Care of the indoor plant Alocasia macrorrhiza or Giant taro |
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The genus Alocasia, family Araceae, includes 80 species of plants native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australia. Some species are: Alocasia macrorrhiza, Alocasia odora, Alocasia cucullata, Alocasia x amazonica, Alocasia robusta, Alocasia brisbanensis. Common names: Giant taro, Giant alocasia, Cunjevoi. This species is native to Islands Southeast Asia. They are tropical plants with large and elegant leaves that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. The leaves are arranged helically on a rhizome forming a rosette. The flowers are grouped into cluster-shaped inflorescences. They are used as houseplants and in gardens in frost-free climates. The heating and the dry environment harm them. They need high ambient humidity and warm temperature. The soil for cultivation should be a mixture of fertilized substrate, fibrous peat and coarse sand. Water frequently to keep the soil moist. In winter, space the watering. Indoors, direct sunlight should be avoided, but the light must be abundant. If grown outdoors, place it in the shade, especially in the Mediterranean climate areas. The simplest form of propagation is by division of the rhizome in early spring. They can also propagate by seed. |
Images of the indoor plant Alocasia macrorrhiza or Giant taro |
 Alocasia macrorrhiza  Alocasia macrorrhiza  Alocasia macrorrhiza  Alocasia macrorrhiza |