Alocasia can be the perfect plant for you if you are an indoor plant lover wishing to add something special to your collection of houseplants. Alocasia, often called the African mask or the Kris plant is not a native to the continent of Africa. It comes from the Philippine Islands, but it was given that name because it resembles the hand-carved ceremonial masks that can be seen there.
It is difficult to pinpoint the precise genetic background of the plants generally offered in catalogs and shops since over 50 kinds of the Kris plant or Alocasia hybrids exist. The African mask plant is cultivated for its eye-catching leaves but is not a low-maintenance houseplant.
Concerning Aloe Indoor Planting
Planting aloe vera inside needs circumstances that nearly resemble its warm, humid climate outside. It requires certain soil and lighting conditions and must be planted in a particular manner. Alocasia plants are a striking addition to your indoor garden if you are ready to put in the additional effort to care for them.
The Kris plant (Alocasia sanderiana) is a superb stand-alone specimen, particularly when paired with a contemporary design. Its clean lines and sharp, defined color make it. When combined with other plants, an African mask plant may transform a collection of ordinary houseplants into an exotic, tropical display. Only the plant itself is more versatile in terms of decoration than it.
The rhizomatous clusters from which the tall, pointed leaves emerge have an average length of 18 inches (45.5 cm). They are rich, dark green, and some of them are practically black. Their deep scalloped edges and silvery-white veining on their lustrous length are highlighted by the same dazzling white. The jack-in-the-pulpit-like blossoms have a green and white spathe that develops orange-red berries. They are hardly substantial and seldom appear in an indoor aloe plantation.
Growing Kris Plant Alocasia
The soil is the first step in caring for an aloe plant properly. Given that it must be permeable, a decent combination would be one part soil, one part peat, and one part perlite or coarse potting sand. The potting material has to be evenly aerated, well-drained and kept wet at all times.
Rhizomes are the plant’s roots; thus, while planting rhizomes, care must be taken to keep the top of the rhizome above the soil level; otherwise, the plant will not grow. The greatest time to propagate is in the spring, when fresh growth starts, when the rhizomes may be divided and replanted. Do not repot your African mask plant too often since it enjoys a snug fit in its container.
The second need for your new houseplant is humidity. Alocasia prefers a damp climate and requires a lot of water when actively growing. There should be a pebble tray below this plant. However, the Kris plant also goes through a dormant fall stage during which the leaves wither and die. Many well-meaning gardeners overwater at this time to rescue their houseplants, unaware that this is a normal occurrence. During dormancy, Alocasia’s requirement for water greatly decreases. Thus irrigation should be limited to occasionally moistening the soil.
Your indoor Alocasia plant needs plenty of bright, diffuse lighting. The leaves will burn in direct sunlight. Avoid exposures to the south. Fortunately, African mask plants can survive in most home temperatures, but they prefer summertime temperatures of approximately 85 F (29 C).
Apply a slow-release fertilizer every few months throughout the growing season if you want to use a fertilizer designed for foliage plants.
When discussing the houseplant Alocasia in all of its varieties, one more significant point must be made. They should be kept away from children and pets since they are harmful.
