Basic Information
| Name | Alocasia Jacklyn “Alocasia Tandurusa” |
| Light | Medium to bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight |
| Temperature | 17-22ºC | 62.6-71.6ºF, minimum 15ºC |
| Humidity | > 60% |
| Soil/Medium | Equal parts potting mix, perlite, peat moss, or coco coir |
Meet Alocasia Jacklyn, a captivating tropical plant perfect for indoor and outdoor spaces. To help it thrive, it requires moderate care and trimming twice a year. Here are the basic care tips you need to know to keep your Alocasia Jacklyn healthy and vibrant.
Light
Alocasia Jacklyn thrives in medium to bright indirect sunlight, as direct sunlight can scorch its tender leaves. It adapts well to indoor lighting conditions, although sufficient light is necessary to maintain vibrant leaf color. Placing it near an east-facing window or a spot several feet from a south or west-facing window is optimal. Avoid low-light conditions, as they can hinder growth and reduce leaf vibrancy.
Water
This plant prefers consistently moist soil but is not drought-tolerant. Water it twice a week, reducing frequency in winter. Overwatering can cause root damage, so ensure the soil isn’t soggy. Check the top 1-2 inches of soil for dryness before watering. A balanced watering schedule, avoiding both over and under-watering, is key to maintaining healthy growth.
Soil
For optimal growth, Alocasia Jacklyn needs soil that is airy and well-draining. It is recommended to use a blend of regular potting mix along with amendments such as perlite, peat moss, or coco coir. Avoid using heavy and compacted soils, and ensure that the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot. You can also use a pre-made aroid blend or make your own mix of potting soil and chunky materials like orchid bark or coarse sand, which can also work well.
Temperature
Alocasia Jacklyn grows best in warm temperatures ranging between 17°C to 22°C. However, it can still survive in temperatures as low as 15°C. Since it comes from tropical regions, it’s highly sensitive to cold and should be kept away from temperatures below 15°C. If the outdoor temperatures drop, maintaining a consistent indoor temperature is the best way to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
Humidity
Alocasia Jacklyn is a plant that prefers high humidity levels, ideally around 60% or higher. To increase the humidity, you can use a humidifier or place the plant on a drip tray. Although it adapts well to typical indoor humidity, it thrives in more humid conditions. If you group it with other plants, it can help to increase humidity levels around the plant.
Fertilizer
To keep your Alocasia Jacklyn plant healthy, fertilize it once a month during its growing season, which is spring and summer. It’s essential to use a balanced liquid fertilizer that is diluted before application. During the dormant winter months, avoid fertilizing the plant. Over-fertilization can be harmful to the plant, so make sure to use a diluted mixture and avoid chemical fertilizers that can cause salt buildup in the soil.
Growth Rate
Alocasia Jacklyn is a fast-growing plant, capable of reaching significant heights outdoors (up to 10ft) and moderate sizes indoors (3-4ft). Its rapid growth rate necessitates regular pruning to manage size and encourage a bushier appearance. Repotting every 12-18 months or when the plant becomes root-bound is recommended.
Pet Safety
All parts of the Alocasia Jacklyn plant are toxic if ingested and can be harmful to both pets and humans. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation and discomfort in the mouth and throat. To prevent accidental ingestion, it’s important to keep the plant out of reach of children and pets.
Grow in Semi-Hydro
- Alocasia plants excel in Semi-hydroponics (LECA/Pon) due to their natural inclination for root growth and humidity.
- Successfully transitioning Alocasia to Semi-hydroponics is enhanced with a Nutrient Stagnant Wicking (NSW) setup.
- Alocasia roots adapt seamlessly to the water in LECA/Pon, with quick resolution of any root hair issues in NSW setups.
- Fertilizer includes a nutrient mix concentration of approximately 800-1000ppm.
- These plants are versatile in different temperature and humidity settings, thriving in controlled environments.
- Long-term care involves maintaining a constant water reservoir and performing occasional system flushes for sustained growth.
Tips
- Prune every six months to encourage fuller growth and remove old or damaged foliage.
- Propagate through dividing offsets or rhizomes for new plants.
- Repot when necessary into a slightly larger pot to accommodate growth.
- Monitor for common pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Check for common issues like yellowing leaves (due to watering problems) and drooping leaves (which may indicate a lack of nutrients or unsuitable temperatures).
Alocasia Jacklyn is a unique and beautiful addition to any plant collection. With these tips, you can help your plant thrive and turn any space into a lush green oasis.
Happy planting! 🌱
