The Alocasia Lauterbachiana was discovered in the 19th century in the subtropical climate of Asia. More commonly known as the Alocasia Purple Sword, the plant received this nickname because of its vibrant purple, sword-like leaves.
The Alocasia Purple Sword, with its hues of green and purple, continues to remain an ornamental attraction in many homes. Although there is no specific flowering season for these plants, horticulturists have likened the flowers to anthuriums, a tropical explosion when it is least expected.
The Alocasia Purple Sword flourishes in spring and summer while becoming dormant in winter. To see the plant grow, you will have to consider meeting the plant’s tropical requirements.
What Is The Botanical Name Of Alocasia Purple Sword?
The botanical name of the Alocasia Purple Sword is the Alocasia Lauterbachiana, part of the Araceae species of flowering plants.
What Is The Common Name For Alocasia Purple Sword?
The mixture of names from the purple sword, silver sword, and baroque sword is attained due to the plant’s shiny green surface with purple veining on the undersides of the plant. Due to the wavy resemblance of the 2 feet and widened leaves, the plant is even called elephant ears.
Alocasia Purple Sword Description
The leaves can be likened to a sword with their jagged edges, while the long stems can showcase attractive purple mottling. This majestic tropical perennial has the potential to grow to 4 feet tall.
Unlike most plants, the Alocasia Purple Sword is not restrictive to a specific flowering season. The inconspicuous green-white or hinge of purple flowers can grace you with their presence at any time.
The Alocasia Purple Sword is also an aquatic plant, preferred for aquariums and ponds. Due to the toxicity level of the plant, be mindful to ensure that the Alocasia Purple Sword is kept away from pets and children.
No matter the name preference, the Alocasia Purple sword will add a botanical feel indoors or outdoors.
The Alocasia Purple Sword Growing Preferences
The Alocasia Purple Sword is indigenous to the subtropical climate of Asia. Any plant taken out of its natural environment will need you to re-create that habitat for it to thrive.
The key to seeing this plant flourish is to focus on meeting the plant’s tropical requirements. To recreate this conducive atmosphere, you must ensure that the plant has ample light, is grown at the right temperature, has the proper watering schedule, and is potted in suitable soil.
Light
It is advisable to position your Alocasia Purple Sword in bright, indirect light if kept indoors. Placing the Alocasia Purple Sword in darker environmental conditions can result in the leaves fading due to limited photosynthesis.
Avoid too much or too little sunlight. When planted outdoors, this humidity-loving plant should be kept in indirect sunlight. The effects of placing in direct sunlight could result in leaf burn.
Brown spots on your leaves are a sign of stress and a tell-tale sign that the plant needs more light.
Temperature
Alocasia Purple Sword have known to thrive at 59-80°F, with Humidity 60-75%. The plant is dormant in winter. Keep the room temperature between 18 and 22 degrees to avoid your plant getting cold indoors.
Watering
A gardening misconception among many is that the more you water the plant, the faster the plant will grow. By doing a soil thumb test, you will be able to check if your Alocasia Purple Sword is thirsty. If the top 1-2 inches of soil is about 90% dry, it’s time to water.
Occasionally misting is advisable to reduce humidity. Excessive misting only adds to fungal issues.
The yellowing of leaves is a sign of over or under-watering.
Soil Care Tips
Ensuring that your Alocasia Purple Sword is planted in well-aerated soil is crucial to alleviate root and rhizome rot.
Understanding that your soil needs time to dry out in between watering is essential, giving the roots time to absorb some of the water.
Two parts of perlite, pumice, bark, and wood chips added to 1 part of potting soil are conducive to this plant’s optimum growth. To help with drainage and aeration, pre-made potting mixes with cacti and succulents offer added benefits.
Focus on a single dose of fertilizer during spring and summer, avoiding autumn and winter. A low-dose fertilizer once a month is also advisable, keeping the soil’s acidity levels to an optimum level of 5.5 to 6.5. It would be wise to cease any form of fertilization if you notice any form of plant stress.
Avoid the sponge-like water retention of peat moss, which can be to the plants’ detriment.
Tips On Caring For Alocasia Purple Sword
A happy plant is a sign of a well-kept one. Regular maintenance of your Alocasia Purple Sword will result in a healthy, well-maintained plant with tall glossy leaves. Once the care routine is followed regularly, it will soon become manageable with less stress, ultimately affecting the plant’s longevity.
The following tips can be used when caring for Alocasia Purple Sword.
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn.
- Ensure that your Alocasia Purple Sword is planted in well-aeration soil to avoid root rot.
- Avoid over or underwatering or underwatering.
- Fertilize once a month with a single dosage of liquid fertilizer, avoiding the autumn and winter months.
- Prune regularly to encourage new growth.
- Be wary of tell-tale signs like browning or yellowing of leaves, pests, and fungi, and manage effectively.
- To eliminate disease spread, keep new Alocasias away from other houseplants for two weeks.
Common Issues And Troubleshooting Alocasia Purple Sword
An Alocasia Purple Sword is one of those plants that require moderate care. Although it is a resilient plant, some factors can be detrimental if not attended to timeously. Common issues are changes in the color of leaves, including fading and stunted growth.
Alocasia Purple Sword Leaves Turning Colour
The distinct feature of the Alocasia Purple Sword is the shiny green leaves with purplish veins on the underside. A change in the color of these leaves is an immediate tell-tale sign that the plant is experiencing some stress.
The yellowing of the leaves is a sign of overwatering or underwatering. It is best to check the soil’s moisture level; depending on the extensiveness, you may need to cut off the infected rhizomes and re-pot, adding the appropriate dosage of perlite, small bark, to the soil.
Brown leaves are a sign that you need to cut back on the sunlight; depending on the damage, you may need to prune. Brown spots on leaves signify pests or fungi and possible root rot. Treating with the appropriate pesticide is recommended.
The reaction to tap water could also lead to color change; a de-chlorinator or switching to purified or rainwater are possible solutions.
Alocasia Purple Sword Stunted Growth
During winter, Alocasia Purple Sword remains dormant; hence you will not see any growth. Stunted growth and faded leaves also indicate that the plant needs more light.
Limited photosynthesis can restrict the growth of the plant. Leave curl is also a sign that it may be time to re-pot.
How To Re-Pot Alocasia Purple Sword?
The Alocasia Purple Sword is most robust during spring and summer and, ideally, the right time to re-pot. It is also when the plant will receive the best humidity to flourish. The larger of these plants may require potting every 18-24 months.
Steps to re-pot your Alocasia Purple Sword.
1. Prepare the pot -Two parts of perlite, pumice, bark, and wood chips are added to 1 part of potting soil. For optimum growth, ensure that the new pot is 2 inches larger in size.
2. Detangle the roots – Gently lift the plant, removing excess soil and gently detangling the roots. Be mindful not to damage the rhizomes.
3. Water the plant –To keep the roots of your Alocasia Purple Sword hydrated, water before re-potting. Replant in the same depth as existing and cover with topsoil, mist the plant slightly and keep away from direct sunlight.
How To Propagate Alocasia Purple Sword?
Rhizome division and seeds are the fastest and easiest way to propagate Alocasia Purple Sword. The ideal time to start propagation is between early summer and spring. With a few easy steps, let the propagating begin.
1. Safety first – Due to the plant’s toxicity, it might be advisable to wear gloves for protection.
2. Select the healthiest plant – Select a healthy parent plant with well-maintained stems for propagation. Gently remove the plant, avoiding damage to the roots.
3. Cut a section of the plant - Cut a portion with a sterile, sharp knife. The stem should have some nodes and a minimum of 2 to 3 leaves intact.
4. Plant – Prepare the pot with new potting soil, plant the stem, water and keep away from direct sunlight.
Conclusion
The Alocasia Lauterbachiana is known by an array of names, more commonly living up to the name of the Alocasia Purple Sword because of its long-jagged edge leaves.
You, too, can enjoy this greenish-purple subtropical beauty by following a proper care routine and immediately rectifying common horticulture issues. The result is a flourishing Alocasia, with an explosion of purples and green, shining high in its glory at a whopping 3 to 4 feet.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alocasia_lauterbachiana/
What is this growing off of my purple sword? : alocasia (reddit.com)/
Advice on rehabilitating this Purple Sword: alocasia (reddit.com)
Alocasia Leaves Turning Yellow (Causes And Solutions) – Smart Garden Guide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1NqOL8XqgQ/