Community

Posted 3w ago by @Seedstarter

Alocasia Zebrina (Reticulata)

Hey, guys, I know it's been a while since I last posted on here. However, I have a question. Is anyone raising any Alocasia Zebrinas on here? If so, HOW ARE YOU KEEPING IT ALIVE!?

I keep getting a starter, it only lives for a couple of months before it completely dies, and I am not talking about going into dormancy, like some of my starters did, it completely dies bulb and all 😭!

I don't know what I'm doing wrong because all the others are thriving, and I'm not doing anything different. Are these guys just more delicate than their cousins? I really want to grow one to add to my indoor plant collection, but it feels impossible. #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddict #AlocasiaAddicts #Alocasia #AlocasiaZebrina
Hey, Jasmine!!! Zebrinas can be fussy because they’re so leggy, on top of the fact that they’re alocasias, which are known to be temperamental. First, they LOVE humidity and water. A safe bet is to get them in a semi-hydro setup, or a well draining soil mix with frequent watering. They’re also extremely hungry, and will often autocannibalize their own leaves to grow new ones. If there’s a nutrient deficiency, they’ll surely perish. The best way to combat this is to feed them a diluted fertilizer every time you water. They’re a vast change from other houseplants that requires an adjustment, but you’ll get it!!! Best of luck to you!
Mine lives in a chunky soil mix, and I use a dilute fertilizer with every watering. It also has grow lights and a humidifier, and lives in the warmest, sunniest room in my house. It’s the only one of my alocasias that seems to be happy, so I don’t know when my luck will run out lol!
@MilkNewt Thank you, I honestly thought I could get away with just keeping the soil moist, but I guess some alocasia really like it wet. I guess I'm gonna have to start looking for some various-sized semi-hydro pots, then maybe jump on the LECA craze.
@MamaLinne The funny thing is, this is the only Alocasia I am having trouble with; they are stronger than most people give them credit for. Most of them tend to settle in within a few weeks or months after being potted, and sure, the more sensitive ones may go into dormancy or stay stagnant (one-leafed) for long periods to help them adapt. Still, they don't die off; they get through it! This is my first Alocasia that's actually acting like an Alocasia.

However, the 4th times the charm with this delicate flower, I guess