Alocasia Rugosa

Class

Monocotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Araceae

Order

Alismatales

Genus

Alocasia

Species

wrinkled

Description

A cultivarof medium vigour, with wrinkled-textured foliage in contrast to others of the botanical genus Alocasia.
A slow-growing plant, it prefers a warm humid climate and does not tolerate direct sunlight.
It acquires a primary role in indoor ornamentals due to its dark green, almost brownish veined leaves with silvery highlights.

Curiosities and special features

Alocasia rugosa belongs to the botanical family Araceae which includes other highly ornamental indoor plants such as Anthurium andreanum, Dieffenbachia amoena, Epipremnum aureum, Monstera deliciosa, Philodendron, Zamioculcas zamiifolia.

Origin and distribution

Species native to the humid tropical biome of Borneo (Sabah).

Leaf

The leaves, whose lamina is oblong and textured with obvious veins, giveAlocasia rugosa uniqueness and high ornamental value.

Flowering period

from late spring to summer for a duration of 90 to 120 days.

Leaf colour

It has plain, dark green leaves with silvery highlights.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.3 to 0.8 m.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen plant.

Where to plant

The developed habit as well as the height attained make Alocasia suitable for cultivation in pots, indoor tubs, vertical walls.

Stem

It has a herbaceous stem.

Growth

Compact Growth plant, suitable for growing in pots.

Plant habit

The developed vegetative habitus is erect.

PH

The ideal pH of the cultivation medium forAlocasia rugosa is slightly acidic, between 5.8 and 6.5.

Sun exposure

Requires the following exposures: light source in the house, light shade.

It is not recommended to place it in direct sunlight as well as near radiators or dry heat sources.

Ideal climate and temperature

It requires a warm and humid climate. The ideal temperature is between 19 and 26 °C.

It also adapts to low temperatures, but not below 15/16 °C, as long as there is a fair amount of light.

Use

The uniqueness of its foliage gives it a primary role in:
Interior ornamental .

Hardiness

A plant of medium to low hardiness: requires warm and humid climatic conditions, protected from direct sunlight.

Soil

Use a new, high-quality substrate specifically for potted green plants and ensure proper drainage of excess water to prevent rhizome rot.

Difficulty

Under the right environmental conditions, the cultivation ofAlocasia rugosa is fairly easy with a medium level of maintenance required.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation guidelines to achieve better vegetative development:
Balanced fertilisation Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Keep the substrate moist at all times Prefers warm and humid climate

Propagation

Multiplication is mainly by agamic means by Division of the heads or rhizomes.

Watering

Apply water directly to the substrate, keeping it always moist but free from waterlogging and always avoiding that it dries out completely, otherwise the basal leaves turn yellow very quickly.

Indoors, keep it in warm areas and spray the vegetation if possible once or twice a day, taking care not to use lime water, which will affect the cleanliness of the leaves; if in semi-cold areas, water sparingly and avoid draughts.
As it is a plant that requires high humidity it is advisable to keep a minimum of water on the underside of the pot.

Fertilising

During the growing season (spring-summer), apply a liquid balanced fertiliser to the wet substrate, specifically for green plants, to be diluted in the irrigation water without exceeding the dosage and frequency, asAlocasia rugosa fears over-fertilisation, especially in connection with water stress.

Pet safety

Toxic.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

Causes toxicity by ingestion, also wear gloves when handling.

Tip

Do not place the plant indoors near radiators or sources of dry heat. Although it is an understorey plant indoors it should always have good light but should not be exposed in front of a window where the sun is direct. A minimum of water on the under pot helps to create a minimum of humidity around the plant.