Dear ALOCASIAS, It's Not Me, It's YOU... (BREAKUP LETTER) 💔

[@GreenWitch1]

Ive only recently begun a new plant collection after moving from Hawaii. I ended up with 4 Alocasia babies that were gifted to me. If any plant stresses me or doesn’t bring me joy, I’ll pass it on to someone else. I’m already parting with 2 because they don’t make me happy. I only have 20 so far. I’m too old & tired to deal with problem plants.

[@Tjescoo]

Alocasia makes you go "I don't know..." a lot 😅 I feel you, they're mean!

[@Growingwithselena]

😭😂😂

[@omarb7164]

Gaslighter plants😔

[@ConnieP92]

I hate to say this to THE LECA QUEEN but the only way I have kept my alocasias thriving and keeping many leaves is by only keeping them in pon😬 And yes I would put the Melos together. In fact I have a 40cm Lechuza round self watering pot and I have put a bunch of alocasias together for the very reason of easier maintenance (Melo, Sinuata, Dragon Scale, Silver Dragon and I think there's a Bisma in there as well 🤔) and it's been so much easier to maintain and I quite like the 'Alocasia bouquet' look. I have my Cuprea on her own and she's loving life in pon.

[@dianeparker2075]

I'm in the same place! Started with about 15, now have 1, they just don't impress me anymore! Moved on to Hoyas and LOVE them!

[@hitomit5305]

I was so happy to see this to know I’m not the only one. I’m ready to let them go if they act up again.

[@jjutt87]

I'm sorry for you loss sistren.

[@roflstomplolmao]

Hey! I live in Australia as well and I have 100% success rate with Alocasias using Lechuza Pon in a glass vessel - I put a layer of leca at the bottom to 1/3rd of the vase height and fill to that level with CCS and not Foliage Focus because pon already has fertilizer in it. Honestly has made Alocasias the easiest in my collection! Think they need a closed vessel so they don’t dry out 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@TheLecaQueen]

Where in Australia?

[@roflstomplolmao]

Up in Sydney so a little warmer - they’ve been all good in like 14 degrees before though! Sit on average 50% humidity

[@TheLecaQueen]

@@roflstomplolmao lucky you! It gets so much colder in my old home that has zero insulation!

[@Ksnamaste]

One thing I’ve learned about alocasia they do not like to have their roots sitting in water. There is a sweet spot of drying out but not too much. They can be a hard one.

[@lorifenner4048]

Funny you should say that. Mine are in semi hydro, always in water, and they are very happy. They all have 4 to 6 leaves.

[@chooton5113]

@@lorifenner4048thats very different than soil roots that can’t stay soaked ..just switched mine from soil to leca and they are happier too

[@theeecontinent]

See now im conflicted; new to the alocasia family but I’ve had the most success with them in only water … any if had in soil … have died 😭

[@lorifenner4048]

@@theeecontinent maybe if there is soil left on the roots, even a little bit. It can cause them to rot when sitting in water. The roots must be completely clean of soil before putting them in semi Hydro.

[@babs1076]

I said the same thing a year ago, after several plants just hating me. I decided to try one again, potted it in pon in a self watering pot, and it’s doing amazing! I now have 4, all in pon, growing non stop and my first one, is flowering and has 6 leaves. 😮

[@carolstuff]

I totally get your feeling about Alocasias.; they expect a lot & gives little!

[@lemorrisgalbreath2505]

I totally feel your pain. I have/had some of those same varieties of alocasia. I moved all of them outdoors for the warmer weather. My Dragon Scale WAS large and beautiful...it completely cratered, flopped over, turned to mush. However, my Black Velvet turned the corner and now looks awesome. Several others lost leaves and died. I don't understand. My HUGE alocasias - California alocasia, Stingray alocasia, and a couple of other NoIDs - that winter in my garage have never lost any leaves and seem to thrive year 'round. They are all 4 to 5 feet tall and grow from thick clumps about 16" in diameter. It's those smaller varieties that are so finicky. Like you, I'm done. I'll continue to care for the giants, but I'm not wasting another penny or my time on the smaller ones. Hugs, and thanks for your honesty! 🥰

[@erikm8372]

I’m convinced that the best, easiest to care for-but also least strikingly-colored, if that matters-type of Alocasia is 'Regal Shield', which I believe is a cross between _A. reginula_ (Black Velvet) and something else… of course, the great one I had was stolen off of my front porch, so… stupid me, I guess. Grew it from a corm my friend gave me. Luckily I just found an entire huge installation of them, planted by the city as part of a “civic landscaping” area. And they appear to not know a thing about plants, let alone Alocasia, so, don’t mind if I rescue some of the babies! Thanks, City! All the ones I’ve purchased died. The ones I’ve been given or found are living. Why. Whyyyy

[@vagingo]

Someone stole your plant? Who does that!?

[@TheLecaQueen]

I know right!!!! 🤯

[@hefoxed]

I've had my regal sheilds since around ~2019 as a 2 inch pot plant, it has had stubborn case of mealy bugs for *yearrsss* (survived a lot of different treatments), and despite that... 7 big leaves atm. Would be 9 if another alocasia (with 5 leaves, now 4 for same reason) hadn't gotten top heavy and fallen on it. It's just so not fussy. Probably why it's been in the hobby for so long as a easy to get alocasia. I've mostly given up on alocasia outside of those two big ones as house plants -- I've been putting any I get now into vivariums lately and they're doing swell (outside of one that recently accidentally broke a like 3 foot long root on when re-scaping the vivarium)

[@louisejoel]

Lol, my polly just died in the cold but I kept the corms/bulbs for spring, yours are doing a lot better

[@zrandajohnson5380]

Hi Queen I know exactly how you feel 😢. However, I've had success with Lechuza Pon. I have many Alocasias, and they are now all thriving in Pon. Also, I've found that baby alocasias adapt better to my environment than adult plants.

[@dollycaldwell4938]

You make me feel so normal.....I LOVE the look of alocasias......but am so tired of seeing them die. Perhaps I shall try the black ones, but for now, I am taking some time to mourn the loss of the others,

[@irairod5160]

Alocasia Stingray is the love of my life...but it dies down to ZERO leaves. It comes back. It gives me 5 leaves. It sizes up. It dies to ZERO leaves again. In my house, it follows no rhyme or reason; it has nothing to do with winter, humidifiers, moving locations, fertilizer brand or frequency, grow bulbs or lack thereof, yearly growth cycles...nothing. I have resigned myself to waiting it out when it decides to disappear. (Calathea Stella does the same! None other of my plants behaves this way, just those two.)

[@OMM-kl1zu]

Allocasias need a lot of light. I placed a few outside over summer and they thrived. Placed back inside as cold weather approaches and they aren't doing so well, even though they are near a window. I have watched other youtubers who have placed their Allocasias in pon. This might be the way to go. Allocasia - Ebony, you have a winner there!!!! After a long rest she bounced back.

[@Growingwithselena]

I realized they need a lot of light .

[@fosterfoster9913]

And a lot of fertilizer

[@AntoninJezek]

I have mine on an east facing window and get a ton of light. Plus high fertilizer, and it has grown to larger than my soil alocasia in a quarter of the time.

[@esther-j]

Personally, I think plants need a whole combination of conditions to thrive and some of those conditions are beyond our control. So, there are plants that do well for me and "fit" well in my home and in my life, and what doesn't, I just do not bother with. I have even gotten to the point where, if there is a plant that is driving me nuts, I have stopped feeling guilty about throwing it away.

[@Lela-plants]

I have a Polly stump in a small container of leca and nutrient solution that is finally growing in a clear Wendy’s cup with the lid on.

[@lindaedwards4632]

I only have a silver dragon. It’s growing fine but I got in our spring, it’s hasn’t gone through fall and winter yet 🤷‍♀️🇨🇦

[@Robert_A_Keyboards4948]

Hilarious! They are so beautiful, yet so difficult to keep. I have had them before and they do so well for about a year for me! I would think Leca would perhaps be the answer? I don't have any right now. If anyone could grow them it would be you.🎼🎵🎶🎶💎💎💎

[@nicolecmke]

Is that mysterious one an alocasia reversa? I wouldn't touch those black velvets since they're doing well the way they are. I also think you shouldn't give up on your plants. Keep them all and I bet they'll come back after dormancy and you'll be so glad to have them and fall in love with them again. I bet you'll also purchase more later on too. They're too beautiful and tempting to have.

[@mildredsmith9351]

Ha! I have ONE Alocasia that is about 12 years old-- a Polly. I LOVE the look of Alocasias and have tried several others like the Silver Dragon, and I swear I killed it in ONE MONTH. Couldn't believe it and swore I'd never buy another because I don't have the magic touch for them. My mom has an incredible green thumb and has the same result with them. My Polly is huge and happy in regular soil---- but she'll be my only special Alocasia. Glad I'm not alone with my struggle with them.

[@TheLecaQueen]

There is a whole tribe out Alocasia out in these streets!!!

[@Stef_T-G]

I'm so sorry that they don't thrive for you ... I keep all of mine in Pon and on a heat mat during fall and winter and they don't go dorment at all. Maybe that can be something to try if you didn't already?

[@OfficialJaNeyJohnson]

Alocacias are beautiful but they just look like we won’t get along. 😂 I’m actually a vining plant fan myself. 🌿

[@ofhismercy109]

Have you tried sphagnum moss/no drainage vessel? My happiest alocasia is in moss and it grows so many leaves (idk how many plants total in there) it crowds itself out for light. Other's grown in moss previously always happy and thriving. It's got to be the pH, more acidic in my old moss.

[@GnarlsBarkley123]

I totally understand and had my own Alocasia breakup 😂 All of mine have died, down to Alocasia Cucculata (looks measly) and Alocasia Pink Princess (which has NEVER given me problems and flowers all the time). I’m a Philodendron boy 4 life.

[@NicoleInga]

my 3 alocasias live in perlite and feell good.

[@renatecormick7399]

Hi Nora. It seems you are torn between keeping or not with your Alocasias. Putting the bits & pieces together in a large pot sounds like a great idea. Smallish in one pot and larger in another other than your beautiful black velvet. Updates will be great too. Thanks for sharing your Alocasia woes as well as higher points.

[@TheLecaQueen]

You are right, I am so torn! I love them so much!!

[@bones5785]

I live in a cold climate, so I treat alocasias like bulbs. That way I don’t freak out when they go dormant. I didn’t know this so I bought replacements. Now I have 3 Black Velvets and 2 Dragon Scales as the “dead” ones rose again.😊 My Alocasia cuprea, the only one planted in coco fiber only and that has not gone dormant and keeps flowering and producing leaves. I’m tempted to transfer my other alocasias to just coco fiber but I’ll wait till they seem unhappy in their current medium.

[@ronymayrony]

After my 5th Alocasia micholitziana finally surviving the transitition and not rotting I did the mistake and repotted it, it then threw a fit and started the usual process of root rot fast. I feel you haha.

[@tddas8008]

Mine are in soil mix or in moss + under good growlights doing great. So their streams are much shorter and thicker. Off course I killed a bunch of seedlings, but for established ones I can always read their Alocasian minds. It wasn't easy at all in the first month, but now we are fine. Never tried them in pon or leca. When I'll have some extra I will go for more experiment. It may be very different for Australia or sone regions of Africa. Eastern Europe seems to be more Alocasia friendly. I never put mine together, so I can't help. It may be a good thing to do... To move from one group of plants to something different. Wish you great luck in your journey ❤

[@SonjaOHare]

That Alocasia Ebony is gorgeous!

[@msdanielleleegreaves]

I hear you, sis!

[@Wellbaby94]

Just signed up for your FB group!

[@hennesseyme9112]

🤣 The title! I purchased a Polly from Walmart! Gorgeous plant! I guess she didn't like my house. I love messing with the scales (Silver Dragon, Dragon Scale, etc.) I purchased a stingray, tiny dancer, and love those.

[@Dieppaloveplants]

My frydek is same i have the succulent fever now lol easy no acvlimation needed colorful gynocalycium love them

[@Julizabatz9891]

I have the same problem with mine…..But i love Alocasia,they so beautiful ❤

[@bernbee1679]

Plants by Melissa has some fantastic information on Alocassia!

[@TheLecaQueen]

I don't think information is the problem. I have tried most things and just decided that this is not the plant for me in my environment.

[@bernbee1679]

@@TheLecaQueen I was just watching an Alocasia episode and she was talking about one that went into shock when she moved which I think you also did recently? She’s switched hers over to Pon ☺️

[@TheLecaQueen]

I am just don't with trying all sorts of things to keep them happy. I am not willing to invest anymore of myself. My environment is clearly not suited despite all the grow tents, grow lights, different media and all the rest. I know it is not me, it is the environment and I am not willing to do anymore so it is goodbye to those that will die.

[@bernbee1679]

@@TheLecaQueen I certainly get it! Some of yours are still looking amazing 🤩

[@jessicapetrin1655]

I’ve never had one, never wanted one. I watch others struggle with the one or two leaf club, the leaves looking ugly and of course everyone getting so many spider mite infestations from them. That’s quite enough to deter me. No thank you! Sorry for your struggle. They can look pretty, but certainly not worth the headaches or stress, imo…

[@jessicapetrin1655]

Plenty of other beautiful plants out there to choose from…

[@TheLecaQueen]

That is a very clever way to go!!

[@TheLecaQueen]

Amen to that!!

[@PlantsBalcony]

SUPER NICEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[@marcvelda5152]

Asia's are the easiest melo , black velvet stc some are not so easy ive struggled with the mickey mouse I have mine 7ft back from a south facing window which works well but others seem to like to be closer ...im with you I don't know lol oh all in leca to they say pop I fantastic for alocasia maybe I will try that one day

[@fosterfoster9913]

Alocasia absolutely do better in Pon. I’m not even joking. and the fertilizer I find has to be up there like a 16-16-16 or 20-20-20

[@sarndall]

I have had really good luck with pon.

[@gypsylee333]

Alocasias drive me crazy, they thrive, then they throw a fit, then they thrive again.... I have a couple just in straight water idk what to do with them 😅

[@wishingonthemoon1]

Alocasia are my favorite. They generally don’t do well in water-culture long-term.

[@benjamindamestoy3661]

Have you tried the Alocasia Regal Shield? Some years ago, i went into an Alocasia frenzy and bought like 10 in two months. Some died, some have their ups and downs, but the my Regal Shield... I'm no doing anything to it, and it constantly has 6 or 7 leaves. I'm rowing it in soil, so i don't really know how it would do in semi hydro, but i never struggled with this plant like i did with others.

[@TheLecaQueen]

I have not, and now that I am not buying anymore I guess I never will 😊

[@eod5571]

Can Alocasia grow corms in semi-hydro and full hydro setups?

[@GreenWitch1]

Question for you Nora…I repotted my pink dragon into leca in a self watering pot 6 days ago. The plant looks fine, but the water level hasn’t changed. Obviously, the leca on top is dry, but I can’t understand why it’s not using the water in the reservoir. I did pull the wick up to the level of the roots, so they’re getting something 🤷‍♀️ Any thoughts? Also, I got a message from KZbin that said I used hate speech & showed a picture of one of your videos, but no comment. I can’t imagine I used hate speech towards you 😳 I’m quite concerned by this.

[@TheLecaQueen]

Hello, thank you for watching. I was compelled to respond as soon as I saw your comment. I have no idea why you got a hate speech message. I have not been made aware of anything at all. Can you get in touch with KZbin and ask? About your plant, the leca on the top will look dry, and that is ok, check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpKZkqV3gc5mfsU alot of things can determine your perceived, and I say perceived because unless you have been weighing the plant or something, just eyeballing is probably not a good way to estimate use of the reservoir. It also depends on things like temperature, humidity around the plant and so much more. If your plant is happy, I would not stress.

[@GreenWitch1]

@@TheLecaQueen The pots I bought have a clear view into the reservoir. I’ll watch the video & keep an eye on them. Thanks 😊

[@Growingwithselena]

You said dormat for winter, how are they now that it's spring?

[@Tjescoo]

Winter is like... The other way around when you're below the equator, isn't it?

[@Growingwithselena]

@@Tjescoo hmmmmm.... ok. Got you.... awwww come back plants

[@lukki7ster]

DIY PON, no resevour is the only way my alocasias live lol. I have cuprea, zebrina and green velvet. All in PON no resevoir. Mine dont go dormant cuz they are in cabinets lol. But in the summer i can take them out. Winter not so much. P.s. i also have NEVER had spidermites. Knock on wood

[@margimorris7360]

I think they are beautiful but I don't own any Alocasias 🤣. I hope you get more leaves

[@jimmyjo1375]

Do you use grow lights? Alocasias need lots of light.

[@AmeldaEllis]

Keep the mello and show us

[@everybodygrow]

Leca Queen, do your alocasias have grow lights?

[@TheLecaQueen]

I have given them EVERYTHING!!! Including my soul!!

[@marcvelda5152]

Alocasias

[@markgenie1958]

With the Melo just let sleeping dogs lie

[@RootWata]

Leca Queen, I don't believe you... YOU LOVE ALOCASIA...lol

[@marionmcdaniel8017]

All of mine are in the yard so dormant plants are the norm so take a breath and put them together and think of an old southern saying a tear in a bucket 🪣…….(I’m a lady so I won’t finish the saying)

[@rhi963]

mmm yeah its not alocasias, its YOU

[@msladyjune3285]

I’ll like to see a video with you shopping in Bunnys. 🪴Happy Planting🌿