Alocasia Brisbanensis is an Australian native plant. There it grows in tropical parts of the country. It has glossy spade-shaped leaves that look very attractive.
To grow it indoors you need to give it proper space. Because it spread in a wide area and is mainly used to cover a large area.
To grow it outdoors you need naturally moist soil. Also, make sure to grow it under the shade of large trees. For a strong plant give it proper light and humidity with mild fertilization.
Below is my growing and caring experience of this plant.
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About the plant
Alocasia Brisbanensis aka Cunjevoi Lily grows large in size. Therefore, it is not an ideal indoor houseplant. If you need to cover a large space then you can go for this plant. Otherwise choose small or medium size houseplants.
The normal size of the plant is 6 to 8 feet tall with a leaf size of 2 to 2.5 feet. The total spread of the plant is 5 to 6 feet.
Large plants like this one are not good for indoors unless you have a large space to cover.
The key to success is moist soil and for that, you need to water it regularly. Water carefully because excessive water causes root fungus.
And
Underwatering results in dehydration. Dehydrated leaves lose their glossy looks and look dry and dull. You need to give it more water in the summer season than on winter days.
Further growing details are discussed below.
Light Needs
Alocasia Brisbanensis needs bright light but not direct light. Use 200 Watts LED grow light or place it in a partially shady place. The motive is to protect its leaves from burning due to harsh light waves.
Leaf discoloration is the main sign of over-exposure to bright light.
6 to 8 hours of bright light is enough. You can place the plant pot in sunlight in the morning and in the late evening.
If you live a busy life and do not have enough time for this routine. Then find a bright place in your home where it can receive enough indirect light.
In a low light environment, your plant will not grow healthy and it grows towards the source of light. This type of growth is called leggy or stretchy growth.
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Potting Soil
For Alocasia Brisbanensis aka Cunjevoi Lily use potting soil that is well-airy and loose. Tightly packed soil particles become heavy and soggy when watered. Our mission is to protect our plant from any extra drop of water.
So, you need lightweight airy soil. Such soils do well in all-weather conditions and do not become wet or soggy.
A general potting mix is not advised to use for this particular plant. Any soil that is specially made for cactus or succulents is best to use.
Do not use garden soil because it may contain pathogens. Moreover, it becomes heavy and soggy when watered. Buy a bag of high-quality soil from Amazon and use it to grow all types of alocasias.
Watering
Water regularly like you water other plants. In summer, your plant will need more water due to hot weather. Whereas in the winter season it needs less water and less humidity. Just protect your plant from any kind of overwatering.
The second is the quality of water. The water has to be clean and should not contain heavy minerals that sit at the bottom of the plant.
These heavy particles block the functioning of roots. They become unable to absorb the water and nutrients from the soil.
This leads to nutrient deficiency and dehydration.
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Fertilizing
If you use organic matter-rich soil then you do not need to buy nutrients separately. Because the organic material in the soil contains all the essential nutrients. Those are necessary to grow a plant.
Secondly, pre-fertilized potting soils also contain every single nutrient.
You need to use liquid fertilizer when the potting soil is neither pre-fertilized nor contains organic material it.
In this case, fertilize the plant twice a month in spring and once a month in summer.
Dilute well before using or the nutrients will clog the roots. To know the dilution process read the instruction of the nutrient bottle.
Temperature & Humidity
60 to 80 degrees F temperature is comfortable for it. Below or above this range will cause many problems for the plant. The main problem with a decrease in the temperature is freezing foliage.
It can tolerate 50 degrees F for a few days after that the plant starts dying. Weak stems and dull leaves are the first sign of cold temperature.
Keep the room humidity on the higher side. 70% humidity is required but when we grow it in pots and give water on time. It can grow in 50% humidity. Below 50% is not suitable for it. Its leaves start wilting and lose their glossy shine.
Repotting
Repotting is required when you feel that your plant is struggling in its current pot. Or the roots are visible over the top layer of the soil.
To repot it use 2 inches wide and deep pot.
Then fill it with new potting soil and plant your existing plant in it.
Also, inspect the condition of plant roots at the time of repotting. If you see any damage cut that part and then plant it in the new pot.
Propagation
Once you grow it and the plant gets matured you will see the offshoots. They are used for propagation.
Remove them from the plant without damaging the main stem. Then plant each division in a different pot. Give some water to keep the soil moist.
For the next few months pay a little more attention to the newly propagated plants. Do not let the soil become dry and all your plants will show healthy growth.
No need to cover the pots with plastic or arrange high humid environment. The general home humidity is good for propagation.
Conclusion
If you have good indoor space to cover then grow it indoors. Otherwise, the outdoor garden is its best place.
Low humidity is the main enemy of this plant. At least 50 % humidity is required for disease-free happy Alocasia Brisbanensis.
Always check the soil before watering it.
