Alocasia Ivory Coast

Alocasia Ivory Cost is a plant that, in my experience, looks best indoors. However, they can make a garden look very pretty. The trick is to ensure that you know everything there is to know about the plant. Understanding the plant will ensure that you help it grow to its full potential.

Its massive green leaves on its relatively small frame make the Alocasia Ivory Coast, also known as Elephants Ear, such a beautiful plant. While the plant is rare in some regions, it is considered invasive in others. The plant like a moderate amount of sunshine and around 3 inches of water per week.

Alocasia Ivory Coast can grow in various climates and environments, so they are not hard to manage. However, I understand that finding reliable information about the plant is hard. That is why I will discuss everything you need about this beautiful plant. So, keep reading.

What Is The Botanical Name For Alocasia Ivory Coast?

Alocasia Ivory Coast is a bit of a mouthful, so most people call it by its botanical name, simply “Alocasia.” However, that can get confusing in some cases. Here’s why:

There are wide varieties of Alocasia. It is estimated that there are over 90 species of the plant. Each of these has its own characteristics. So, it might be best not to use its botanical name as it might confuse whoever you are talking to. Perhaps they might think you are referring to Alocasia Grey Dragon, Melo, Bambino, or one of the others.

What Is The Common name For Alocasia Ivory Coast?

Alocasia Ivory Coast is commonly known as an “Elephant Ear” plant. This is thanks to the size and shape of the leaves. The leaves are especially pronounced because they are disproportionate to the rest of the plant, and thus, they resemble elephant ears.

Alocasia Ivory Coast Description

Alocasia Ivory Coast, or Elephant Ear, is an upright evergreen plant. The plant grows throughout the year regardless of the season and grows relatively fast. The leaves are strikingly beautiful with their large grey/green veins and pointed tips.

Elephant Ear typically grows between 25cm and 35cm tall and between 15cm to 25cm wide. So, it is not a big plant by any means.

Alocasia Ivory Coast Preferences

If you are considering getting an Alocasia Ivory Coast or want to understand the plant better, I recommend reading through this section. That said, Alocasia Ivory Coast is not a fussy plant, and they are not hard to manage but understanding these few preferences will make your plant grow better and stay healthier for longer.

Light

Elephant Ear is a plant that needs sunlight to grow. However, leaving it outside on very bright days is not the best idea. Instead, it is best if they get a few hours of direct sunlight and then spend the rest of the day in shaded areas.

Temperature

Again, Alocasia Ivory Coast is not too fussy when it comes to climate. That said, the plant grows best in spring, as with most plants. However, because all regions have their own climates, Alocasia Ivory Coast might grow better during a different time of year, depending on where you live.

Elephant Ear grows best at temperatures between 70F to 90F (21C to 32C), with 80F (27C) being the sweet spot.

Watering

You mustn’t drown the plant when watering it. The best way to do this is to ensure the pot has drainage.

Please note that these are only guidelines; I understand they might sound tricky. That said, you want to ensure that the plant always has water. However, it is best not to add more water if the soil is wet.

Giving the plant around 3 inches of water per week is the best practice; however, always look out for the plant. For example, if the topsoil is dry, you might want to give it a bit more, and if it’s staying wet, you might have given it too much.

Soil Care

The soil you choose to use for any plant can play a massive role in the plant’s health. I suggest using a combination of potting soil and one or more of the following:

Bark
Peat
Perlite

The mix should contain at least 50% soil, and the rest can be made up of one of the other three materials.

How To Care For Alocasia Ivory Coast

The main feature of Alocasia Ivory Coast is its leaves. However, even a tiny dead spot can be an eyesore once they start going bad. So, you want to take as good care as possible to prolong the plant’s life for as long as possible.

So, here are my xx easy steps to caring for an Alocasia Ivory Coast:

Ensure that the plant gets enough sunlight throughout the day; only a few hours is necessary.
Water the plant with around three inches of water per week. However, that number is a guideline, and your plant might need slightly more or slightly less.
Fertilize the soil at least once a month. Liquid fertilizer is best; however, something simple like Miracle Grow is also good.
Remove old leaves only once they have died or are close to doing so.

See, Alocasia plants are not hard to manage; in my experience, that is one of their best qualities.

Alocasia Ivory Coast Common Issues And What To Do

Now that you know how to care for Elephant Ear Plants, knowing what to do when the plant experiences some common issues is helpful.

Leaves Turn Yellow

Yellow leaves on any Alocasia plant are a sign of overwatering. But remember, the leaves are not dead at this point. So, once you get the watering of the plant right, the leaves will slowly turn green again. Another sign of overwatering is water randomly dripping from the leaves.

Dry Leaves

Again, dry leaves are caused by improper watering. However, when the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown around the edges, it is a sign that the plant needs more water. Many times people will panic and start overwatering the plant. Try to avoid this and increase the frequency at which you water the plant.

Bugs

Bugs can cause havoc on your plant. Various pests can harm your plant. The best way to deal with them is to use a pest spray. It is best if you spray the plant while outside. Remember to look for any infected parts of the plants and treat them with soap and water.

Leaf Rot

Leaf rot starts near the center of one of the blades on a leaf. It appears as a small brown spot on the plant. The spot turns into a hole and starts to widen. To avoid this, take good care of the plant. See, leaf rot is caused by a wide range of issues, such as:

Overwatering
Underwatering
Humidity
Pests
Infection

Repotting An Alocasia Ivory Coast

Alocasia Ivory Coast is a small plant that is easy to repot. All you need is a pair of gloves, new soil, and a new pot. Here are a few tips:

Get a good potting soil mix.
Ensure that the new pot is big enough for the plant.
Place the soil in the new pot. Do not use too much at first; only cover around 1/3 of the pot.
Remove the plant from its pot. Do this by gently using your hands to grab it as close to the bottom as possible.
Quickly place the plant in the new pot.
Add as much soil as you need.
Water the plant.

Alocasia Ivory Coast Propagation

Propagating an Alocasia Ivory Coast is not too tricky but does require more work than most plants. So again, here are a few tips:

Remove the plant from its soil. Please do this gently.
Find a tuber on the root. If the plant does not yet have one, then you cannot yet propagate the plant.
Using a sharp knife, gently cut the tuber away from the root.
Plant the tuber in a new pot and care for it like any other baby plant.

If the tuber has already sprouted, you are in luck. The plant will be easier to grow and manage.

Conclusion

With attention to detail and care, Alocasia plants can be beautiful. In addition, these hardy plants make for some of the best indoor decorations. Hopefully, you now know enough about Elephant Ear plants so that you can take better care of your plant. Also, you can now pass this knowledge on to friends and family.

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