Alocasia wentii (New Guinea Shield)

Alocasia wentii (New Guinea Shield)

Regular price $37.40
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The Alocasia wentii commonly known as New Guinea shield or hardy elephant ears is a beautiful plant with lush dark green foliage and metallic purple-bronze undersides. The wentii is suited for Indoor and outdoor areas with bright indirect sunlight.

Generally, Alocasias aren't the easiest plants to care for; however, the Alocasia wentii is one of the easier Alocasias, so if you are a beginner wanting an Alocasia, try the wentii. The soil should not be allowed to dry out or overwatered - best to keep the soil moist but not soggy. They also benefit from high humidity. Alocasias are susceptible to pests clean the leaves regularly to prevent infestations. During winter, the leaves might die back. If this happens, reduce watering and feeding and the plant might grow back in spring. 

Alocasias are toxic if eaten and are skin and eye irritants. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Light requirement: Part sun/part shade and Bright indirect sunlight

Water requirement: High

Watering frequency: When the top 5cm of the potting mix is dry to the touch. Ensure the potting mix does not dry out completely to prevent leaf browning. On the other hand, similar to most potted plants, overwatering can cause root rot and pest problems. To keep your Alocasia happy, ensure you are watering it just right.

Soil: Rich, consistently moist but well-draining.

Skill level: Expert

Growth rate: Intermediate

Suitable for containers: Yes

More info: 1) Humidity: Alocasias are originally from tropical and sub-tropical regions and thrive in warm, humid conditions. Low humidity can cause leaf browning. Alocasias love about 70% humidity, but can be happy with 60% humidity - the humidity that Sydney more or less has throughout the year except for July, August and September. Increasing humidity levels with a humidifier or a pebble tray with water will make your plant healthier and keep the leaves looking lush.
2) Winter: Alocasias are not frost tolerant. Either bring them indoors during winters or plant them in an area that is protected from strong winter winds and mulch well. During winter, the leaves might die back. If this happens, reduce watering and feeding and the plant might grow back in spring!

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Drought tolerance: Low

Frost tolerance: Low

Wind tolerance: Low

Disease and pest susceptibility: Alocasias are susceptible to pests and diseases including spidermites, mealybugs, and blackspot. Washing the leaves (gentle water pressure) once a month or spraying the leaves with white oil and wiping with a soft cloth are good ways to prevent infestations.

Mature height: 4 m

Mature width: 4 m

Suitable for shaping: No

Colour: Dark green with purple undersides

Variegation: No

Size: Large

Seasonality: Younger plants might go into winter dormancy when not in their normal climatic habitat (e.g. in Sydney).

Flowering: Yes; but primarily grown for it's foliage

Flower colour: Cream

Flower fragrant: No

Flowering season: Spring and summer

Fruit: Insignificant

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