Thanks to their incredibly exotic and beautiful appearance Alocasia is one of the multiple types of houseplants that everyone loves growing, or even propagating. Not only is caring for the Alocasia a really amazing experience, but when you consider how many species there are (including the very popular Alocasia Polly and Black Velvet) it can be so unreasonably rewarding to propagate your own! Propagation of Alocasia is commonly sought after by collectors wanting more of these beautiful plants, or newcomers wishing to reproduce their favorite varieties. The following is a comprehensive guide to propagating Alocasia from cuttings with step-by-step instructions for success. In this article, well talk through the steps to take at home, and soon enough you will be ready to start propagating your Alocasia with confidence!
1. Knowing How to Propagate Alocasias
Alocasia is actually an entire range of flowering plants but if you have Alocasia in your garden or at home, knowing about its structure and growth would help propel the process of propagating. There are different ways to propagate Alocasia from stem cuttings and division of the root ball. This open tendency of saplings naturally comes from the application of low cost and high efficiency wine character is. But, continue what to say in this article how we general propagating from cuttings. Healthy, mature plants demonstrating signs of new growth are the best candidates for this process.
2. The Best Time to Propagate
Begin propagation in the spring and early summer during Alocasia’s active growing season. This is the time when the growth rate of the plant is at its peak, allowing sufficient energy for rooting. The cooler months of autumn and winter, when the plant is dormant and not actively growing, are less ideal for propagation as they have less energy available to use.
3. Selecting Healthy Cuttings
Select Healthy Cuttings When propagating Alocasia, selecting cuttings that appear in good health will ensure a higher success rate of propagation. Select a healthy, mature stem that has at least one node. That green-yellow ring is where roots will start to form, so when taking a cutting, make sure you take one that has at least one visible node on it. Do not use cuttings that are too old or damaged because they may fail to root.
4. Preparing the Cutting
After choosing your cutting, you need to prepare it for the root. Take a cutting of the stem with at least 3-4 inches long using a sharp sterilized knife or scissors to cut just below a node. Be sure to cut the piece cleanly in order not to harm and also reduce the chance of infection. Just be sure to take several so that, if you have a larger Alocasia, they can all propagate together.
5. Using Rooting Hormone
Although rooting hormone isn’t absolutely essential, it really does help establish roots quicker and better. Just dip the cut end of the Alocasia cutting into rooting hormone then lightly knock off excess. It does what it says on the tin; however, given that rooting hormone starts the development of new roots, it can speed up the process.
6. Choosing a Propagation Medium
You can propagate Alocasia cuttings in both water and soil. Each method has its benefits. Water propagation is quicker and gives you the chance to check on the roots as they grow (remember, root systems are usually submerged in soil so you can’t see them), but also means you’ll have to change out the water constantly, and perhaps get softer roots. While it takes longer, propagation through soil creates hardier roots and provides a more stable environment once the roots have taken.
7. Water propagation in steps
To propagate an Alocasia in water, simply take your cutting and place it in a jar or glass with enough water to cover the node. DO NOT submerge the whole cutting, as this may promote rot. Position the jar where it receives indirect sunlight, and refresh the water weekly or more frequently. After a few weeks, you will see some roots start to grow. After this has several inches of roots, move the cutting to dirt.
8. How to Propagate in Soil – The Quick & Easy Version
When propagating using soil, pot them into a small container filled with a well-draining potting medium, like cactus or succulent mix. Place the cutting into the soil between 1-5cm deep so that its node is just below surface level Evaporating every now and then but consistently to maintain the soil wet. Placing the cutting in a warm, humid environment is also key to inducing root growth. To maintain moisture and heat, set a humidity dome or stick a bag over the pot.
9. Creating a Humid Environment
Propagating Alocasia requires humidity. As a tropical plant, it likes humidity and will root much better when the air is humid. In case you are rooting in water, putting the jar in a warm humid vicinity can do greater. For soil propagation, if you put a plastic bag over the pot or use a humidity dome to keep the humidity levels high and comparable to air propagation container (bowl).
10. Optimal Temperature and Light
Propagation of Alocasia cuttings will take place best if the root zone is kept warm. Suitable temperature ranges from 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 25 C). The heat promotes root growth while keeping the cutting moist. Light Alocasia enjoys bright, indirect light. An available level of dot sunlight can burn the cutting, and too little light may prevent its propagation. Put the cutting in a place with bright but indirect light, such as close to a window lined by thin curtains.
11. Monitoring Root Development
After your cutting is seated in the medium it will be propagated in, there are checks and balances that need to happen day after day. You can actually see the roots start to develop in water. In soil, every so often tug lightly on the cutting to see how firmly it is anchored. In a week or two you should see growth from the top of the cutting.
12. Step Five: Transplant The Cutting With Roots
When your Alocasia cutting starts rooting well then it is time to repot it in a bigger pot with drainable soil. You should allow the cutting to get used to its pot slowly, reducing humidity and exposing it to a little more sun each day.
13. Fixing Common Issues
Occasionally, cuttings do not root as you think they would. If your Alocasia cutting struggles, see if the usual suspects are to blame (overwatering, bad light or fluctuating temperatures) If blackness differs to rot appears and cuts, part where the damage is, and attempt with another cutting.
14. Guidelines Regarding the New Alocasia Plant Care
After you have a rooted Alocasia cutting and they are well-established in their new pot, continue caring for it like an adult plant. Give it regular water, bright indirect light, and a little balanced fertilizer from time to time, and you will have firm vigorous growth.
15. Conclusion
Propagating Alocasia from cuttings is an easy and enjoyable experience. With the steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to propagation Alocasia and grow your own gorgeous specimens for addition to home or garden. Keep in mind that patience is key — just like all good things, propagation takes time, but it is will ultimately be worth the wait!
