The Alocasia frydek is characterized by dark, heart-shaped, and velvety-green leaves that have contrasting white veins.
It does not need much space for its development as it grows to an average of three inches, both in height and width when mature.
This plant is usually grown for its vibrant foliage as Alocasia frydek flowers are not very significant.
Keep reading this article, as we have covered everything you need to know about this gorgeous plant, from the basic care to the issues you may face with their recoveries.
What Is Alocasia Frydek?
The Alocasia frydek is also known as the Alocasia Micholitziana or green velvet Alocasia. Some growers call it the Elephant ear plant and it feeds heavily to keep its large leaves vibrant. This houseplant’s large foliage is the primary source of attraction and is also used as an air purifier.
Alocasia Frydek Care
The Alocasia frydek is not too demanding and is quite friendly to beginners. This Alocasia species has special needs just like other plants that belong to the same species. Successful plant care is best done when you understand your beauty’s requirements for healthy growth.
– Water Requirements
Slightly humid soil is best for your Alocasia frydek, so we recommend that you water before the soil completely dries out. Remember, these plants have a tropical origin so thorough watering must be done each time you notice that the topsoil dries out.
Usually, watering is done once a week, depending on the type of climate you are growing it. In environments with higher temperatures, watering is quite frequent because the soil dries out faster as compared to cooler climates.
Ensure that the pot in which the Alocasia frydek plant is sitting has enough drainage holes to allow excess water to drain away. When you overwater this plant, you increase its vulnerability to rotting which may end up eroding its beauty. Also, several diseases and infections manifest in soggy soils so be very watchful when it comes to watering this plant.
The Alocasias have thick stems and petioles that store water, which makes them relatively succulent. However, these qualities do not make them drought tolerant at all. When the plant is underwatered, the leaves will start wilting and lose their once beautiful green color. Make sure sufficient water is applied during summer and spring and cut back on watering a little in winter because the plant will be dormant.
– Light Requirements
The Alocasia Micholitziana thrives in bright but indirect sunlight. However, exposing this stunning plant to three or four hours of direct morning sunlight is good for intensifying its foliage color.
For your plants to get sufficient light, use east-facing windows to expose them to the morning sunlight only for a few hours. When the sunlight intensifies, consider using a light curtain to filter it and protect your Alocasia frydek‘s foliage.
You can move the plants away from the window where it will still get bright and indirect light. Given that you decide to place your plant near the south-facing window, always remember to filter in the light using a thin curtain.
This way, your frydek gets protected from direct sunlight that may harm its beautiful leaves. It is wise to regularly turn your Alocasia frydek around to allow even sunlight access to all parts of the plant.
Usually, leaves that are facing the window will be larger and healthier so turning the plant on regular basis helps it to have leaves of the same appearance. Insufficient light causes slow growth and weak-looking foliage whereas prolonged exposure to higher light levels scorches the leaves of your plant.
– Temperature Requirements
Due to the Alocasia frydek tropical nature, consider keeping the temperatures at a range of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The most exciting thing is that our homes generally have such temperature ranges which give little or no need for adjusting them.
However, temperatures around the Alocasia green velvet do not have to fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which forces the plant into dormancy. If the temperature is quickly adjusted to average. The plant will recover, and also, prolonged exposure to more excellent conditions may lead to its death.
Avoid drafty locations for example leaky windows, as well as cooling and heating vents. The green velvet Alocasia is very sensitive to cold and hot drafts that cause the yellowing and drying of lower leaves.
Also, the entire plant may start dropping and discoloring. Given that you notice these symptoms on your plant, move it to a more sheltered place. When exposed to higher temperatures, water loss is increased so, ensure that replenishment is timely done.
– Humidity Requirements
The Alocasia frydek enjoys higher humidity conditions that keep its foliage colorful and healthy-looking. Levels of humidity that are above 50 percent are generally good for this tropical plant.
It is important to keep in mind that anything below 50 percent causes problems like brown leaf edges as well as brown tips. Just because the Alocasia frydek foliage is the main source of attraction, you should maintain humidity levels above 50 percent to avoid any damage to your dazzling plant.
Getting yourself a digital hygrometer is a wise decision and it is good to know that this gadget is not expensive at all. A hygrometer helps you to know the current humidity levels at a glance so that you adjust humidity accordingly.
Suppose you notice that the humidity has fallen below 50 percent, you can consider grouping your plants to increase the humidity through increased transpiration. Placing the Alocasia frydek plants on pebble trays is also another solution to low humidity problems.
Using an electric humidifier is also recommended for boosting humidity. Most humidifiers can maintain and monitor certain humidity levels set by the grower but the most important thing is to make sure the water reservoir is refilled timely.
– Soil Requirements
A well-draining potting mix with moisture-retaining qualities is the best growing medium for Alocasia frydek. These qualities help in keeping the soil moist as much as possible.
The organic matter in the soil does a lot in retaining moisture as well as feeding the plant. You can mix 60 percent peat, 10 percent worm castings or compost, and 30 percent perlite to make a perfect soil mixture for this gorgeous plant.
You can also make use of many other potting soil combinations, for instance, coconut coir and wooden chips. The Alocasia frydek does not like soggy soils so avoid using water-holding soils.
Once the roots are rested in waterlogged soil for a prolonged period, the roots start to rot, thereby disrupting the absorption of water and nutrients to the rest of the plant. If this happens, the leaves become yellow and droopy.
In addition to water draining, be sure to use a pot with adequate water drainage holes. Consider using terracotta pots for potting because their clay walls allow water to drain off. Consider loosening the potting soil regularly with a sterilized fork or any other suitable tool to aid aeration and allow the roots to grow freely.
– Fertilizing Requirements
The Alocasia frydek is a heavy feeder and requires more feeding as compared to many other houseplants. We advise that you feed this plant every three to four weeks using a water-soluble fertilizer during summer and spring.
Furthermore, you can also dissolve a balanced 20-20-20 general fertilizer in water to half strength. When using a houseplant feed, remember to follow the package instructions to avoid over or under-fertilizing your beautiful plants.
Although there are many fertilizers you can choose from, we recommend that you consider the one with more nitrogen than potassium and phosphorus. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers are good for foliage plants.
Organic fertilizers like compost and worm castings are also great options although it may be hard to tell how much to apply to your plant. Refrain from over-fertilizing the Elephant ear plant to avoid burning its beautiful foliage.
The symptoms of over-fertilizing are wilting and yellowing of lower leaves which results in plant shock. The plant also develops brown leaf edges and tips. The residue from fertilizers builds up over time and can harden the soil, thereby reducing the roots’ water and nutrient absorption capabilities. The other effects of over-fertilizing are stunted growth, leggy growth, and leaf loss.
– Pruning Requirements
The pruning requirements for Alocasia frydek are minimal. This plant naturally shrivels, droops, and turns brown. You do not have to worry about natural leaf loss if your plant quickly produces new leaves to keep the foliage intact.
However, keep in mind that once you see brown, droopy, and shriveled leaves, you can prune them rather than waiting for them to fall off on their own to keep your plants’ constant adorable color. The use of sterilized utensils is recommended to curb bacterial transmission to your plants.
When the need arises, it is best to consider pruning before the growing season to enhance Alocasia frydek new growth during summer and spring. Also, pruning in the fall of the growing season is bad for this plant as it will not quickly grow back due to extreme temperatures and conditions that are experienced in winter.
When pruning, remove all the damaged and infected foliage to minimize pest, disease, and bacterial attacks. The incisions that you make should not be deep to avoid shock and vulnerability to bacterial attack.
Pruning is generally carried out to keep your houseplants stunning so we recommend that you remove all uneven leaves or foliage to maintain a constant leaf size throughout the plant. If the main drive behind the pruning process is a disease or pest attack, ensure proper disposal of the infected offcuts.
Propagation
Just like any other plant, propagation during spring and summer supports Alocasia frydek’s development. Winter propagation is not recommended as the plant will be in its dormant phase. Multiplying your Alocasia frydek can be done using the bulbs or division propagation methods.
– Propagation by Division
The division method is the simplest method you can use to propagate Alocasia frydek. The first step is to remove the entire plant from its pot and use a clean tool to remove all the soil attached to the roots.
Now, identify a part that has multiple bulbs or corms and separate it from the plant. Make sure that you have two or more pots that have well-draining water retaining soil mix for repotting Alocasia frydek.
Water thoroughly soon after planting to help the new plants to grow roots in their new pot. Consider choosing a healthy plant for Alocasia frydek propagation to avoid any plant development problems.
Nonetheless, we advise that you water this beautiful tropical plant a few hours before propagating it to prevent negative transplanting effects. Don’t worry, soon after propagating, expose the plant to the best growing conditions so that it can adapt and independently grow healthily.
– Bulb Propagation
The Alocasia frydek produces bulbs in the soil and these can be used for propagation. The bulbs can be with or without roots but the good part of it is that both can be used in producing new Alocasia frydek plants.
The first step is to detach the bulbs from the mother plant’s roots. You can notice the healthy ones through their hard outer surfaces whereas the bad ones are usually mushy.
Discard all the mushy bulbs that are mostly caused by prolonged exposure to soggy soil. Mushy bulbs and root rot go hand-in-hand as both of them give problems to your plant’s foliage appearance.
Once you have separated the bulbs from the mother plant, clean them to remove all the soil and place them in well-draining soil comprised of pumice, perlite, or sand and make sure to keep the soil humid, avoiding sogginess at the same time. Consider watering the bulbs before the soil dries out.
Using a transparent plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect by covering the pot is a useful tip. This helps to maintain the air and soil’s humidity that aids plant development.
You can open the plastic once a week for a few minutes to provide the bulb with adequate airflow and within two to four weeks the roots and stem will emerge. Leaves will start forming and you will have successfully propagated your frydek Alocasia plant.
Problems
There are several issues that you may come across in growing Alocasia frydek. These include diseases and pests. Early detection of these problems is vital in dealing with them accordingly before they multiply or damage your foliage plants.
– Diseases
Overwatering is the main cause of diseases in Alocasia frydek. Diseases like root rot and bacteria leaf spot manifest in soggy soil conditions. These problems can be prevented by choosing a proper soil mixture, type of pot, and watering schedule.
– Root Rot
Root and stem rot is a significant threat to houseplants. When the plants’ roots are seated in water for long, they begin to rot. Rotting is caused by several fungal organisms like Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora, Pythium, and Fusarium. These organisms thrive in poorly drained soils that are always wet and they disturb the root system leading to a weak as well as stressed look on your plants.
Once the Alocasia Frydek roots are under attack, the plant starts wilting, beginning with the bottom parts to the top despite the soil being wet. The stems and foliage turn yellow, brown, or black with the roots turning from their healthy white color to brown or black, in addition to becoming mushy. A rotten smell will also come out from the roots and affected foliage.
Mostly, when the entire plant has been affected, it is best to destroy and throw the plant away. Inspect the roots first and if you notice root rot earlier, you can trim off the affected roots and repot the plant in a new well-draining soil mixture.
To avoid future root rot problems, purchase healthy plants from reputable suppliers. Also, avoid reusing potting mixes and consider the new soil’s water drainage qualities first before planting to keep your tropical plants healthy and glowing.
– Fungal Leaf Spots
There are various forms of fungi that cause leaf spots on indoor plants. Nevertheless, all leaf spot problems are treated the same.
Wet and cooler conditions trigger the manifestation of fungi that cause leaf spots on your Alocasia frydek houseplant. A constantly wet soil mix ensures that the foliage also remains wet for a long time encouraging the build-up of fungi.
These fungi also inhabit fallen debris so getting rid of such leaves is vital in combating fungal attacks.
When your plant is infected by these fungi, you will notice some black, brown, reddish, yellow, or tan colors on the leaves. These spots grow and spread as time goes on resulting in a distorted leaf appearance. Given that the infection is severe, you can treat fungi using a fungicidal spray.
To avoid future attacks, keep the humidity around your Alocasia frydek plants constant avoiding excessive humidity at the same time. Also, avoid splashing water on your plants’ foliage when watering.
Ensure that the circulation of air within the foliage is high and consider watering during the early hours of the day to give your plants time to dry up before nightfall. Get rid of fallen matter or debris and do not reuse potting mixes that were once infected.
– Pests
Spider mites are the deadliest pests that affect your Alocasia plant. They are small and oval-shaped insects that are red or pale and they hibernate on the undersides of the leaves.
When you notice small webs, yellow patches, and yellow streaks on the leaves, then your plant is under spider mite attack. If you choose a physical search for these pests, you can use a magnifying glass because they are so tiny.
You can also spread a sheet of paper under the plant and gently shake it. These tiny bugs will fall right off and you can dispose of them.
Dry conditions encourage the thriving and breeding of spider mites so, we advise that you ensure high humidity around the plants. Regular misting of the Alocasia frydek foliage, using a humidifier, and placing the pot on a pebble tray are great options to increase humidity and curb spider mites.
Using a wet cloth or sponge to clean the Alocasia frydek leaves regularly helps to prevent spider mite infestation. If your plant is already attacked, you can also use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to eliminate spider mites. Throw away infested leaves and use Neem Oil on the leaves to kill the pests.
– Yellowing Leaves
The reason for overwatering the Alocasia frydek leaves turn yellow and their stance would be a little wilted. In addition, another aspect for the yellowing would be from too dry conditions cause this plant to develop yellow leaves but, in most circumstances, overwatering is the culprit.
What you can do in this case is to dip your finger into the soil and if the top inch has completely dried out, you can apply water to the plant. If the soil is still wet or even somewhat moist then keep in mind, do not water it.
Spider mite infestation also results in leaves turning yellow. Carefully check on the requirements of your plant before making any adjustments to avoid further damage to your beloved plants. Improper fertilizing is another cause of yellow leaves, so make sure to follow the package instructions to avoid stressing or shocking your plant.
FAQ
Does Alocasia Frydek like wet feet?
Alocasia Frydek thrives in moist soil, making it suitable for “wet feet” conditions.
Can Alocasia Frydek take morning sun?
Alocasia Frydek can tolerate morning sun, but it’s essential to avoid intense or direct afternoon sunlight.
What pots are best for Alocasia Frydek?
Ideal pots for Alocasia Frydek are those with good drainages, like terracotta or ceramic pots, promoting healthy root growth.
Conclusion
Taking care of the Alocasia frydek tropical plant has been made simple through this detailed and informative guide. Here are some of the summary points that we covered today:
- The Alocasia frydek thrives in bright and indirect sunlight so utilize a thin curtain to filter in the light during the day.
- Temperatures between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit are best for this tropical native plant.
- This wonderful plant can be successfully propagated using the division and bulb method.
- Always be on the lookout for diseases and pests that affects the appearance of the once beautiful Alocasia frydek plant. Remember early detection is vital in combating the effects of these problems.
The Alocasia frydek plant’s intense green foliage is eye-catching and gives the vegetation presence you need. With this detailed and easy care guide, get your Alocasia frydek plant and beautify your places!
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