Alocasia Platinum is a low-maintenance plant with beautifully textured leaves that can become an attractive addition to your indoor garden.
Grow Alocasia Platinum indoors or outdoors by following this informative post with simple tips and tricks. This plant has little demand, making it an ideal choice for beginner gardeners.
Read: Alocasia Wentii Care and Growing Information
Alocasia Platinum Information
Alocasia platinum is an exceptionally beautiful variety with deep, textured, silver-green leaves patterned in dark green veins. The undersides of the foliage are pale silver-white with burgundy veins. Young foliage color becomes darker with age.
This easy-to-care plant looks great in indoor settings.
Read: Growing Alocasia Jacklyn
How to Propagate Alocasia Platinum
- Alocasia platinum can be grown from offsets that appear at the base of the mother plant.
- Take off the pups from the base of the plant.
- Gently separate the plant without damaging the roots or stems.
- Plant the offsets in separate pots filled with well-draining soil.
- Water thoroughly and place the pots where they get bright, indirect light.
- Keep the soil constantly moist but not waterlogged.
- Maintain the humidity by misting the plant regularly; you can use the tray filled with pebbles and water.
Pot Size for Growing Alocasia Platinum
Use a pot 8-10 inches in diameter; make sure the container has drainage holes.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Alocasia Platinum
Light
Choose a spot that receives bright, indirect light. However, it can handle low-light conditions, but it impacts the growth.
While growing this plant outdoors in warm months, place it in an area with partial shade, as direct sunlight can burn the leaves.
Soil
Plant this alocasia variety in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil and amend it with organic matter such as coco-coir, shredded leaves, and peat moss.
Water
This plant likes evenly moist soil. It does not like to dry out completely but also does not prefer soggy soil. Follow the rule of thumb and allow the soil to dry out between watering. Check the soil moisture before watering, insert the finger in the potting medium, and if it comes out dry, then water the plant.
NOTE: Avoid overwatering the plant, as it can result in root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
Alocasia platinum enjoys warm temperatures between 60- 85 F. During drafts, keep the plant distant from windows and doors. Moreover, avoid keeping the plant near heating or cooling vents.
This plant favors humid environments up to 50-75 percent; mist it, place the alocasia close to a humidifier or place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
Alocasia Platinum Care
Fertilizer
Apply 1/4 diluted water-soluble fertilizer every time with watering when it is growing actively in spring and summer. Nutrients wash out every time you water the plant, so it is advisable to feed along with watering the plant.
Seaweed fertilizer and fish emulsions are also good options. Do not fertilize the plant in winter. If you observe leaf burn, it means over-fertilization. In such a case, flush the container with water till it seeps from the holes and stops feeding.
Repotting
Repot this plant after the first year at the start of the growing season in a 1-2 inches larger pot with
Pruning
Prune your alocasia occasionally to maintain its shape, use clean pruning shears, and remove dead, yellow, dull, and infected foliage.
Pests and Diseases
Mealybugs and spider mites can attack your plant; treat this infection using an insecticidal spray. For repelling mealybugs, use insecticide or neem oil.
Salt buildup and root rot can be a problem in alocasia. Do not overwater the plant in such situations, and allow the soil to dry out between watering. Water the plant when the topsoil up to one inch becomes dry before the next watering.
Toxicity
This plant is toxic to dogs and cats as the leaves contain insoluble calcium oxalate that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. The sap of the plant can irritate the skin, so wear gloves while handling the plant.