The Alocasia Hilo Beauty is an awesome plant to look at. The green and yellow camouflage foliage sits atop a long stem. It is a very whimsical plant that is a joy to grow.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Colocasia plants feature some of the most beautiful foliage in the plant world. They have become a staple for plant lovers due to their visual and striking appearances. There are close to 100 species of Colocasia , with most being native to Asia and Australia.
Colocasia Hilo Beauty plants need bright indirect sunlight. Placing them 2 to 3 feet from a window will supply them with enough to grow big and strong. Be sure that direct sunlight does not come in contact with the leaves, as this could burn the leaves. In the wild, Colocasia plants live on the forest floor and receive diffused sunlight, so it’s best to recreate that in our homes.
When watering an Colocasia Hilo Beauty, allow the first 2.5 inches of soil to dry out between watering. This will allow air to penetrate the soil and get to the roots. If the soil is too dry you will notice the leaves have lost their firmness, and may start to droop. Soak your Colocasia in water for 10 minutes, drain for 5 minutes, place it back in the pot, and you should not have to water for a couple weeks.
Colocasia plants like higher humidity areas, so they are perfect for bathrooms! Rotating your Colocasia from time to time will allow it to grow evenly.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Clocasia Hilo Beauty plants thrive in medium to bright indirect sunlight. Be aware that they are not suited to low light or direct sunlight – which may scorch their leaves. If the area your Clocasia is in has not enough light, consider using a grow light to boost its foliage.
Humidity
Your Clocasia Hilo Beauty will also appreciate being placed in a humid environment, which you can create by misting it frequently, placing it close to other plants or on a pebble tray partly filled with water.
Temperature
Your Clocasia will thrive in temperatures ranging from 18-25ºC. Avoid abrupt temperature changes and cold drafts.
Watering
Your Colocasia likes moist, well-draining soil – water well when the soil is dry. Use your finger to check the soil’s moisture level, about 2 or 3 inches down. Water your plant when there are a full two inches of dryness from the top of the soil. You can also mist your Colocasia with a spray bottle twice or three times weekly, to mimic a humid, tropical environment.
Soil
They can also be grown in a well-aerated, moist potting mix growth medium. One part coarse potting sand or perlite, one part peat, and part soil are used to make the potting soil.
Fertilizing
When the plant’s actively growing, boost the soil’s fertility by adding some compost, scratching it carefully into the top inch or two of soil without disturbing the plant’s roots.
Feed the plant every two or three weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 formula, diluted at a rate of 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water.
Planting Instructions
The Colocasia likes bright light, but its leaves will burn in direct sun, so place it in a spot with bright, indirect light – ideally near, but not directly in front of, a sunny window. You won’t need to repot your Colocasia right away -only repot when it outgrows its shipped container. When it’s time, select a pot that’s about twice the width of the original container. When repotting, make sure your pot has good drainage holes and use organic soil mix.
Maintenance
Feed your Alocasia ‘Hilo Beauty’ every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer. Wipe the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and help prevent pest infestations. Be cautious of common pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. During the plant’s dormancy in the winter months, where its growth slows significantly and it is prone to leaf loss, move it to somewhere warm and bright, while reducing your watering until it starts growing again in spring. If it has become root bound, repot the plant in the spring by planting it into a pot one size up.