Alocasia 'Wentii'

Description: Alocasia 'Wentii', also known as the Hardy Elephant Ear, is valued for its robust growth and attractive foliage. The contrast between the green tops and purple undersides of its leaves makes it a visually striking plant. It's a versatile and hardy variety that can add tropical flair to a variety of settings.

🌿 Botanical Name: Alocasia 'Wentii'

🐾 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. Alocasia 'Wentii' has specific care requirements, particularly in terms of humidity, watering, and light, but it is generally considered more resilient and easier to care for than some of the more delicate Alocasia varieties.

📏 Approximate Size: Alocasia 'Wentii' can grow to about 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in height and width. Its large, broad leaves are a deep green on top with striking bronze-purple undersides, adding a colorful accent to indoor and outdoor spaces.

🌞 Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, and too low light, which can stunt growth and dull the leaf colors.

💧 Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil begins to dry out, using distilled or rainwater to minimize the risk of leaf spotting from tap water minerals.

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

🌡️ 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 cause damage.

❄️ Hardiness: More cold-tolerant than many other Alocasia varieties, but still not frost-tolerant. Best grown as an indoor plant in most climates, or outdoors in tropical to subtropical climates where it can be protected from the coldest temperatures.

🌱 Fertilizing: Fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended 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 'Wentii' 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 ensure the health of both the parent and new plants.