your plant, the better it will grow. However, you always want to monitor how much time they spend directly under any kind of light because too much can burn them and damage their delicate leaves. Keep this in mind when setting up where you would place your alocasia inside your home during winter months because they need at least eight hours of natural sun every day!
Soil
Alocasia likes to grow in moist, rich soil. They need a pot that is at least 12 inches deep so they can root deeply into the ground for water and nutrients. You can use richer soils such as peat or composted manure mixed with your regular potting mix but it’s important not to over-water them because this will lead to rot and other problems down the line. The best way you know when your plant needs more watering is by feeling how damp its roots are; if there isn’t enough moisture on the surface of the earth then give just a little bit until you feel it again – never overwater!
Watering
Alocasia lauterbachiana is a plant that needs to be watered every day. However, it is important to know the limits of how much water your plant can take. When in doubt, do a test run by placing one hand under the soil and see if there is any moisture coming out from underneath your fingers. If so, this means that you’ve already watered enough for today.
Temperature
It can grow in climate zones with a temperature of up to 30 degrees Celsius. If the plant is placed outside, make sure it’s sheltered from direct sunlight for at least part of the day due to its sensitivity towards heat and light.
There are also different ways you can do this: by placing them on top of a table or box that is full-shaded; inserting plants between other large trees where they will get protection from both sides, etcetera. You should also take note that if your region’s winters drop below -15 degrees Celsius, then alocasia lauterbachiana cannot be kept outside any longer because they will go into hibernation mode which leads to the breaking or rotting of roots.
Fertilizer
Alocasia Lauterbachiana plants have a very thick, fleshy root system. They need to be fertilized with an organic fertilizer that contains nitrogen (nitrogen-rich material), phosphorus, and potassium since they are heavy feeders. You can also fertilize your alocasia lauterbachiana plants twice during the growing season in order to keep them healthy and making sure they will live for many years.
Potting and Repotting
These plants grow very quickly and the bigger they get, the more often you have to repot them. Alocasia lauterbachiana are heavy feeders so make sure that after potting or repotting your alocasia lauterbachianas with new soil, fertilize their roots by moistening them with fertilizer solution. You can also use a slow-release organic fertilizer when planting in order for them to be able to absorb nutrients at a slower pace during periods of growth.
Humidity
The humidity level in your home should be 40-50% for alocasia lauterbachiana plants to thrive. To make sure that the humidity is high enough, you can spray them with water or place a humidifier nearby. If the level of humidity is too low, leaves will droop and plants may also become susceptible to diseases.
Pruning and Growth
Pruning is a vital part of alocasia lauterbachiana care because it prevents plants from getting too large. You should prune them to create an open shape that promotes more air circulation. It’s best to cut the plant back by one-third in January and again every spring after blooming finishes. Make sure not to make your cuts at any joint or leaf node, as these areas will take longer to heal due to higher levels of nitrogenous compounds present there.
You can use scissors for small jobs but if you have many plants then garden shears are recommended so that they don’t get overgrown with long grasses while doing multiple plants at once. The size of the shear depends on how much of the plant you want to cut off.
It can grow in any condition. These plants have long stems called inflorescences. They can grow as high up as 12 inches tall, but this may vary depending on the conditions where it lives.
Hibernation Mode
If winters drop below -15 degrees Celsius then alocasia lauterbachiana cannot be kept outside any longer because they will be killed by frost. Before taking them inside, water thoroughly before and after planting the alocasia lauterbachiana outside so that it will not dry out during the winter months.
Propagation
Propagation for this plant is not difficult. If you have some extra alocasia, then it’s time to start a new plant from the rhizome or tuber.
In order for this process to be successful, there are three steps: preparation of the soil mix, planting, and watering.
- The first step includes separating the topsoil into two different piles; one pile should consist only of soil while the second has an equal amount of compost (or peat moss) mixed in with it as well as perlite if desired. This will help promote drainage and aeration when watered regularly which can lead to healthier roots that produce more attractive leaves than using only regular potting soil alone would provide.
- The second step is to plant the rhizome or tuber, and water it in. This should be done with a mixture of potting soil and compost as well as perlite if desired.
- The third step is watering regularly until the new alocasia lauterbachiana starts to sprout from the ground or root crown which can take anywhere from three weeks to a month.
- The fourth step is replanting the new alocasia lauterbachiana in moist soil and keeping it well-watered until established, which should take another two or so months before watering can be reduced. I recommend that you keep the potting mix slightly moister than normal while waiting for the new alocasia lauterbachiana to sprout for the first time, and I also recommend that you use soil-enriching compost such as “Black Kow” or any other organic fertilizer.
- The fifth step is planting in well-drained but moist potting mix at least one month after emergence from the ground or crown.
- The sixth step is watering as needed so that the potting mix has enough moisture, but not too much water such that it stays wet constantly. If you see excessive amounts of water in the bottom of the container, it is a sign that there needs to be more drainage.
- The seventh step is fertilizing your alocasia lauterbachiana periodically with organic fertilizer, especially during the warmer months of summer and in early spring before cooler weather sets in.
Flowers
The Lauterbachiana plant is one that will flower. These flowers are often white to green in color and they emerge from the leaves of the plant on long stems called inflorescences. They can grow as high up as 12 inches tall, but this may vary depending on the conditions where it lives.
The flowers are a sign that the plant is healthy, but they can also be used for decoration. The Alocasia Lauterbachiana does not need to produce these beautiful blooms in order to survive and thrive; it only requires enough light from above or sun reflected off of nearby plants. Flowers will grow at their peak when temperatures are at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but can still grow even when it is cooler outside.
Toxicity
Alocasia plants are poisonous to humans and animals, as they contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause skin irritation.
Maintenance
The Lauterbachiana requires a lot of water, but not as much light. It is susceptible to rotting if left in the cold for too long. Cool temperatures can also cause it to lose its distinctive leaves and turn brown on top. The soil should be moist at all times because this plant does not like dry soil. It can also be propagated by division because the plant will grow even without any light at all as long as there is enough room for it to spread out.
Conclusion
Alocasia Lauterbachina is one of the world’s most beautiful plants, and is considered to be one of the most valuable plants as a result. It has super vibrant leaves with really nice color scheme and a beautiful shape. There are a variety of ways in which you can use this plant to add a bright and colorful touch in both formal and informal settings. In addition to the aesthetic value of these plants, as well as their ease of cultivation and maintenance, they are easy to grow.
