Alocasia Tigrina: A Guide to Growing This Unique Elephant Ear

Alocasia Tigrina, also known as Elephant Ears, is a unique and eye-catching tropical plant that can make a big statement in colder climates. Belonging to the Alocasia genus, this plant is often grouped together with the Colocasia genus due to their similar leaf shape. However, there are botanical differences between the two. Alocasia Tigrina has leaves that point up, while most Colocasia varieties have leaves that point down.

This plant grows from a swollen stem called a corm, not a bulb or tuber as commonly believed. To successfully grow Alocasia Tigrina, it prefers to be planted in moist soil with the top of the corm about 1″ below the surface. It thrives in bright, indirect light and appreciates high humidity. Hardy in US zones 8-11, this plant requires regular fertilization to promote leaf growth. During the winter, the plant goes dormant and can be overwintered by cutting off the leaves, digging up the corm, and storing it in a cool, dry place.

To get an early start on growth, the corm can be potted up indoors before the last frost date and moved outside once the soil warms up. By following these care tips, you can successfully grow and enjoy the unique beauty of Alocasia Tigrina.

Key Takeaways:

• Alocasia Tigrina is a unique and eye-catching tropical plant that can thrive in colder climates.
• It belongs to the Alocasia genus and has leaves that point up, distinguishing it from most Colocasia varieties.
• It grows from a swollen stem called a corm and prefers to be planted in moist soil with the top about 1″ below the surface.
• Alocasia Tigrina thrives in bright, indirect light and appreciates high humidity.
• To overwinter the plant, cut off the leaves and store the corm in a cool, dry place during the winter months.

Growing Alocasia Tigrina: Planting and Care Tips

When it comes to growing Alocasia Tigrina, providing the right planting and care conditions is essential. To start, plant the corm with the top about 1″ below the surface of moist soil. This will ensure proper growth and development. The plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, although it can tolerate some shade in warmer climates. It’s important to strike a balance with watering, keeping the soil consistently moist but not overly saturated. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s crucial to monitor the soil’s moisture levels.

Fertilization is another key aspect of caring for Alocasia Tigrina. During its active growing season, which typically spans spring and summer, regular fertilization with a balanced houseplant fertilizer will promote healthy leaf growth. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for the correct dosage and application frequency. Providing the plant with proper nutrition will help it thrive and showcase its unique beauty.

During the winter months, Alocasia Tigrina goes dormant. To overwinter the plant, cut off the leaves and store the corm in a cool, dry place. This dormant period allows the plant to rest and conserve energy for its next growth cycle. When spring arrives, you can reintroduce the plant to the sunlight and resume regular care practices. By properly overwintering the plant, you can ensure its longevity and continued vibrancy year after year.

Planting and Care Tips
Sunlight	Bright, indirect sunlight
Watering	Consistently moist soil, avoiding overwatering
Fertilization	Regular application of balanced houseplant fertilizer
Overwintering	Cut off leaves and store corm in a cool, dry place during winter

By following these planting and care tips, you can create an optimal environment for your Alocasia Tigrina to thrive. With proper sunlight, watering, fertilization, and overwintering, your plant will not only survive but also flourish, showcasing its unique and captivating beauty.

Propagating Alocasia Tigrina: Growing Corms and Division

One of the fascinating aspects of Alocasia Tigrina is its ability to be propagated through two different methods: growing corms and division. Both methods offer unique opportunities to expand your collection of this striking tropical plant.

Growing Corms

To grow Alocasia Tigrina from corms, start by carefully removing small corms from the plant’s roots. These corms can be identified as small bulbs attached to the roots. Once separated, plant the corms in a container filled with moistened sphagnum moss. It’s important to position the corms with the pointy tip facing up and the rough side down.

Create a greenhouse-like environment for the corms by covering the container with a plastic bag. Place the container in a location with bright indirect light, ensuring the corms receive the appropriate amount of warmth and humidity. After a few weeks, you should start to see roots and foliage sprouting from the corms, indicating successful propagation and the formation of new plants.

Division

Division is another method to propagate Alocasia Tigrina. This technique involves separating the plant’s bulbs and roots into individual plants. Each bulb will grow into an independent plant. To perform division, carefully untangle the bulbs and roots, making sure to handle them gently to avoid damage.

Pot the individual bulbs in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that each bulb is placed in its own container. Provide the newly divided plants with the same care and environment as the parent plant, including bright indirect light, regular watering, and appropriate humidity.

Summary

Propagating Alocasia Tigrina offers the opportunity to not only create new plants but also explore different growth patterns and variations. Whether you choose to grow corms or perform division, both methods require healthy and mature plants. It’s crucial to carry out propagation during the plant’s active growing season to maximize success. By successfully propagating Alocasia Tigrina, you can expand your plant collection while enjoying the beauty of this unique tropical plant.

Troubleshooting Alocasia Tigrina: Common Issues and Solutions

While growing Alocasia Tigrina may generally be an easy task, it can encounter a few common issues. One of these issues is yellow leaves, which can indicate overwatering or underwatering, insufficient light, or lack of humidity. To address this problem, I adjust the watering schedule, increase humidity levels, or provide more light to the plant.

Another issue that may arise is curling leaves, which is often caused by low humidity. To remedy this, I regularly mist the plant or relocate it to a more humid environment to promote healthier leaf growth.

Dropping leaves can be a sign of various problems such as inadequate light, underwatering, overwatering, low humidity, or even root rot. By carefully assessing the plant’s care conditions and making the necessary adjustments, I can prevent further leaf loss and promote a healthier plant overall. Root rot, which can occur when the plant is overwatered or planted in a poorly draining soil mix, can be avoided by improving the soil’s drainage and adjusting the watering schedule accordingly.

Lastly, Alocasia Tigrina is susceptible to pests such as spider mites, fungus gnats, and mealybugs. Regular inspection of the plant and implementing appropriate pest control measures, such as using organic insecticidal sprays or wiping the leaves with a gentle soap solution, can help keep these pests at bay and maintain a healthy plant. By troubleshooting these common issues and providing the necessary care, I ensure that my Alocasia Tigrina remains vibrant and thriving.