Growing Alocasia in
Water: A Comprehensive Guide
Alocasia plants are known for their exotic and tropical appearance, as well as the distinctive elephant’s ear-like leaves. As part of the Alocasia genus, these plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
With the unique and attractive foliage, it’s no wonder why Alocasia has been a popular houseplant of choice for many years. If you want to try a new way of growing Alocasia, you should consider growing it in water.
This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to propagate and grow Alocasia in water. We’ll also share some of the best Alocasia varieties suitable for water growth, along with the essential care tips and instructions you need to keep your plants healthy and thriving.
Alocasia Plant Profile
Alocasia, also known as elephant’s ear, is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Araceae family. The plant features large, tropical leaves in heart- or arrow-shaped formations.
Their foliage comes in different shapes, variegation, texture, shades, sizes, and colors. The plants are typically 2-6 feet tall, although some can grow up to 12 feet tall, with a 2-6 feet wide spread.
The Alocasia genus hosts over 70 varieties, some of which include Alocasia Stingray, Alocasia Zebrina, and Alocasia Triangularis. Each type has unique features, including leaf size, texture, and color.
They also have innate characteristics that affect their preference for water propagation, so it’s essential to choose the right variety that will flourish with this method.
Best Alocasia Varieties to Grow in
Water
Propagating Alocasia in water is an easy and inexpensive way to grow your plants. The right variety enhance the growing experience by providing attractive, vibrant foliage that pops in your home.
The following Alocasia varieties are the best for growing in water:
1. Macrorrhiza Stringray
This variety has large, arrow-like leaves with unique markings.
The leaves are green with peculiar, silver-green veins that resemble a stingray’s wings. Macrorrhiza Stingray grows up to 1.2m tall in water.
2. Alocasia Zebrina
Zebrina, also known as Tiger Alocasia, has distinctive, zebra-striped stems and luscious, arrow-shaped leaves.
The leaves are blackish-green with white veins and edges. The plant grows up to one meter tall and thrives well when partially submerged in water.
3. Alocasia Triangularis
Triangularis has deep-green, almost black foliage with prominent white veins.
The leaves are triangular and can reach up to 20 cm long. This variety has a particular pattern that highlights its colors.
It can grow between 30 – 90 cm tall when propagated in water.
Instructions for Growing Alocasia in
Water
Here are the step-by-step instructions for growing Alocasia in water:
1. Choose a healthy Alocasia plant
Before selecting the plant for propagation, you must choose the healthiest and mature one from your collection.
Choose plants that have healthy, fresh leaves, no signs of pests or diseases, and no signs of distress on leaves or other parts of the plant. 2.
Cut the plant into sections
Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to cut the plant. Ensure the tool is clean to avoid transmitting diseases.
Cut a section of the plant with at least two leaves and a portion of the stem. For larger plants, you can make several cuttings for maximum success rates.
3. Place the cutting in water
Fill a clean jar or vase with non-chlorinated water at room temperature.
Then put the stem cutting into the jar, ensuring that the leaves are above the water level. Place rocks or pebbles in the vase to stabilize and position the cutting in place.
4. Provide ample light
Place the container in a bright location with indirect sunlight.
Ensure the plants are out of direct sunlight, as it may scorch the leaves and damage the plants. In case the plant receives direct sunlight, place a curtain or sheer between the window and the plant to filter the light.
5. Change the water regularly
Change the water in the container every week, or whenever you notice it’s getting cloudy.
The water changes will prevent the buildup of chlorine, mineral buildup, and toxins in the water, which could harm the plant.
Alocasia Care in
Water
The basic care regimen for Alocasia grown in water is the same as for standard plants. Here are some tips on how to care for your Alocasia plant in water:
1.
Water source
Alocasia plants grow best in the wild when exposed to river water, so naturally filtered water is best for water-propagated plants. If you don’t have access to natural, filtered water, you can use tap water.
Be sure to let it sit for at least 24 hours before using it so the chlorine dissipates. You can also use reverse osmosis or boiled water to minimize chemicals.
2. Nutrient management
To ensure that your plants have a steady stream of nutrients to maintain good health and growth, it’s essential to add fertilizer.
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer weekly, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
3.
Aerial roots management
When the cuttings develop roots, remove the rocks or pebbles from the container. Gradually, the new roots will grow and anchor the plant.
Trim the aerial roots occasionally to minimize the risk of rotting. 4.
Offshoot management
Alocasia growing in water may develop offshoots from the main plant. These offshoots can eventually grow into a full-size plant if you continue to propagate them in water.
Pinch the new shoots carefully and transfer them to another container to grow.
Where to Keep Alocasia in
Water
Growing Alocasia in water can enhance your decor ideas and make an elegant centerpiece for your home. Choose transparent, tall, and narrow jars or vases to add a touch of luxury to your home.
Place the vases on dining tables, desks, or tabletops where they can receive adequate indirect light for healthy growth.
Conclusion
In summary, you can grow Alocasia in water to maximize its beauty and versatility in a vase or container. Select healthy plants, cut them into pieces, and place them in clean containers filled with non-chlorinated water.
Remember to maintain the water supply, light and nutrient levels, and be patient as your cuttings develop roots and take on a new life. With the right tools and care, you can grow healthy and vibrant Alocasia plants in water.
Best Alocasia Varieties to Grow in
Water
Alocasia is a unique and beautiful plant that looks great both indoors and outdoors. Growing the plant in water is an excellent and easy way to propagate, and it’s also a cheap method of multiplying the plant.
There are different Alocasia varieties, each with a unique appearance and preference for water propagation. Here are the top three best Alocasia varieties to grow in water:
1.
Macrorrhiza Stringray
Macrorrhiza Stringray is a unique Alocasia variety with large, green leaves and silvery-green veins that resemble the wings of a stingray. The leaves can grow up to 75 cm long, making this plant a great centerpiece with a unique and distinct appearance.
The plant prefers to be partially submerged in water, and it thrives best in bright and indirect light. Macrorrhiza Stringray is easy to maintain and is an excellent choice for beginners in water propagation.
2. Alocasia Zebrina
Alocasia Zebrina is another Alocasia variety that is easy to grow in water.
The plant has fascinating, shield-shaped leaves with distinctive black and yellow zebra print markings. Additionally, Alocasia Zebrina has strong, thick stalks that provide a striking visual feature to the plant.
This Alocasia variety prefers a bright location and thrives well in indirect sunlight. It’s also essential to change the water every few weeks to keep it clean, and this also refreshes the essential minerals and nutrients required for growth.
3. Alocasia Triangularis
Alocasia Triangularis is another excellent variety for water propagation.
The plant features triangular-shaped leaves with ruffled edges and distinct white veins. The foliage is a deep green with a glossy texture that features iridescent green highlights as it grows.
Alocasia triangularis is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care, and it’s also a great option for beginners who want to try their hand at propagating Alocasia in water.
Growing Alocasia in
Water Instructions
Alocasia is a great plant for water propagation. Propagating an existing Alocasia plant is an easy process that can be done with a few simple steps.
Here are some instructions on how to grow Alocasia in water:
1. Taking Out the Entire Plant from the Pot
If you’re taking an existing Alocasia plant to propagate through water, begin by gently removing the plant from its pot.
It’s essential to handle the process with care to avoid damaging the plant. Ensure that you remove the plant with its entire root system intact to avoid any damage.
Once you have the plant out, remove any dirt and clean the roots to prepare them for separation. 2.
Separating the Plants and Planting in
Water
After taking the entire plant out of the pot, locate the clumps or offsets of the plant and separate them using a sterilized knife. Doing so is simple; merely make a sharp cut at the base of each offset near the root system to ensure it can begin growing on its own.
Once separated, place the offsets in a large vase or glass bowl with non-chlorinated water. Ensure the vase or glass bowl has enough space to accommodate the specific plant, including its roots and stems.
Place the vase or glass bowl in an area of the house that receives bright, indirect light but not harsh afternoon sun. 3.
Supporting the Plant
To support the plants in the water, you can use black pebbles, glass pebbles, or river stones. These stones help anchor the plant and keep it stable in the vase or glass bowl.
Additionally, regular trimming of the roots is advisable to prevent them from growing too long and entangling each other in the vase or glass bowl.
4.
Maintenance
To keep the Alocasia plants growing and in good condition, change the water every few weeks. The new water will introduce fresh minerals and nutrients that the plants need to grow and flourish.
It’s also important to manage the temperature in the room, as warm environments may cause the water to evaporate quickly, resulting in the roots drying up.
Conclusion
Growing Alocasia in water requires little effort and can be a rewarding experience. The process is also a cheap way to propagate new plants, and you get to enjoy the beautiful foliage they have to offer.
The varieties mentioned above require minimal care, making it ideal for beginners. Following the steps outlined above can help ensure a successful Alocasia water propagation experience and keep the plant in great condition.
Alocasia Care in
Water
Alocasia has become a popular houseplant due to its exotic look and trendy appearance. Growing Alocasia in water is an easy and cheap propagation method, and it’s crucial to take care of the plant for it to thrive.
In this guide, we’ll cover the essential care tips you need to keep your Alocasia plants healthy in water.
Location
Alocasia plants require plenty of indirect light for optimal growth. This means placing the plant near a window that receives plenty of natural light is ideal.
However, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing color changes, and damaging the plant. For best results, place the plant in an area that gets morning sun and indirect light for the remainder of the day.
Water
The water in which your Alocasia plant grows is the most critical aspect of its care. Be cautious of the quality and temperature of the water to maintain a lush and healthy plant.
Here are some tips for caring for your Alocasia in water:
1. Change the water
Change the water in the container every 5-7 days to maintain the purity and prevent a build-up of minerals that can be harmful to the plant.
Observe the clarity of the water and change it immediately if it gets discolored. While changing the water, remember to discard any decayed leaves and other plant materials.
2.
Water source
Alocasia plants usually thrive in the wild, along riverbanks that provide naturally filtered water.
River water is, therefore, the best water source for your Alocasia but may not be readily available in homes. If river water is not available, opt for tap water and allow it to sit in the container for a day to let the chemicals like chlorine dissipate.
In case you don’t trust the quality of tap water, use reverse osmosis water or boiled water that has cooled to room temperature.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing your Alocasia plant is essential to provide the necessary nutrients for optimal growth. A balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) is recommended for Alocasia plants.
Here’s how to fertilize your Alocasia in water:
1. Growing season
The best time to fertilize your Alocasia plant is during the growing season, which is usually from late spring to early fall.
During this time, plants usually have the highest nutrient requirements to support their growth and maintain their health. 2.
Fertilizer mix
Mix 1/2 teaspoon of balanced liquid fertilizer into two gallons of water, and make sure to dilute the solution well. You can adjust the amount of fertilizer depending on your plant’s size and age.
3. Fertilizing frequency
Fertilize your Alocasia plant once every three to four weeks to provide a steady and consistent supply of nutrients.
Taking Care of the Roots
Root care is crucial for the health of Alocasia plants. Here are some tips on how to care for the roots of your Alocasia plant:
1.
Aerial roots
Alocasia plants usually develop aerial roots in water that help them absorb nutrients and moisture from the water. These roots are thick and grow from the base of the stem.
Ensure that you trim any long aerial roots as they can tangle and cause blockage to the plant’s airflow and nutrient uptake. 2.
Thick brown outer coverings
The roots of Alocasia plants might develop a thick brown outer covering. This covering prevents optimal root development, and you should thus remove it with a sterilized tool.
3. Floating roots
As your Alocasia plant grows, it’s common to notice that some of the roots are floating on the water surface.
You can gently push them down to promote optimal water absorption. Ultimately, taking care of Alocasia in water is easy and rewarding.
Regularly changing the water, providing adequate lighting, and fertilizing when necessary will help maintain your plant’s health and make it thrive. Take care of the plants’ roots, and trim them regularly to prevent tangles and promote optimal growth.
By following these instructions, you’ll have lush and healthy Alocasia plants in your collection. In conclusion, Alocasia is a unique and stunning plant that’s perfect for water propagation.