Hi Nell Any ideas on how to get out of the dreaded new leaf = drop leaf in alocasias? All of mine are doing well, growing strongly and looking happy but for almost every new leaf I get, I lose the oldest leaf. So my plants get bigger, with bigger leaves, but the number of leaves per plant stays the same 😕 I've had my amazonica for almost two years, it has almost doubled in size but it's only added 1 leaf (bought it with 4, it now has 5)... Very frustrating!
Your plant is magnificent. A major point of all Alocasia is that they are spider mite magnets. I think you also have good luck because of where you live. Places with winters can be a trying time for keeping them. If not kept in perfect conditions, they will die or go dormant. So far so good with my second attempt, but it will be my last one if I fail. I over-watered my last one and kept it in too cool of conditions. (I gave mine good high light and humidity, but they like to be warm, not 62 degrees in a basement TV room.)
Yes, they have a reputation for being tricky to grow. They love the warmth here but aren't crazy about the dry air. I didn't know about the spider mites. They're hard to control if you don't get them right away. I'll add that info into the blog post. Thanks for sharing. Nell
Great video! I noticed you have a pretty small pot for what looks like a large plant. Do these like to be kind of cramped in their pot? Or do they prefer to have a large pot that's roomy?
what a beautiful polly! Is she still kicking? I would love an update on this one, I bought one this year and I have super sized floor plant dreams for it after it just finished opening its first leaf lol. Feels like it's going to be desk-sized for quite some time.
Thank you so much Nell. I live here in Central Florida Zone 9B and I grow this plant with a few babies I got from it and I wasn't sure of the exact care, I just kind of figured it out myself, when I first got it last year. They have been growing quite well, but lately the bigger poly elephant ear has been struggling because of the change in water and light conditions I believe. We were on City water and now we're on well water and I wasn't aware that the water softener what's harmful to many plants. It hasn't really liked it too much. I noticed you had this in a really small pot, which I have it in a medium-sized, but I think I'm going to repot it in a smaller one because yours looks a lot happier in that tiny cute planter. Thank you so much, I'm so happy I stumbled across it this video. You always have such great content, thank you again for sharing this beauty and Happy New Year!
Stacey! Gardening is all about trial & error, that's for sure. My is in a 6" pot now & I'll most likely repot it into an 8" pot this spring because it's growing. It'll stay in that pot for at least 2-3 years as they like to grow slightly tight in their pots. Nell
Hi Joy good to see you again. I wanted to ask you what do you think might be the problem if the leaf does not open up fully at the tip? I bought one and there was a new leaf opening about 3/4 way then it sent out a new leaf and it surpassed the leaf it was growing out from and then they both stopped opening up completely. I wish I could show you a photo.
I recently acquired this beautiful plant. It's doing ok... not great. A stem fell off and I'm trying to keep the leaves alive in a jar of water, don't think it's working. I will try and spray the leaves with water, haven't done that yet. I live in Canada, getting into the Fall and my apartment is about 70 degrees. My plant is in my living room and it does get good light but mostly in the afternoon. But alas, the days are getting shorter... maybe my plant is doomed to not live too long. But I thought I'd give it a try (let's see how well a tropical plant will do in the Great North)!
I thought my Polly was dying last year and I was told they go into dormancy in winter (I'm in Montana). This includes some leaves dying :(. During dormancy they should be watered less and don't fertilize. They'll look better come spring!
@@kimdestiche1121 Thank you! I hope that is the case with my plant. Winter is pretty much starting up here and two leaves are turning yellow and drooping. I'll refrain from watering ^_^
I bout this at Lowe’s today.........PLEASE PLEASE help me 🤣 I love this plant! Would you suggest reporting this? I make my own soil, Cocoa coir, worm casting amd pumice! right now it has soil amd some moss on it. This is my second one as the first didn’t make it. I have a humidifier etc.
I had the same issue and cut it down to the bulb but when Spring comes they will sprout out as good as new. Try not to water it very much so it doesn't rot until it starts to grow again.
I am in Chandler Arizona, thank you for this series it’s super helpful!! I just purchased an African mask and I have it about a foot away from an east facing window. Will that be too much sun exposure in July?
My plant sits in a bay window in my kitchen and all the leaves have some yellow patches on them. Very slow-growing. I Thought the browning on the leaves were from too much water so I don't water as often. That isn't helping either Help please
Lyn - I ran into Bruce the other day on a walk & we were talking about you!! I love this plant too - it steals the show. Many hugs from the Sonoran Desert to you in beautiful Ireland!!! xxooo Nell
Good information, new subscriber here. My Polly has been struggling and I have to wonder if these plants go dormant at all. I live in Michigan colder climate than Arizona by far. Would you happen to know anything about this issue?
Thank you for this video! I found your channel and blog recently and both are so thorough and informative! I just received my alocasia the other day and will be adding a humidity tray.
Hi joy I’m a new subscriber. I really enjoyed this video. It’s on my wish list thank you for sharing now I know what I need. ☺️☺️☺️looking forward to more videos
Hi I'm new to this but I always watch your website your plans of God just are so beautiful keep up the good work I hope mine is going to be as beautiful as that one day
Black Star I’m in California & I’ve held on to my 2 plants & nothing 🤷🏻♀️ I’ve given up on alocasia I’m just not good with them, I think I just killed my black velvet too 🤦🏻♀️🥺 I do have a regal shields that is fine
Happy New year to you as well.Are you reading my mind? I just brought one today.Lol I love this plant it was on my wish list for plants. I hope I can make Jaz happy have a blessed weekend.
My plant was really pretty I watered it at night time and let it drain in the sink. Next morning the edges of the leaves got thin and looking like dyeing :( also turning yellow. Did I over water it ??
Table top plant. !!! .... impossible....that is what I think... and you have .... even anthurium and poinsettia as indoor plants.... I think in Indian climate it can't .😊
Mine was like that too. It barely grew as well. I moved it around giving it more light and it really responded well. It grew almost twice as big over the summer and this year was covered in blooms for the first time since I bought it.
Terri - It likes a 6-8 week period with darkness hours equal to light. Also, keep it on the dry side. www.joyusgarden.com/how-to-grow-christmas-cactus/ Nell
![[SFM] Risky Recital](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RzNkY1_Nk3o/mqdefault.jpg)
Hi Nell
Any ideas on how to get out of the dreaded new leaf = drop leaf in alocasias? All of mine are doing well, growing strongly and looking happy but for almost every new leaf I get, I lose the oldest leaf. So my plants get bigger, with bigger leaves, but the number of leaves per plant stays the same 😕
I've had my amazonica for almost two years, it has almost doubled in size but it's only added 1 leaf (bought it with 4, it now has 5)... Very frustrating!
I'm looking forward to your houseplant series. I'm a houseplant addict. Thank you!
Oh great! I have lots of houseplant posts & videos in the works. Be sure & check the blog - I post things there which I don't here. Nell
same here :) lovely video
Plant is Polly phone mind of its own I'm in NZ.very gorgeous,love the marking
Your plant is magnificent.
A major point of all Alocasia is that they are spider mite magnets. I think you also have good luck because of where you live. Places with winters can be a trying time for keeping them. If not kept in perfect conditions, they will die or go dormant. So far so good with my second attempt, but it will be my last one if I fail. I over-watered my last one and kept it in too cool of conditions. (I gave mine good high light and humidity, but they like to be warm, not 62 degrees in a basement TV room.)
Yes, they have a reputation for being tricky to grow. They love the warmth here but aren't crazy about the dry air. I didn't know about the spider mites. They're hard to control if you don't get them right away. I'll add that info into the blog post. Thanks for sharing. Nell
My African Mask loves direct sunlight! And it looks gorgeous
Great video! I noticed you have a pretty small pot for what looks like a large plant. Do these like to be kind of cramped in their pot? Or do they prefer to have a large pot that's roomy?
I know this is rlly late but I remember reading that they prefer smaller, more compact pots
what a beautiful polly! Is she still kicking? I would love an update on this one, I bought one this year and I have super sized floor plant dreams for it after it just finished opening its first leaf lol. Feels like it's going to be desk-sized for quite some time.
i just uprooted three adolescents at our property today because we were clearing it. they were growing wild
That’s cool, what state are u in?
@@speedymcweeniemom8556 i live on guam - u.s territory in the pacific
Joy, I wanna be like u when I grow up! I'm currently a 35 yr old child.😂Plant parent of 20 yrs.♥️GOALS.
Thank you so much Nell. I live here in Central Florida Zone 9B and I grow this plant with a few babies I got from it and I wasn't sure of the exact care, I just kind of figured it out myself, when I first got it last year. They have been growing quite well, but lately the bigger poly elephant ear has been struggling because of the change in water and light conditions I believe. We were on City water and now we're on well water and I wasn't aware that the water softener what's harmful to many plants. It hasn't really liked it too much. I noticed you had this in a really small pot, which I have it in a medium-sized, but I think I'm going to repot it in a smaller one because yours looks a lot happier in that tiny cute planter. Thank you so much, I'm so happy I stumbled across it this video. You always have such great content, thank you again for sharing this beauty and Happy New Year!
Stacey! Gardening is all about trial & error, that's for sure. My is in a 6" pot now & I'll most likely repot it into an 8" pot this spring because it's growing. It'll stay in that pot for at least 2-3 years as they like to grow slightly tight in their pots. Nell
Hi Joy good to see you again. I wanted to ask you what do you think might be the problem if the leaf does not open up fully at the tip? I bought one and there was a new leaf opening about 3/4 way then it sent out a new leaf and it surpassed the leaf it was growing out from and then they both stopped opening up completely. I wish I could show you a photo.
Hello I just got one yesterday, I was wondering are the leaves supposed to feel dry/stiff?? Is this normal? Thank you
I just learned that the Polly and the Black Shield are the same. But the black shield is the dwarf version.
Is there something similar to vf-11 you could recommend? seems hard to find or it’s got such a high markup with the resellers
gorgeous plants I have one of these and love it.
I recently acquired this beautiful plant. It's doing ok... not great. A stem fell off and I'm trying to keep the leaves alive in a jar of water, don't think it's working. I will try and spray the leaves with water, haven't done that yet. I live in Canada, getting into the Fall and my apartment is about 70 degrees. My plant is in my living room and it does get good light but mostly in the afternoon. But alas, the days are getting shorter... maybe my plant is doomed to not live too long. But I thought I'd give it a try (let's see how well a tropical plant will do in the Great North)!
I thought my Polly was dying last year and I was told they go into dormancy in winter (I'm in Montana). This includes some leaves dying :(. During dormancy they should be watered less and don't fertilize. They'll look better come spring!
@@kimdestiche1121 Thank you! I hope that is the case with my plant. Winter is pretty much starting up here and two leaves are turning yellow and drooping. I'll refrain from watering ^_^
Great video! Thank you
Hi I just bought one of these yesterday and was wondering how to go about propagation?
When you repot them you can divide them, you also may find tubes that's how they starts growing from 🙂
Laura - Division is the best way. I go into it a bit in the blog post: www.joyusgarden.com/alocasia-plant-african-mask-care/ Nell
@@Rosefreitas26 Exactly! Nell
Just bought mine today beautiful
You have such a lovely face /attitude/energy ❤❤❤
mine has small leaves? when it become big like yours
Mine stayed for a long time with small leaves.i decided to repot .after 3weeks i notice the Change already.its such a beautiful plant.
@@florencebinder6102 Hi. You meant we need to report into bigger to pot for em to be able to grow bigger leaves?
Thanks for the future response
I bout this at Lowe’s today.........PLEASE PLEASE help me 🤣 I love this plant! Would you suggest reporting this? I make my own soil, Cocoa coir, worm casting amd pumice! right now it has soil amd some moss on it. This is my second one as the first didn’t make it. I have a humidifier etc.
my plant got spider mites and I was forced to cut it back down to the bulb. Do you have any recommendations on what I should do get it to grow back?
I had the same issue and cut it down to the bulb but when Spring comes they will sprout out as good as new. Try not to water it very much so it doesn't rot until it starts to grow again.
@@KittyKitCat100 Thanks I have same issue with out spider mites.Do it over watered at the store.
KittyKitCat100 I’m not watering it much but do I need to repot in new soil just in case the spider mites are in the old soil
Water and a drop of
Dish washing liquid will take care of spider mites.
Looks like you got some advice down below! Nell
Beautiful Alocasia😍
I am in Chandler Arizona, thank you for this series it’s super helpful!! I just purchased an African mask and I have it about a foot away from an east facing window. Will that be too much sun exposure in July?
would love an update to see how it has grown
I greatly appreciate you Ms. Nell. Thank you for the education. I purchased one today and I'm excited to see it grow healthy. 🤗💞
What is the name of that plant in the big basket planter in your dining room.?Thanks for the information on the alocasia.
I have the same question! It looks gorgeous!
Rubber tree - ficus elástica burgundy
Hello I have two African Masks on my lanai in Central Florida. I do have a question, do they like to be in a small pot?
My plant sits in a bay window in my kitchen and all the leaves have some yellow patches on them. Very slow-growing. I Thought the browning on the leaves were from too much water so I don't water as often. That isn't helping either Help please
Happy New Year Nell
Lyn - I ran into Bruce the other day on a walk & we were talking about you!! I love this plant too - it steals the show. Many hugs from the Sonoran Desert to you in beautiful Ireland!!! xxooo Nell
Good information, new subscriber here. My Polly has been struggling and I have to wonder if these plants go dormant at all. I live in Michigan colder climate than Arizona by far. Would you happen to know anything about this issue?
Chrystal Sabin google alocasia dormancy. There's 2 RUclips videos on it. Very little info online
Happy New Year Nell 🥳
Thank you Diane - love the cardinal! Nell
What about the potting mix?
Thank you for this video! I found your channel and blog recently and both are so thorough and informative! I just received my alocasia the other day and will be adding a humidity tray.
Hi joy I’m a new subscriber. I really enjoyed this video. It’s on my wish list thank you for sharing now I know what I need. ☺️☺️☺️looking forward to more videos
Thank you for subscribing Helen! There are plenty of videos for you to watch here plus even more on my website: www.joyusgarden.com Nell
I sure will do that.
I am growing this and checked your blog too on your thoughts on this. Excellent - Ruthie :)
Thank you and hope to purchase one or two this week!
Great information and I am looking forward to owning these! Yours is beautiful!!
Thank you Denice! You'll love this plant. Nell
I’ve heard that they go dormant in winter .. I’m assuming they don’t go dormant where you live ?? 🤔
Mine was doing great, then growth stopped and started getting brown spots. Not sure what I did wrong.
Hi I'm new to this but I always watch your website your plans of God just are so beautiful keep up the good work I hope mine is going to be as beautiful as that one day
Jillian - I grew up with plants so I have quite a bit of experience with them. You'll get there too! A beautiful evening to you, Nell
New follower. I’m in awe at your plant stand!
My friend gave me one Alocasia but I thought will expose this to sunlight but I already transfered inside house
I struggle with my Polly I’m on my second plant 🥺
Be sure to read the blog post - lots of tips there. Nell
iddybiddyladybug Leeza google alocasia dormancy. Found 2 RUclips videos on it. Maybe people that live in warm climates don't experience this
Black Star I’m in California & I’ve held on to my 2 plants & nothing 🤷🏻♀️ I’ve given up on alocasia I’m just not good with them, I think I just killed my black velvet too 🤦🏻♀️🥺 I do have a regal shields that is fine
Happy New year to you as well.Are you reading my mind? I just brought one today.Lol I love this plant it was on my wish list for plants. I hope I can make Jaz happy have a blessed weekend.
Tameka - I'm not a mind reader but so glad the timing was right! Love my AMP too. Nell
Hi.yes it's Polly.i have one in 2022
Can you prevent them from going dormant indoors and keep leaves all year long?
enough light, humidity and warmth and they don't go dormant.
I have a spider plant that still moist after 3 month's its in coco soil + a little perlite and a lot of vermiculite 😅
Wow, that's a long time to stay moist. Nell
@Jordan Rayner I'm with you on that. Nell
@Jordan Rayner oh its a cutting bassicly a pup😉
Thank you
New subscriber here, thank you for some great information 💚🙃
Thank you for subscribing Judy! I'm always happy to share. Nell
,I brought this plant in nov
21.nasj plant n
My plant was really pretty I watered it at night time and let it drain in the sink. Next morning the edges of the leaves got thin and looking like dyeing :( also turning yellow. Did I over water it ??
Don’t water at night. Water early in the day. Sounds like overwatering.
Plz guide indoor plants
Plant addict here too lol
Super
My husband just got me this plant
I wonder if because spitermites like dryness and are attracted to plants in distress that is why this plant is a magnet hmmm 🤔
Yes, I agree with you. I have this spidermites issue with this plant.
Nice
Thank you! Nell
Thank you! Nell
I just can’t get it right with this plant. I’ve tried over and over again.
Cute woman make videos on agave macrocantha varigated and agave Americana 😘😘😘😘
Table top plant. !!! .... impossible....that is what I think... and you have .... even anthurium and poinsettia as indoor plants.... I think in Indian climate it can't .😊
This is Polly; it stays much smaller. I grew lots of "houseplants" outdoors in California. I know what you mean. Nell
@@JoyUsGarden 😊👍 Definitely will try...
My Xmas cactus NEVER blooms. 😒
Mine was like that too. It barely grew as well. I moved it around giving it more light and it really responded well. It grew almost twice as big over the summer and this year was covered in blooms for the first time since I bought it.
Also, I gave it a big drink in October and then stopped watering it until it absolutely needed it after it started blooming in December.
Terri - It likes a 6-8 week period with darkness hours equal to light. Also, keep it on the dry side. www.joyusgarden.com/how-to-grow-christmas-cactus/ Nell
My plants keep dieing 😿
*dying
Oh dear. Too much water?? Nell
Amanda W google alocasia dormancy.... there's 2 RUclips videos on it. It's pretty crazy
Its HUMID.. Not UMID
TOO LONG INTRO! Omg first 2 minutes is not even about Alocacia.