How to Grow Alocasia Corms: Essential Tips and Techniques
How to Grow Alocasia Corms?
To grow Alocasia corms, start by digging up the soil around the plant and separate the corms from the roots.
Peel away the outer shell of the corms and place them in a small container with pumice and water.
Keep the container in a warm and well-lit environment.
Once the leaves start to emerge, you can transplant the corms.
During the transition, offer nourishment with Sacred Soil Bath and Sacred Leaf Shower.
Corms can also be used to propagate new Alocasia plants.
To do this, detach the corms from the mother plant and place them in a propagate substrate like sphagnum moss in a terrarium or propagation box with high humidity.
Be patient with the process as it may be slow but worth it.
Key Points:
- Dig up the soil and separate Alocasia corms from the roots
- Peel outer shell of corms and place them in a container with pumice and water
- Keep the container in a warm and well-lit environment
- Transplant the corms once leaves start to emerge
- Nourish the corms during transition with Sacred Soil Bath and Sacred Leaf Shower
- Detach corms from mother plant and place in propagate substrate (like sphagnum moss) with high humidity to propagate new Alocasia plants
Did You Know?
1. Alocasia corms have a fascinating defense mechanism against herbivores. When attacked, they release tiny calcium oxalate crystals known as raphides, which irritate the mouth and throat of the animal, discouraging further consumption.
2. As a member of the Araceae family, Alocasia corms are closely related to plants such as the Philodendron and the Calla Lily.
3. The largest Alocasia corm ever recorded weighed a whopping 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms)! These giant corms can grow up to the size of a basketball in some species.
4. Alocasia corms are native to rainforests in Southeast Asia, where they grow in the understory, benefiting from filtered light and high humidity levels. They have adapted to these conditions by developing large, heart-shaped leaves that maximize their ability to capture and retain light.
5. Alocasia corms can be propagated through a process called division. By carefully separating the corms and planting them separately, new Alocasia plants can be grown, allowing enthusiasts to expand their collection or share these beautiful plants with others.
Preventing Dormancy: Winter Care For Alocasia
Alocasia, native to Southeast Asia and Australian rainforests, is a stunning tropical plant that can go dormant during the winter months. However, with proper care, you can prevent dormancy and ensure your Alocasia thrives all year round.
The best way to prevent dormancy in Alocasia during winter is to keep it in a warm, sunny location and water it less frequently. During winter, the plant’s growth slows down, so reducing watering helps to avoid overhydration and root rot.
In addition to providing the right environment for your Alocasia, it is crucial to keep its leaves hydrated and clean. Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth regularly helps to remove dust and keep them healthy.
Don’t worry if your Alocasia looks less vibrant during the winter; with proper care, it will come back in full splendor in the spring.
Growing Alocasia From Corms: Step-By-Step Guide
Alocasia corms contain energy for new growth and can be grown using the following steps:
- Dig up the soil around the Alocasia plant and gently separate the corms from the roots.
- Peel away the outer shell of the corms to reveal their small, round bulbs covered in a brown shell resembling a peanut shell.
- Place the corms in a small container filled with pumice and water, making sure they are submerged.
- Keep the container in a warm and well-lit environment to provide the necessary conditions for germination.
- Transplant the corms into larger containers or directly into the ground when the leaves start to emerge, indicating new growth.
During this transition, it is beneficial to offer the corms nourishment using Sacred Soil Bath and Sacred Leaf Shower, which provide essential nutrients.
- Dig up the soil around the Alocasia plant and separate the corms from the roots.
- Peel away the outer shell of the corms to reveal their small, round bulbs covered in a brown shell.
- Place the corms in a small container filled with pumice and water, ensuring they are submerged.
- Keep the container in a warm, well-lit environment for germination.
- Transplant the corms when leaves emerge, indicating new growth.
During this transition, offer the corms nourishment using Sacred Soil Bath and Sacred Leaf Shower, which provide essential nutrients.
Nourishing Alocasia With Sacred Soil Tonic
When spring arrives and your Alocasia begins to show signs of growth, it is the perfect time to provide it with additional nourishment. The Sacred Soil Tonic is an excellent option to feed your Alocasia. Simply follow the instructions on the product to ensure the optimal dosage and frequency of application. By providing your Alocasia with the essential nutrients it needs, you can promote healthier growth and vibrant foliage.
- Follow the instructions on the Sacred Soil Tonic for optimal dosage and frequency.
- Providing your Alocasia with essential nutrients promotes healthier growth and vibrant foliage.
Propagating Alocasia: Harvesting Corms For New Growth
If you want to propagate new Alocasia plants, corms are the key. Alocasia can only be propagated by division, meaning a new plant needs to be grown from a corm. Harvesting the corms can be done when your Alocasia plant needs to be repotted or when a new sprout emerges from the soil.
To successfully propagate Alocasia from corms, the harvested corms should be placed in a terrarium or jar with high humidity. This environment is crucial for their successful propagation. The corms should be detached from the mother plant and placed in a propagate substrate like sphagnum moss. The points on each end of the corms, where the bulb was attached to the mother plant, will be the spots where new leaves will emerge.
While the process of propagating Alocasia from corms may be slow, it is definitely worth the wait. Witnessing new growth and the development of a new plant is both rewarding and exciting.
- Propagate new Alocasia plants using corms
- Harvest corms when repotting or when new sprout emerges
- Place harvested corms in a terrarium or jar with high humidity
- Detach corms from mother plant and place in sphagnum moss
- New leaves will emerge from the points where the corms were attached
- Slow process but rewarding and exciting *
Tools And Materials For Successful Alocasia Propagation
Successful Alocasia propagation requires specific tools and materials. It is essential to have disinfected scissors/shears on hand to ensure a clean cut when detaching the corms. Additionally, a tool that can carefully remove the shell of the corms is necessary to prepare them for propagation.
When it comes to the propagation vessel, sphagnum moss is highly recommended. It provides the corms with the necessary moisture and creates an ideal environment for root development. Whether you choose to use a terrarium or a propagation box, make sure it has high humidity to support successful propagation.
Resources For Further Inspiration: Botanical Brunette’S Social Media Platforms
If you need further inspiration and guidance in your Alocasia journey, turn to Botanical Brunette. This trusted resource can be found on various social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, Etsy, and Pinterest. By following Botanical Brunette’s channel, Instagram account, and shop, you can gain valuable insights, expert tips, and connect with a community of plant enthusiasts.
Alocasia is a unique and beautiful plant that can bring a touch of the tropics into your home. To cultivate a thriving Alocasia collection, it’s important to:
- Understand how to prevent dormancy
- Learn how to grow Alocasia from corms
- Nourish it with sacred soil tonic
- Successfully propagate it
- Have the right tools and materials
So, dive into the world of Alocasia and let your love for plants blossom.
– If you need inspiration and guidance for your Alocasia journey, check out Botanical Brunette on various social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, Etsy, and Pinterest. By following their channel, Instagram account, and shop, you can gain valuable insights, expert tips, and connect with a community of plant enthusiasts.
– Alocasia is a unique and beautiful plant that can bring a touch of the tropics into your home. To cultivate a thriving Alocasia collection, it’s important to:
- Prevent dormancy
- Grow Alocasia from corms
- Nourish it with sacred soil tonic
- Successfully propagate it
- Have the right tools and materials
So, dive into the world of Alocasia and let your love for plants blossom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you soak Alocasia corms?
Soaking Alocasia corms can be beneficial for removing stubborn shells. While some shells may come off easily, others may require soaking in room temperature water overnight. This process helps to soften up the shell, making it easier to remove. So, if you encounter a corm with a stubborn shell, a gentle soak can be a helpful solution to ensure successful removal.
Which way is up on Alocasia corms?
Alocasia corms should be planted with the narrow end pointing upward and the root zone facing downward. By ensuring this orientation, the plant can establish a strong foundation for growth. It is recommended to bury larger varieties 8″ deep and smaller varieties 4-6″ deep. This planting technique optimizes the chances of successful growth and development for your Alocasia.
Can I grow Alocasia in water?
Yes, Alocasias can be grown in water with relative ease. Their natural inclination towards moist environments makes them well-suited for this method of cultivation. The fact that Alocasias do not rot in water further supports their adaptability to this growing technique. Whether you have a true Alocasia or not, as long as you provide the necessary moisture, your plant should thrive and flourish in its aquatic habitat.
Additionally, growing Alocasias in water can present a unique and visually captivating display. The lush foliage and vibrant colors of these plants can create a stunning underwater garden or a striking focal point in any space. Furthermore, water cultivation reduces the soil-related challenges and allows for easier nutrient absorption, potentially leading to healthier and more vigorous growth.
Do all Alocasias have corms?
While most Alocasias do grow from corms, it is not a characteristic shared by all species. In fact, some types of Alocasias produce stolons that grow above ground, while others simply do not form corms at all. Therefore, it is safe to say that not all Alocasias have corms.