The leaves of this stunning plant turn into a silver-hued green shade which is why it is named Alocasia silver giant. It is small in height, and required moderate warmth, humidity, water, and sunlight, making it a great choice to keep as an indoor plant. As this species matures, the colors become more defined and vibrant.
Classification
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Alocasia
Features of Alocasia Silver Giant Plant
Structure
It is a gorgeous ornamental houseplant that is relatively popular in Indonesia. Leaves are large and carry a striking silver texture having green accents on them. It reaches about 3 to 5 inches tall and has a metallic sheen to it.
Size
A mature Alocasia Silver Giant is about 3 to 5 feet tall whereas, an immature plant reaches only 3 to 8 inches tall.
Leaves
The leaves of the plant have a metallic sheen to them. This species produces relatively large leaves having stunning silver textures and green accents on them. It is because of their striking leaves that add value to this species.
Flowers
Flowers are greenish-white or white-colored. It only produces flowers when it is healthy and in favorable conditions.
Toxicity
Unfortunately, Alocasia Silver Giant if ingested, is toxic to both animals as well as humans. Therefore, if you have any pets or children in your home, make sure to keep this plant out of their reach.
Moreover, upon contact, this species can also cause irritation to the skin. If you suspect that your child or pet has ingested this plant, we recommend you seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Dormancy
The plant goes through a phase of dormancy during winter periods. During this phase, it loses its leaves completely and might become bare.
However, you must not worry about your plant going becoming dormant, because during dormancy, the root system of plants strengthens and it is a necessary phase of the growing cycle.
Alocasia Silver Giant Care
In addition to it being easy to maintain, Alocasia Silver Giant is also popular because of its aesthetic value. It is able is tolerate both heat as well as drought conditions thus, making it easy to care for. It is becoming one of the most desired plants in Indonesia because of its easy-care requirements as well as gorgeous leaves.
Quick Care Guide
- Water: Regularly water your plant, but make sure to not overwater it.
- Sunlight: Bright but indirect.
- Soil: Well-draining and moist.
- Temperature: About 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Humidity: Approximately 50 to 60 percent.
- Fertilizer: Once a month.
- Pruning: As required.
- Re-potting: Once every 2 to 3 years
Water Requirement
Try to keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering it. Make sure that your plant does not suffer from wet leaves and soggy soil in order to avoid any risks of severe fungal infections.
Before watering, make sure that the top 2 or 3 inches of the soil are dried out. Alocasia Silver Giant will be needing comparatively less water during its dormant stage.
Sunlight Requirement
This anthurium plant does not require direct sunlight. It thrives if kept in bright and indirect sunlight.
Soil Requirement
This species does well in organic and well-aerated loose soil having an appropriate amount of peat moss. You can also add perlite or builder’s sand if the soil seems heavy.
Temperature Requirement
Alocasia plants require moderate to warm temperatures ranging between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 26.7°C). In favorable temperatures, it produces new leaves every week. Make sure to keep it in a warm place away from air conditioners or cold drafts.
Humidity Requirement
High humidity levels are best suited for Alocasia Silver Giant to thrive. If you live in an area having low humidity, you can increase the levels by placing a humidifier near your plant.
Fertilizer Requirement
It needs to be fertilized once a month with a basic houseplant fertilizer. Make sure to dilute it to half the recommended strength.
We advise you to never fertilize your Alocasia during its dormant period mainly because too much fertilizer can damage your plant.
Repotting Requirement
Re-pot the plant whenever you feel necessary, follow the below-given instructions in order to properly re-pot your plant.
- Water your plant at least 1 day prior to re-potting.
- Gently remove the plant from its pot.
- Inspect the plant for any pests or root rot.
- Carefully place your plant in its new pot.
- Fill the pot with new potting soil.
Pruning Requirement
The pruning needs of Alocasia Silver Giant are quite minimal. Prune then whenever required to encourage new growth, or to remove any dead or damaged leaves, and you can also prune this plant to maintain its shape. However, keep in mind to never over-prune your plant to avoid any risks of causing stress to it.
Always wear gloves when you prune Alocasia Silver because, upon contact, it might cause irritation to the skin. After pruning, make sure to properly wash your hands with water and soap.
We recommend you prune your plant during its active growing period (Summer or Spring months).
Growth Zones Requirement
Alocasia Silver Giant thrives well in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Alocasia Silver Giant Propagation
Propagating Alocasia Silver Giant is not a simple task that can be done through stem cuttings. However, it can be propagated via dividing rhizomes or clumps of plants that are at least a few years old and mature.
- Before propagation, we recommend you wait till your healthy and mature Alocasia is in its active growing period.
- Keep in consideration that Alocasia plants contain calcium oxalate crystals that might cause irritation to your skin, thus always wear gloves while you continue to propagate your plant.
- Gently remove the plant from its pot and expose its rhizomes by gently shaking the soil off its roots.
- With the help of a sharp and sterile pair of scissors cut healthy rhizomes from your Alocasia’s central stem.
- Place these rhizome cuttings in a pot filled with unsaturated, well-draining, and moist potting mix.
- Make sure they remain in a humid and warm area.
- After a few weeks, new growth can be observed.
Final Thoughts
Alocasia Silver Giant makes an extremely elegant addition to any space. Having striking leaves and vibrant colors, this species of Alocasia is relatively easy to care for.
Unfortunately, it contains crystals of calcium oxalate, making it toxic to both humans and pets. Moreover, it becomes dormant during cold seasons, thus make sure to keep it in a warm place.
