Alocasia cucullata

Alocasia cucullata is native to the tropics of Southeast Asia and can be found in large numbers on the island of Borneo. The plant is also nicknamed “elephants ear” because of the shape of its leaves. Alocasia cucullata is also known as the “Buddha’s Palm” while it is kept in many Buddhist temples throughout Thailand, due to the fact that is believed that the plant will bring luck. The beautiful heart-shaped leaves of the plant have a dark-green colour and the leaves tend to have a rather shiny appearance. Fun fact, long ago most Alocasia plants were edible plants but over the years mainly inedible Alocasia plants have been bred for decorative purposes solely. According to Araflora it is a fuss-free plant that will suit every o¬¬¬¬¬¬ffice or every room in your house.

Alocasia cucullata thrives with a temperature between 18 to 22 degrees Celsius. Make sure you don’t put your Alocasia cucullata in a direct draft of air or too close to a heater or air conditioner. While the plant is rather temperature-sensitive it is important to avoid big changes in temperature. As a tropical plant Alocasia cucullata likes high humidity levels, it prefers a humidity level between 65% to 80%. A humidity level of 60% is the bottom line since below this level the leaves tend to dry-up. Too high humidity levels, for example due spraying the plant too often, should also be avoided since this increases disease susceptibility. Araflora advises to place Alocasia cucullata not to close to your window since it prefers bright but filtered/indirect sunlight, bright direct sunlight might harm the plant. Araflora provides Alocasia cucullata with a well-draining soil. Watering can be done when the top 5cm is dry to touch and water it moderately to get the soil saturated but not drenched. You can fertilize your Alocasia cucullata twice a month, with some houseplant fertilizer during the growing season, from March to September, avoid fertilizing it during the winter months. If needed Araflora advises to repot Alocasia cucullata during the spring or summer months.