Alocasia Amazonica 'Bambino'

Description: Alocasia Amazonica 'Bambino' is prized for its striking foliage, which features dark green leaves highlighted by vivid white or silver veins. This compact variety is ideal for small spaces where its dramatic appearance can be showcased.

🌿 Botanical Name: Alocasia Amazonica 'Bambino'

🐾 Pet Warning: Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing oral irritation, pain, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. It's best to keep this plant out of reach of pets.

💧 Care Level: Moderate to High. 'Bambino' requires specific care regarding humidity, watering, and light to thrive, making it somewhat more challenging than some other houseplants.

📏 Approximate Size: The 'Bambino' is a compact variety of Alocasia Amazonica, typically reaching about 12 inches (30 cm) in height and spread. It's known for its glossy, arrow-shaped leaves with pronounced veins.

🌞 Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can lead to leggy growth and reduced leaf coloration.

💧 Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch. Use distilled water or rainwater to avoid leaf burn from tap water chemicals.

💦 Humidity: Requires high humidity to thrive. Use a humidifier, mist the plant regularly, or place it on a pebble tray with water to increase ambient humidity.

🌡️ Temperature: Thrives in warm environments, with ideal temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Avoid temperatures below 60°F (15°C), as cold can damage the plant.

❄️ Hardiness: Not frost-tolerant. Best kept as an indoor plant in most climates.

🌱 Fertilizing: Fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Reduce feeding in the winter months.

🔄 Re-potting: Re-pot every 1 to 2 years in the spring, using a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one, as 'Bambino' prefers to be somewhat root-bound.

🌱 Propagation: Propagation can be challenging for beginners. It's typically done by dividing the rhizomes during repotting. Ensure each division has at least one growth point.