Alocasia Azlanii is a rare tropical houseplant from Sarawak on the island of Borneo. There are ninety-seven species of Alocasia, but the Azlanii is a relatively recent find, and it’s highly prized because its unique coloring makes it a striking addition to any collection of indoor plants.
Alocasia Azlanii, like other Alocasias, needs care and maintenance, and being tropical, it is unhappy in cool, dry settings. Sensitive to changes, it should be given time to acclimate to a new environment and carefully checked to ensure it doesn’t bring any infestation into your home.
Because it has only been available for a short time and is not widely stocked, the Alocasia Azlanii is costly. However, we’ll show you the ins and outs of caring for this beauty and how you can keep it looking spectacular and healthy enough to propagate new plants from the mother plant.
The Botanical Name Of Alocasia Azlanii
Alocasia Azlanii is, in fact, the botanical name of the plant. It’s part of a new group of plants known as Novitates Bruneiensis and part of the Araceae family.
What Is The More Common Name Of Alocasia Azlanii?
If the scientific names are confusing, the Alocasia Azlanii is also known as the Red Mambo, a name as colorful as the plant itself.
A Description Of Alocasia Azlanii
Alocasia Azlanii is a broad-leafed, perennial plant characterized by its striking dark metallic green leaves with a purple underside, red or purple veins, and a bright green edge. The leaves grow to an impressive eighteen inches long and twelve inches wide, and the plant can reach twelve to fifteen inches in height if kept potted.
Like other Araceae, Alocasia Azlanii is toxic, containing insoluble oxalates, which will cause swelling and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract if ingested. It’s important to know this if you have children or pets who might be tempted to chew the leaves.
What Conditions Does The Alocasia Azlanii Prefer?
As a tropical plant Alocasia Azlanii, while hardy, has specific preferences in terms of humidity, temperature, light, and other growing conditions.
Light
The ideal light for an Alocasia Azlanii is bright but indirect or dappled sunlight. It will tolerate an hour or two of direct early morning sun but not full sun, so a shelf or windowsill is an ideal place.
Temperature
Being originally a tropical plant, the Alocasia Azlanii dislikes cold and dry conditions. The ideal temperature for optimal growth is between 65- and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Watering
Water is the one element Alocasia Azlanii is quite finicky about. They dislike dry soil but also don’t do well when overwatered. Check how moist the top two or three inches of soil are – if dry, it’s time to water. This could be twice a week in summer, but in winter, a monthly watering may be enough.
Besides watering, humidity is vital in keeping this tropical plant happy – a humidity of 60% and above is ideal. Placing your Alocasia Azlanii in a kitchen or bathroom will provide enough humidity, but you can also buy a small humidifier, and even keeping it close to other plants will help keep humidity high.
Soil
Well-drained potting soil is suitable for growing your Alocasia Azlanii. A pH of 6.1 to 6.5 is recommended. The soil mix should contain orchid bark, peat moss, activated charcoal, and perlite to provide an aerated, well-drained, and nutrition-rich growing medium.
Tips On Caring For Your Alocasia Azlanii
Like most plants, Alocasia Azlanii was not originally intended to live indoors, so to keep it healthy and looking its beautiful best, some maintenance care is needed.
- Make sure the soil is aerated and able to absorb water.
- Avoid underwatering, but also ensure you’re not overwatering by allowing the top two inches of soil to dry out before watering the plant.
- Keep the plant out of areas where there is a marked temperature change during the day, like directly in front of an open window or at an entrance.
- Remove dead or damaged leaves regularly, not only for appearance but because they drain nutrition and may spread the infection to healthy leaves.
- To keep the leaves beautiful, a nitrogen-rich fertilizer is needed every two weeks while the plant is growing. Give half the recommended dose for houseplants.
- Pruning is an essential aspect of care for your Alocasia Azlanii. Remove branches growing too close to the base, all cross-branches, any that are too long, and obviously any that are dead. This will promote healthy new growth.
Common Issues And Troubleshooting Alocasia Azlanii
Alocasia Azlanii is not a difficult plant to own and enjoy, but there are three issues to keep an eye on and treat immediately.
- Aphid, scale, or mealy bug infestation, which can be seen immediately on the leaf, creates a sticky coating that can kill the plant. The best treatment is an organic insecticide sprayed directly onto the leaves or a systemic solution taken up by the roots.
- The spider mite is a common problem with Alocasia Azlanii and needs to be treated quickly to avoid damage to the plant. An effective treatment is to spray neem oil onto the leaves or wipe them with an organic insecticidal soap which you can get from your nursery.
- Root rot is caused by overwatering and soggy soil. You can treat your plant if you catch it early enough, but if not, you might lose the battle. The roots need to be washed, the rotted roots and stems removed, and the soil replaced. Hydrogen peroxide is effective for cleaning, and be sure to use a clean-cutting tool.
Repotting Your Alocasia Azlanii
Repotting is only required every two years, and its purpose is to replenish the soil and give the plant more space to grow by using a slightly larger pot each time. Ideally, the roots of the Alocasia Azlanii shouldn’t reach the bottom of the pot.
Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes, then fill it with fresh potting soil, peat moss, activated charcoal, and orchid bark chips. Perlite will aid drainage and should be included in the soil mix.
Remove your plant from the old container, disturbing the roots as little as possible. Check for and remove any infected or damaged roots, clean the rest carefully, and repot the plant into its new home. Water to moisten the new soil, remove old leaves and replace the plant in its favorite spot with bright, indirect sunlight.
Repotting is best done in spring or early summer when growth occurs naturally.
Propagation Of Alocasia Azlanii
Alocasia Azlanii is newly discovered and not easily found in local nurseries. Propagating new plants from the mother plant is an excellent way to grow your collection and is potentially profitable! There are three ways to propagate this beautiful plant:
- Division – the Alocasia Azlanii is a rhizomatous plant, which means there is an underground rhizome from which new roots and stems grow. This rhizome can be divided, and if each section has a growth node, it will grow into a new plant.
- Offsets – offsets are new plants that grow at the base of the mature plant and are the way the Alocasia Azlanii multiplies naturally. These new offsets can be gently removed and repotted in separate pots, where they will grow and develop into full-sized plants.
- Seeds – Alocasia Azlanii does produce seeds, but this is not the easiest way to propagate the plant. Each seed must be soaked overnight in distilled water, then planted at a depth of one centimeter. It must be kept in a humid environment, so cover it in plastic and keep the soil moist. The container should be kept in a warm, brightly sunlit place until the seedlings are five centimeters tall. They can then be transplanted into their own pot.
Conclusion
Not all Alocasia varieties are as uncommon as Alocasia Azlanii, which makes it a highly sought-after household plant. Its beautifully colored leaves are unique. For those lucky enough to have one, it forms a centerpiece in the home and the envy of other indoor garden enthusiasts.
References