Alocasia 'Mirror Face'

Description: Alocasia 'Mirror Face' is prized for its stunning, glossy, dark green leaves that appear almost polished or mirrored, creating a dramatic and exotic look. This plant adds a touch of sophistication and tropical beauty to any indoor space.

🌿 Botanical Name: Alocasia 'Mirror Face'

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

💧 Care Level: Moderate to High. Alocasia 'Mirror Face' has specific requirements regarding humidity, watering, and light, making it somewhat challenging for those without experience in caring for Alocasias.

📏 Approximate Size: Alocasia 'Mirror Face' typically reaches about 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in height and width. Its standout feature is its glossy, almost reflective leaves that give it the 'Mirror Face' nickname.

🌞 Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, while too low light conditions can lead to leggy growth and dull the leaf's reflective quality.

💧 Water: Maintain evenly moist soil, but avoid waterlogging. Water when the top inch of soil begins to dry out, using distilled or rainwater to minimize the risk of leaf spotting and mineral buildup.

💦 Humidity: Requires high humidity levels to thrive. Consider using a humidifier, misting the plant regularly, or placing it on a pebble tray with water to increase ambient humidity around the plant.

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

❄️ Hardiness: Not frost-tolerant and best suited as an indoor plant in most climates, or outdoors in tropical climates with adequate protection.

🌱 Fertilizing: Fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce fertilizing during the winter months.

🔄 Re-potting: Re-pot in the spring every 1 to 2 years, using a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one, as 'Mirror Face' prefers not to be too root-bound.

🌱 Propagation: Propagate through division during repotting. Ensure each division includes at least one growth point for successful propagation. Handle with care to maintain the health of both the parent and new plants.