You Ask – Mike Answers!
The question below was asked of @littleprincetogo on Instagram last month:
What is the trick to keeping Alocasias and Calatheas
looking good?
Ah, our favorite, but somewhat temperamental, beauties! The secret is to pay careful attention to light and soil moisture. Here’s how to keep them happy:
Alocasias:
Light: They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. For example, place them near a south- or west-facing window, but not where sun will directly hit their leaves.
Temperature: They like to stay warm and cozy, with an ideal household temperature in the 65 – 75 degree range. Alocasias don’t like cold drafts so keep them away from doors leading outside.
Water: Grow these on the dryer side. Keep the soil moist but never soggy, as they are very susceptible to rot. (About as damp as a wrung-out sponge.)
Humidity: They do like a little extra humidity! Place a tray of pebbles beneath the pot and fill the tray with water. Make sure the pot is not sitting in the water.
Food: During the growing season — spring through summer — feed with a liquid house plant fertilizer once a month or use a slow-release fertilizer. Always follow label directions.
Alocasia ‘Bambino’
Alocasia ‘Hilo Beauty’
Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’
Calatheas:
Light: These pretty plants can be quite finicky about light. They prefer medium light with no direct sunlight hitting their leaves at all.
Temperature: Like Alocasias, they prefer warm 65-75 degree conditions with no cold drafts.
Water: They need consistently moist soil but not saturated and soggy. It needs to be very well draining.
Humidity: They love it! Try placing the plants in areas that naturally have higher humidity like kitchens or bathrooms if the above light and temperature conditions can be met. You can also try placing them on top of a saucer filled with pebbles and filling the saucer with water. Terrariums are another good option for growing Calatheas.
Food: These plants are sensitive to fertilizer, so use sparingly. Feed with a half strength liquid fertilizer once a month or use the low-rate slow-release fertilizer. Again, always follow label directions when applying fertilizer.
Calathea ‘Leopardina’
Calathea roseopicta ‘Rosy’
Calathea ‘Whitestar’