Alocasia scalprum

Alocasia scalprum is a terrestrial plant species that sprouts from a tuberous root in the soil. For every leaf this plant has a light-colored petiole. Leaves can grow to a maximum length of 30 cm. The arrow-shaped leaves have a dark green color and, on some occasions, could show a hint of blue. Younger leaves have a light-green base color with darker veins. The veins of adult leaves are sunken into the leaf area. The leathery leaves are shiny when young and lose this shine with older age. The unspectacular 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.

Alocasia scalprum 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 with a humidity not lower than 70% at all times. This species prefers indirect light and/or direct sunshine, only in the morning. Shade this plant against mid-day and direct sunlight in summer while the leaves could burn by sunlight too intensely. The soil should be humus rich and moist retentive. Alocasia scalprum 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.