Alocasia culture
- To: lindsey@mallorn.com
- Subject: Alocasia culture
- From: J* H*
- Date: Sat, 20 Nov 1999 10:25:48 -0600 (CST)
I bought two Alocasia from a nursery center--both growing very well.
Somehow, I thought these plants liked to have their feet wet. On advice
from a nursery worker and checking the Web, I realize that they don't.
The information, though, indicates that they can overwinter as a dormant
plant.
Neither had a name tag but the nursery worker said one was 'African
Mask.' The other has no name. The leaves are a dark olive green with
darker veins and a narrow, dark edge. The underside is burgundy and the
leaf edge has a slight wave to it. The leaves feel quite thick and look
velvety. I really like the subtle colors on it.
Should I encourage these to go dormant? If so, how? Both pots had a
plant that looked like they could be separated so a sister and I shared
them. 'African Mask' doesn't look like anything happened, the other
wasn't happy (I may have gotten the offset plant) but is now
recovering. Can I keep them growing now, put them outdoors when the
weather warms up (probably late June here in Zone 5a) and let them go
dormant next fall?
Jean Halverson Wisconsin USA
