Family: Araceae
Common Name: African Mask, Elephant Ears
Botanical name: Alocasia amazonica 'Bambino'
This could be the runt of the Elephant Ear litter, but we love its compact form and slow growing habit, so it’s one of our first picks! These adorable small indoor plants make a huge impact with their glossy regal leaves suspended by supple stems. These are the perfect houseplants for small apartments or to place on your desk, or bedside table!
Light
Light is critical for all plants, but especially for Alocasia houseplants. Bright indirect light for about six hours a day is enough to keep these houseplants healthy. Alocasia Bambino can handle lower light or fewer hours of bright indirect light, but in order for the plant to really thrive it needs plenty of bright indirect light.
Water
Alocasias have medium water requirements, which means they don't like to completely dry out, but they also don't like to sit in standing water. You want to let the soil mostly dry out until maybe the top half of the soil is dry. When you water these houseplants, saturate the soil and let the water run through the drainage holes in the pot. Well draining soil is very important for plants like Alocasia Bambino. These houseplants simply do not tolerate wet feet.
Temperature
Warmer temperatures are ideal for Alocasia houseplants. These tropical plants prefer to stay between 60-80 degrees. Avoid drafts that can occur near windows and doors and also avoid placing the plants near heating or cooling vents.
Humidity
The more humidity the better for Alocasia. These beautiful indoor plants thrive with high humidity, so placing the plant near a humidifier or using a pebble tray with water will provide the extra dampness they crave.
Fertilizer
Proper nutrition will help your Alocasia push out big, beautiful leaves. Fertilize when the plant is actively growing during the warmer months. Use a ¼ diluted complete liquid fertilizer when watering or you can use seaweed or fish emulsion. Alocasia needs their beauty rest and they require a dormant period. Do not fertilize during the colder months when the plant is not growing.
Growth Rate
These indoor plants are slow growers with their maximum height reaching around 1’.
Pet Friend or Foe
These indoor plants are Toxic to pets! Foe
Pro Tips
- Routinely treat the plant and the soil with horticultural oil like neem oil. These houseplants are prone to pests, so taking preventative steps can keep the plant healthy and beautiful.
- Plants need clean leaves to effectively complete the process of photosynthesis. Gently clean the leaves using a damp cloth to not only keep the houseplant looking amazing but also to allow the Alocasia to grow to its full potential.
- Don't be in a rush to repot. Alocasia likes to be slightly root bound and prefers to stay in the same pot for a while. When you notice the roots beginning to poke through the holes in the grow pot or creep out at the top of the soil then it is time to repot.