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ABOUT ALOCASIA
New Guinea Alocasia Elephant Ear, A curious form from Papua New Guinea that has a peculiar habit of producing variegated leaves only at certain times of the year (typically late summer through Autumn) occasionally missing out entirely in a year. This is not a typical case of variegation reversion since for the most part the plant does return to producing variegated leaves each year. There seems to be no apparent reason for this behavior. This very beautiful plant is quite different from the typical elephant ear. The thick sculpted glossy green and gold speckling makes this elephant ear unique. The leaves are held upright on dramatically rigid stems. It is quite hardy, surviving 0 degrees F with mulch, but prefers warmer conditions. When they are young the leaves are completely green. The speckling begins after the plants are a few months old. The leaves on these plants are approximately 14 -16 in. long and the plants mature height is 5-6 ft. What an impressive addition to any tropical plant collection. These are very healthy tropical plants with well established root systems.
The growth rate, bloom and leaf color of New Guinea will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. Lower leaves are often trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress.
ALOCASIA ELEPHANT EAR CARE
New Guinea are very easy to grow tropical plants that require little care. They add a wonderful accent to any outdoor space, garden or patio. In very cold zones a containerized Alocasia can be brought inside for the winter months. Most will survive a very light frost and quickly return to normal in spring. In the northern end of their grow zone New Guinea plants should be brought indoors or protected with mulch during the winter months.
When you receive your new Alocasia, there is no need to worry about planting right away. Your new plant can be stored for a while by simply placing it in a bucket with about a half inch of water in the bottom and moving it to a shady location. You can then add some mulch to the bucket to keep your plant standing upright. The mulch will also supply nutrients while in storage. This will give you plenty of time to select the ideal location for your new Elephant Ear.
CONTAINER SIZE
Alocasia grow very well in patio containers. Allow enough room for growth generally a 10″ to a 20″ diameter, 10″ deep container will suffice. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your plant will be. When the plant becomes root bound its growth will slow. At that point it is time for a larger pot.
SOIL
New Guinea Alocasias enjoy well drained but moist, rich organic mix. Remember try to stay away from wet, mucky or dry, sandy soils.
FERTILIZER
To help establish your new New Guinea Alocasia, fertilize sparingly at least 6 inches away from the base, tri-annually with a slow time release 15-5-10. Unfertilized they will tend to grow very slowly. Note: The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers will damage the roots and possibly kill the plant.
GROW ZONE & LIGHT
Best outdoors if grown in zone 9-11, find your zone here. This Alocasia requires 80-90% sunlight. Depending on your location filtered sun is best. In the northern end of their grow zone New Guinea plants should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months. The patio zone is 4b-11 which means the potted plant will flourish over the summer months in colder zones but must be brought inside before frost.
BEFORE YOU PLANT OUTDOORS
Here at Kens Nursery these plants are grown under 20-40% shade cloth. If you plant directly in full sun you may experience leaf burn. It is best to acclimate this plant to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or two to avoid stress before planting.
WHAT IS THE SHIPPING SIZE
All New Guinea Alocasia Plants for sale will vary in size. In the spring, plants are often smaller than plants shipped in the fall. Plants designated with a sku ending in -4, or -3 will arrive in a standard 4 inch or 2.75 inch growers pot respectively. Kens new, reusable, recyclable deep cells are 5 to 7 inches deep and 1 to 2.5 inches in diameter. Products growing in these cells are easy to transplant and allow for deeper, faster growth and are designated with a -5, or -7. (Note: The item sku number can be found just below the buy button.) The color and style of these pots may vary. If we are out of a particular size item, we may ship a larger size at no additional charge. You can see the various pot sizes and actual plants ready to ship. (click-here)
Note: Before leaving, New Guinea Alocasia Plants are inspected, watered, pruned and topped to 36″ if necessary, to facilitate shipping. Your new plants’ pot is then bagged to ensure that the soil stays in the pot and not loose in the box. Then your plant is tissue or kraft paper wrapped and secured in place with natural biodegradable peanuts. You will be pleased.
You may want to buy New Guinea online now while they are in stock.
