My Alocasia collection - a Love-Hate Relationship

[@ayrandrobinson1697]

Beautiful display of your alocasia’s, quit impressive.” I think one thing to keep in mind for all plant parents is, first year they sleep, second year they creep, and then the third year they leap. If you’re struggling with a plant just keep that in mind.

[@sydneyplantguy]

Love that :)

Loooove That!

[@sandraparisi6251]

Excellent advice

[@SativaVerte]

That was a great comment never heard it but truth 😊

[@kaylynn3583]

That ive learned thank you !!!

[@ekamarie6632]

Sooo many ppl say that! “I don’t like Alocasias bc they’re tricky/die” but that’s exactly why I love them! They push me to figure it out like solving a hard puzzle or math equation it’s hard but once you finally get it it’s a huge dopamine hit just watching the new leave roll in after the struggle is ohh soo satisfying. Lol

[@sydneyplantguy]

The lower the lows, the higher the highs :P

[@thewolfdancers]

This . Exactly this.

[@-jacinta-]

If Jan wasn't so lovely, there’d be a risk of me becoming aggressively envious of his plant talent and his super lush collection. Instead, I just sit back with a cup of tea and feast my eyes over these impressively healthy plants and allow my ears to enjoy the soothing tones of his super cute accent.

[@sydneyplantguy]

Hehe thank you :)

[@throneslegacy]

Same feels.

[@benmusic7433]

It's like plant porn!

[@Self-Love-e9p]

@@sydneyplantguy Hehe😄.... Jan, I feel the same when I heard your voice for the first time....my ears really enjoyed your cute accent. Your soothing tones make me feel at peace so that when I watch your video to follow your advices/ experiences I don't feel bored. I've only known you 12 days, I already miss hearing your soothing tones. What if I get addicted later? Hehe😄... Jan, Thank you so much..😊🥰💚

[@safuwanfauzi5014]

Tandurusa or Tanduk rusa mean TANDUK=Horn, Rusa=Deer or stag, but Tanduk rusa or pakis tanduk rusa mean 'staghorn fern or platycerium. funny

[@danielkwood]

Would you say the spider mites appear frequently or only...alocasionally?

[@deebee1326]

😂😂😂🙌

[@sydneyplantguy]

Hahaha !! 😂

[@3LittleSprouts]

If you’re not heavily connected to your alocasia’s please feel free to send them my way 😂 They’re my all time favourite! I absolutely adore them. Great video, thank you for sharing ❤️

[@PSYCHDEGREE63]

🙋🙋🙋 especially the Cuprea 🔥🔥🔥

[@joanasilva8567]

I am in your camp. I love them above all others and I don't know why everyone seems to hate them 😅

[@3LittleSprouts]

@@joanasilva8567 they’re all so gorgeous aren’t they! I managed to pick myself up a Jacklyn last month, she’s stunning 😍

[@msmuffin411]

Thank you for your honesty. It is nice to hear that even plant experts have struggles with these plants . I am glad to know I’m not alone 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@Hannah-bd1uj]

My jaw is dropping for every plant your bring out! 🤣🤩 These put my baby alocasias to SHAME! Beautiful plants.

[@devenandplants7253]

As a one-trick Alocasia owner (well, I do have 4 caladiums), I keep alocasias because I enjoy wiping out an entire civilization of spider mites. That's the whole point of having these plants 🤣 Also, I think the reason why you think they arent thriving is because most of the species you own are dwarf alocasias (jewel). That's almost as big as they can get!

[@sydneyplantguy]

Very true :) they probably won’t grow much larger :P but overall, not the most rewarding plants to grow

[@devenandplants7253]

@@sydneyplantguy size-wised, I love it when they produce a new, completely symmetrical leaf. It keeps my dopamine going 🤣

[@planty_friends_myc3863]

Really interesting that all of you face issues with spider mites on alocasia I never had that, you think it can be due to the climate? I just had them on photos and on my dragon tree

[@PainfullToast]

Do you have any advice on both preventing and eradicating spider mites? Since they are mites, and not insects, my systemic insecticides fail and i am left without a clue on what to do :(

[@devenandplants7253]

@@PainfullToast I wipe them off using paper tissue and often wash them in the shower, once a week

[@jorgoberwittler2624]

I love Alocasias. They are not easy, but that's what I see as a challenge. I am currently having good experiences with bottom watering. I always clean the leaves with a cloth and some washing-up liquid. And I always have the spider mites susceptible alocasias in sight (frydek, stingray, micky mouse) so I can react quickly. Winter dormancy can be managed well with grow lights. And I love the rhizome propagation. I do it in mini grow boxes on a heating mat. At the moment I'm even growing seeds from the Netherlands of an Alocasia porteii, which is not available here in Germany. Which plant offers so many possibilities? That's what I love about them!

[@justinamontgomery2618]

Hi! Your alocasias are the best I have ever seen! They look like an expert grew them to me! If you struggle with them, can you imagine what ours look like??? Not even close! Thanks for this alocasia closer look :) love them!

[@sydneyplantguy]

Not unhappy with how they look but they are hard work compared to philos or monsteras :P

[@Lorenmcdee]

You're the first person to show an alocacia Jackie that I've seen. I definitely don't think I can keep alocacia alive BUT if I do ever try I had wanted to try alocacia Jackie. I think it's so stunning. Please make an update on a few months to show how it's doing.

[@sunflowerhill4349]

Bunnings tc'd them and brought them out a couple of months ago, so you should be able to get one of those :)

[@neesyg.3294]

Your alocasia collection is stunning I like the idea of putting them all together in separate pots and the cuprea is gorgeous 😍

[@MichaelDeNicola]

wow I've never seen alocasia's that big!! great job

[@DimaculanganPunch]

I keep hearing about bunnings. A tour of one would be a nice video. Haha.

[@zap4980]

Yes 😃

[@moiraslater8526]

Bunnings is the bomb...grab all hardware, gardening gear, power tools, barbecues, kitchens, storage, shelving, building materials, furniture, paint and garden centre. They are all over Auatralia in various sizes. The mega stores are insane. My hometown has a smaller one. I seem to end up there at least once a week, sometimes 2 or 3 times a day!!

[@Pandoradow]

Its just like home depot in north america. Same company I think

[@lindacormack8657]

Love how you have them grouped in the bowl

[@terrencedukes2827]

Beautiful pls what kind of pots u have them in? I’m just starting out growing these and only pray mines can get like yours.

[@evitetriyani6005]

My cuprea is death...amazon dragon scale😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@aariaharania141]

Alocasia's are meant to do that. They have a dormant period during the winters and they sort of wake up in the spring/summer

[@margiains]

Haha..really funny..you definitely do have a love/hate thing going on with Alocasias.. I'm in Tassie and didnt think I would be able to keep them from going dormant over our cold winter, but they havent actually even stopped growing! Also I haven't had to deal with spider mites yet..maybe the cold keeps them at bay. Anyway, your collection is gorgeous, you must be doing something right! 😍

[@alexsiberry4775]

I'm in Tassie too and have had spider mites in late summer but never in Winter. Alocasias only go dormant for me if left in a cold room. I definitely see better results with bright light down here. Alocasia Jacklyn has over wintered well (so far) but I have lost a few jewels to root rot over the last year or so.

[@sunflowerhill4349]

I'm in SW Vic, so pretty cold here too and mine haven't either (ok, with the exception of that longiloba which in reality is probably dead after her dramatic one - leaf - at - a - time slow dramatic death scene), they're tougher than they seem I guess. My house gets as cold as 6 degrees some nights too!

[@janicelindegard6615]

I killed at least three orchids before I finally got it right. Alocasias are intimidating.

[@aimangul3197]

Очень красивые и здоровые растения! Котик очаровательный. Приятно любоваться вашими растениями.

[@파랑새-q7s]

고양이 이쁘네요 키우시는 모든 식물들이 너무 이뻐서 저도 배우고 싶네요^^

[@leetingchin9216]

Where can I buy that gorgeous planter?

[@sydneyplantguy]

Got it from bunnings :)

[@plantslolo475]

At least you are honest. But still the Alocasia like you ! Like to see you in Vienna 😍😃

[@cristianpiccinno3241]

Hi Jan, with the little Alocasia plants. Dragon scale etc. Give a littel heat panel under the display. They like a littel bit warmer under the roots. Just try one time

[@Scrappy]

Best way to get rid of spider mites I've found is using the eco neem oil from Bunnings and putting 30ml of it in a hair spray bottle with water. It's basically triple the recommended amount but it absolutely works hahaha

[@penguinsforever1609]

Love watching your videos. Always informative and plants are eye candy.

[@SirMopy]

cool to see them in an aroid potting mix. I use mineral potting mix. 3 parts vulcatec premium and 1 part seramis. and they are in self watering pots. work like a charm. I‘m following instructions from „detlef römisch“ YT channel. your cuprea is amazing tho… I‘m currently growing a baby jacklyn. can‘t wait till it matures.

[@vickiandKi]

Wow. Being someone who claims that your alocasia tend to die and come back, your results are amazing!!!!! They are all amazing (sans the Black velvet---nice big leaf, but sad there is just the one) I just don't get how you have such huge leaves! By the way, if you ever decide you hate that Jacklyn I know of a really great home for it 😉 (or any of your alocasia for that matter) 😜 You do sound very indifferent about them, (to each his own ☺) they are my absolute favorite.😍🥰

[@PozdrawiamMame]

I only have 3 alocasias all in semi-hydro and they grow like crazy. They are completely fertilizer-hungry

[@Maria-bi4dm]

I envy you your Cupria. Mine just died. I am hoping it will come alive again because it’s a bit pricey.

[@andylise08]

I don't bother with Alocasias. Other than its cool names, I find them underwhelming and fussy.

[@zacharygregg2994]

Well that was... interesting. lol

[@maryschaefer9371]

Hello, beautiful collection. Have you tried a systemic pesticide for the mites?

[@sydneyplantguy]

Yes but didn’t seem to work 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@tagalong1560]

I love your videos! You go straight to the information and go goes on and on about whatever else like everyone else. Thanks for the helpful info 😊

[@sydneyplantguy]

Thanks :)

[@sunflowerhill4349]

Alocasias are such a weird and wonderful genus...the giant bug leaves! Mine are only babies but surviving winter here in SW Vic pretty well; my house has been as cold as 5 - 6 degrees overnights and none are dormant which surprises me! Have to get a cuprea now lol...

[@dominika3762]

I just have to ask: why do you live in such cold conditions? Is heating so expensive?

[@นุชมาหมัดเบ็ญหวัง]

What are yellow leaves?

[@cottonlusitano]

Whats the plant to the left of the screen? Is it some kind of giant white fusion? And thanks for yet another lovely video :D

[@sydneyplantguy]

It’s a canna lily ‘stuttgart’

[@joemug4079]

Why do you think they die?

[@aidensiessmayer5615]

dude they look perfect lol

[@viclarock5321]

I know this is a year old video, but does Bradly try to chew the leaves of your Alocasia or for that matter any of your plants? I know in one of your videos you grow some grass and catnip for him. I ask because I have cats that chew my plants even if they have their own grass and catnip to chew.

[@efd15]

For a 'non expert' these look incredible! I'm on my third Dragon Scale now, I have no luck in the UK climate!

[@sydneyplantguy]

Yeah alocasias really prefer a more tropical climate but third time lucky time’s the charm right?:)

[@daveely2744]

One thing I noticed different about the success on your cuprea was a bigger pot than the others. Hmmm. Enjoy your videos.

[@SparkleInMoonlight]

Your Alocasia Red Cuprea is simly incredible - the most beautiful Red Cuprea I have seen

[@PSYCHDEGREE63]

🤯🤯🤯😲😲😲💚💚💚

[@DanOfek]

It's really fun how confused you are in this video, I love it lol

[@PSYCHDEGREE63]

🤣🤣 he just wasn't feeling it, the tapping on the pot I just screamed 😂😂, it was adorable, that Cuprea is 🔥🔥🔥 tho, the Lord out did his self on that one😇😇

[@Judeofthejungle]

I love alocasia and was entirely happy with my meagre collection until I saw yours. Now I have deep deep plant envy 😃 Fabulous plants!

[@angelagrima6911]

Good morning intresti g beutiful video ,why are your plants in transperent pots and when its the best time to repot them and how much water you give to alcossia rigo shields something Thanks good day and thank you

[@MrJonna28]

It‘s clear to see you‘re not a fan of Alocasias lol

[@sydneyplantguy]

hehe well i'd say it's a love-hate relationship .. mainly hate :D

[@zainajenkins]

Thank you for showing us the back of your Alocasia Cuprea! I wasn't aware of the method you used to make your plants look more full and orderly all while maximizing your limited space. I'm glad you mentioned the spider mite issues Alocasias have as I also dislike the additional upkeep they create. I willalso take into consideration your spider mite experience with the different varieties when looking to add one to my own collection (: It seemed like you may have been unhappy with the growth rate of most of your Alocasias, while I don't know when you got them or how long you have had them please know that many of us plant enthusiasts aspire to have indoor plants sized similarly as yours (: As someone living in Denver, a desert climate, I think the only way to get an alocasia that large is to keep it inside of a greenhouse cabinet or control the humidity of a room since our average humidity of 30%. Tiny starter plants are what I see most US sellers supplying for a reasonable amount, is that the size you started with?

[@sydneyplantguy]

Yes they all started off tiny. Not entirely unhappy with the growth of them (apart from the cuprea) but compared to philos or monsteras they aren’t quite as impactful. Good to have some smaller plants as well though

[@lagrandioso1456]

You got any carnivore plants?

[@sydneyplantguy]

No :)

[@richardlawton1023]

I've found the Bayer spray works well for spider mites.

[@-jacinta-]

Jan, try Yates Pyrethrum for pest control! I mix it with neem oil and a drop of dishwashing liquid, and use a weak solution to spray my plants just every now and again. Of my 3 varieties, (green & black velvets and a pink dragon) only Puff (the magic dragon - yes my plants all have names) got mealy bug just once. I've fallen for Alocasia, for sure. Those leaves 😍🪴😍

[@sydneyplantguy]

Thanks for the tip :)

[@zap4980]

Thanks for sharing 🤔

[@jillianleblanc9370]

Thank you for sharing all those amazing plants they are absolutely amazing

[@FangsShadow]

Great plants! This has inspired me to give mine more attention now 😂

[@TropicalGarden]

Do you trim off the flowers / inflorescence? Any chances of them forming seeds like Anthuriums? Its so strange.. Mine - the black velvet seems to be the hardiest in comparison to dragons - but they all are sensitive plants for me. Yours are so amazing. I have this love-hate relationship with these due to spidermites. Lost the whole collection but the ones survived - are getting watered daily to deter the mites

[@Nastaran.Battles]

Your cuprea is on fire

[@PSYCHDEGREE63]

💅💅💅💅💚💚💚💚

[@keithpugh7538]

Awesome collection, I love the dragon scales. Have several of those

[@evitetriyani6005]

🥰🥰😍😍😍😍😍

[@kai_kwentang]

It is Alocasia Cuprea.Alocasia Dragon scale.Alocasia dragon silver.Alocasia Black velvet It All Natural Plant from My Country INDONESIA 🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩🎵🇮🇩

[@ryanlatterell2079]

BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION But i have a question, is that a verigated Monstera Flame over your right shoulder ? 😮❤ which would be in upper left corner on video If its not, what on Gods Green Earth is it !? Its BEAUTIFUL !!!

[@sydneyplantguy]

Thanks :) it’s an epipremnum pinnatum variegata :)

[@Galemor1]

Spider mite magnets aren't plants I want. But I think you should mix black velvet with the cupra, wonder if you can make big black shiny leaves.. 🤔😁

[@shadesofidaho]

The Alocasia is totally on my no buy list. I have tried them a few times and like you in a way. I am just over having to work so hard to keep a plant happy and thriving in my enviromant. Giggles on sending it to the Balcony.

[@sydneyplantguy]

So true !!

[@eehhh3791]

LOL That amazing Platinum Dragon you can get it in Bunnings in Australia. When your from NZ they only sell Polly. Why can't we get anything this good. I literally have to hunt non stop or ask random plant people if they have something specific. Australia seems to be the best place for growing these Amazing Tropical plants and their climate is already success, because of constant warmth and constant sunlight!

[@jennyg1845]

From what I understand, spider mites like hot, dry, dusty conditions and love water stressed plants. Maybe your alocasias are just struggling with the drier soil mix? Ironically more humid and wet conditions help with spider mites, even if it attracts other pests 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@sandraparisi6251]

HA😂😂😂, Yup you are pretty annoyed with your Alocasia’s. That’s ok, I’m to that point with any of my indoor plants that get mealy’s at the drop of a hat. Now they just get banished to the yard and in no time the garden bugs clean off all the offenders. The plants are happy, I’m happy and my plant chores are manageable again!

[@claudiapimer3976]

Magnifique magnifique

[@mariarios3679]

GORGEOUS plants!!!! Do u add something when u water them! Must be something no just the moss pole to get big leaves! Cause look those stunning alocasias leaves and they are not in moss pole!!! 🪴

[@sydneyplantguy]

I use the fertiliser tagged in the description for all my plants :)

[@mariarios3679]

Thanks a lot!!! I can’t stop starring at your plants omg!!!

[@socwor5916]

These are so beautiful. But, I am new to growing indoor plants. Not ready for Alocasia or Spider Mites 😀😀😀. But they are absolutely beautiful.

[@Calvini2013]

What other velvet plants do you have/recommend?

[@henkmogillo7352]

In the UK got one alocasia Venti, and is growing like a crazy got one new leaf a month (now is January and new leaf coming up, guite big, way more than foot long) plus 2 new small alocasia plants growing out of it. It is like bit too much:)

[@babs1076]

I’m envious of your alocasia’s, especially in soil and hearing that even you struggle with them. What is your substrate you have them in?

[@sydneyplantguy]

In my chunky aroid mix (pumice heavy) :)!

[@Orholam5]

You mentioned pumice, curious what else You add in your mix. Generally you’d think something that looks that pumice or perlite heavy would dry out very quick

[@sydneyplantguy]

I have a full videonin my aroud mix :) and yes i want it to be well aerated & well draining to supply the roots with oxygen, but requires more frequent watering

[@lukewade4958]

Hi Jan, do you remember where you got that nice large and round planter to put all of your alocasia in? I love the idea of a mixed display but can't find the right shaped pot in Canberra.

[@mimmocamperchioli369]

HI, i'm nico, May I ask what soil you use for your beautiful alocasia? greetings from Rome. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@sydneyplantguy]

I use my aroid mix as per my youtube tutorials :)

[@joemug4079]

Alocasia like water. They are pond plants.

[@joemug4079]

Arsenic gets rid of bug pests. And it’s natural.

[@NewbiPai]

regal shield too wow

[@mywanderlustlife563]

What pot sizes are you using for your Alocasias?

[@zonadorida3561]

i my self have a pond and let me tell ypu my calocasias/alocasias trive in that my pond has a side where its very shallow and it fits around 3-4 pots of 10-12in diameter potts and they are just incredible how big they can get in those conditions

[@sergei_procto_ovcem]

Алоказия медная просто бомба, Регал Шилдс у меня просто огромная на 11 листов💪 1.5метра

[@look4keith]

"I'm still struggling with alocasias myself" while he is surrounded by the most vibrant alocasias imaginable.

[@widyaruswandi7212]

😳🤩👍👍

[@shontelle8428]

Black velvet is the problem child in every video haha

[@serenitycarlos2]

SerenityGardenAviary - Black Velvet is my all time favorite. I ordered mine from @planterina with a Ninja. They are putting out new leaves weekly, it seems. I try to keep the soil moist but not soggy, 12 hrs lighting bright indirect, humidity 55%, temperature 75°, with plenty of air flow/circulation. Growing conditions: Tropical 🇵🇷

[@dmfarquhar]

Just started my Leca journey, but I’m afraid to put my alocecia in. What fertilizer do you use?

[@mattsnellbacher1779]

Where did you get the giant bowl and what is it advertised as? I can’t find anything like it but really would love to do something similar

[@sydneyplantguy]

I got it from bunnings :) it’s just a large shallow planter

[@kristenreyna2135]

Beautiful collection! You’re so lucky your kitty doesn’t chew on your plants, like mine does 🥹

[@ikennat9355]

how often do you fertilize your plants?

[@marcyfox9508]

Alocasia are divas in our environments! I adore them-so beautiful! You can have success with plants that even the best plant friends can't grow-they need what they need, but it's not difficult. It is where they come from-they come from areas that get frequent-maybe daily, soft showers, filtered soft light through a canopy, and very well drainig soil. True lush vibe. I use a spray bottle and worked out to spray 3-4 sprays of water each day. Pumice is essential, too. Bug Brew every other day, to every few days. Grow lights-I chased good light for them until I started to supplement with grow lights. I love Alocasia so much. Pink Dragon, Sting Ray, Regal Sheild, Bambino, Black Velvet and so many Low Riders.

[@ahoyplantlovers4551]

completely agree about the dragons / jewels being easy with no or less mites, Great alocasias! And yes! on the regal shields being about the easiest alocasia I've ever grown too. Started with one from Lowe's 2 years ago and from it, I have so many I give them away now.

[@mmk9850]

Despite your love hate relationship, they are all looking great, even the one leaf black velet. BV is my first love I should say. I bought a baby plant nearly a year ago, it has grown bigger and bushier but the leaves are kind of small. I bought a melo, Sinuata and a silver dragon in last few months. All getting by but not really thriving I should say. One reason may be because I rarely fertilize till last two weeks. So I am excitedly waiting for results.

[@bragastraat2288]

Same here, alocasias just don't like me

[@sydneyplantguy]

It’s not you, they just don’t like being indoors :P

[@ellewright6991]

I need some help 😓 I LOVE alocasia, I have 8 of them (babies) but they aren't happy. I'm wondering if I'm better off putting them in my greenhouse with grow lights (get light from a window also) and with a heat pad? I'm watering once a week but finding that I'm loosing leaves 🥺 The roots are fine, they're in a Fern fibre, orchid bark and a wee bit of soil mix. (There's some perlite in there too). So yeah, any advice would be amazing!

[@sydneyplantguy]

All the advice I have to offer on Alocasias is in this video. Sounds like you're technically doing the right thing, maybe just tweak your approach a bit and see if it makes any difference - trial & error. And yes, alocasias would love a good greenhouse :P

[@ellewright6991]

@@sydneyplantguy I have just bought a humidifier ❤️ one of the leaves are already looking better ☺️ I am off to buy a greenhouse tomorrow ❤️

[@SizzlingiceQueen]

I’ve been using starxle g to prevent spider mites.. it seems to work. I’ve had no issues with them after using.

[@sydneyplantguy]

Thanks for sharing :)

[@zap4980]

Thanks for sharing

[@SizzlingiceQueen]

Happy to help :)

[@heljothegr8]

I chop mine dry the bulb put it in dark cool place and grow them again in spring, for me they are seasonal. I hate spider mites.

[@karishmaarmanahnuli261]

Have tried using neem oil for pests.

[@JennaMarrocco]

Would love an update on the black velvet!

[@tagalong1560]

How them off! I love it 😍😍😍😍

[@wudi5490]

Hi boi, I have been told the Chrysop larvae are good to clean the spider mites, good luck XD

[@StevesPropagationCorner]

Beautiful collection! 😍🤩