Growing corms of the Alocasia Macrorrhiza Splash, known for its striking variegated foliage, involves specific steps to ensure successful propagation. Here's a detailed guide.
Inspect and Prepare the Corms
Inspect the Corms:
Choose firm, healthy corms with no signs of mold, soft spots, or rot.
Larger corms tend to sprout faster, but small ones can also grow with proper care.
Clean the Corms:
Gently rinse off any dirt or debris.
Apply a light dusting of fungicide to prevent rot (optional but recommended).
Pre Soak (Optional):
Soak the corms in lukewarm water with a pinch of rooting hormone for 6–8 hours. This encourages sprouting.
Choose a Propagation Medium
You can grow Alocasia corms using different mediums. The choice depends on your preference and environment.
Sphagnum Moss (Preferred for Variegated Plants):
Use damp sphagnum moss (not soaking wet).
Place the corms in the moss, ensuring the pointed side faces up.
Use a clear container to monitor progress.
Water Propagation:
Place the corm in a shallow container of clean water, submerging only the bottom part.
Change the water every 2–3 days to prevent bacterial growth.
Soil Propagation:
Use a well draining mix (e.g., peat, perlite, and orchid bark).
Plant the corm about 1–2 inches deep, pointed side up.
Create the Right Environment
Temperature: Maintain warmth between 75–85°F (24–29°C).
Humidity: Provide high humidity (60–80%). A humidity dome or plastic bag can help retain moisture.
Light: Bright, indirect light is essential. Avoid direct sunlight, which can damage variegated leaves.
Watering
Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged.
For moss or soil propagation, mist lightly if the environment is dry.
If using water, ensure the corm's base remains submerged without the whole corm sitting in water.
Wait for Sprouting
Timeframe: Corms may take 4–10 weeks to sprout, depending on the environment.
Growth Signs: Roots may appear first, followed by a small shoot. Be patient, as variegated varieties often grow more slowly.
Potting the Sprouted Corm
Once roots and a shoot develop, transfer the corm to a pot with a well draining aroid soil mix.
Use a small pot initially to focus growth on the roots.
Care for the Growing Plant
Light: Provide bright, indirect light to encourage strong variegation.
Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilizer: Feed with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during active growth.
Special Tips for Alocasia Macrorrhiza Splash
Encourage Variegation: Ample light (indirect) is crucial to maintain the variegated "splash" pattern.
Pruning: If green dominant leaves appear, leave them temporarily to support the plant until new variegated leaves develop.
Humidity: Maintain consistent humidity to prevent leaf browning.
Troubleshooting
Rotting Corms: Ensure the propagation medium is not too wet, and provide good airflow.
Slow Growth: Verify the temperature and humidity levels, and consider using a heat mat for added warmth.
Weak Variegation: Increase light exposure while avoiding direct sun.
By following these steps, you can successfully propagate and grow the stunning Alocasia Macrorrhiza Splash.
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