Alocasia watsoniana

Alocasia watsoniana is a terrestrial plant species that sprouts from a tuberous root in the soil. For every leaf this plant has a light-green petiole. Leaves can grow larger than half a meter, are rounded, V-shaped and are characterized by their almost white veins. Due to this feature, this plant is also called the skeleton plant. The basic coloration of the leaves is deep green at the front, the backside is a deep purple. The not spectacular eyeing inflorescence appears infrequently and looks similar to other aroids within this family. In some cases, this plant could lose all its leaves and could resprout from its tuber, after a rest period. Propagation is most often done by young offshoots from the base of the plant but is also possible with seed. This terrestrial plant originates from the humid tropical forest of Southeastern Asia.

Alocasia watsoniana is not exceptionally difficult to grow successfully. Provide this plant with constant warm and humid conditions. It grows best with a temperature between 18 and 30 degrees Celsius and humidity not lower than 70% at all times. This species prefers indirect light and/or direct sunshine, but only in the morning. Shade this plant against mid-day and direct sunlight in summer while the leaves could burn by sunlight too intense. The soil should be humus-rich and moist retentive. Alocasia watsoniana should never dry out completely. Frequent waterings are key for this plant but do not let the soil become swampy. Provide a standard green plant fertilizer once a month when in the growing season.