Alocasia wentii, also known as purple umbrella, New Guinea shield, or hardy elephant ear, are one of a few different Alocasia with enormous foliage. These plants can grow up to 3 feet high and wide and their leaves reach around 30 to 40 cm in length. This is one of the easier varieties of alocasia to grow.
Alocasia wentii stand out with their enormous foliage with great color combinations. Their leaves are green with a glossy look, a ruffled texture, and purplish undersides.
Alocasia wentii is a cross breed between Alocasia Gageana and Alocasia Odora and originates from the mountains of New Guinea in the southeastern part of Asia.
Grow
One of the most important things to remember if you want to grow Alocasia wentii at home is that these plants require certain growing conditions in order to survive and thrive. Thinking about the environment where these plants live in the wild can help us understand the conditions that they need.
Light
Just like all of the other varieties of the Alocasia from the southeastern part of Asia, these Alocasia require a constant dose of sunlight. Alocasia wentii needs access to bright but indirect sunlight to be able to grow without issues.
Placement in east-facing windows can be ideal since this gives access to early morning sunlight. A plant light can be used as a substitute where sufficient natural sunlight is not available.
Temperature and Humidity
The tropical rainforest is known for its warm and humid weather conditions. Alocasia Wentii and most of the other alocasia varieties originated in tropical rainforest, so we should try to mimic rainforest conditions when growing them.
Alocasia Wentii requires a warm and humid environment to survive. Alocasia Wentii should be placed in spaces with a temperature range between 60 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit ( 16 to 30 degrees Celsius).
Also, humidity plays an important role in the well-being of the alocasia wentii plant. Plants should be kept in a humid environment.
You might grow these in a more humid room such as a kitchen or well-used bathroom, as long as those spaces have enough light. To raise humidity inside you can also group houseplants together, mist, and/or use pebble trays filled with water.
Soil/ Potting Mix
The best type of soil for the alocasia wentii is one that is moist and well-draining. Waterlogged soil can lead to root rot causing serious damage to the plant.
Make sure that the potting mix is well aerated, well-draining, porous, and at the same time moist. Choose peat-free options as these are the more environmentally-friendly choice.
The pH level of the soil or growing medium also matters. The ideal soil is neutral or acidic, with a pH level of 5 – 8.
Care
This is not the most challenging Alocasia to grow. As long as its basic environmental needs are met, you should find that it will thrive with only a little care and attention.
Watering
Water to provide consistently moist but not waterlogged conditions. Make sure you water at the base and try not to wet the leaves, except when wiping them over with a damp cloth to keep them clean.
You should be expected to water your plant at least once a week depending on how fast your soil drains water and the growing conditions where the plant is placed.
Feeding
Fertilizer application for the Alocasia wentii depends in part on the season and the age of the plant.
Diluted organic fertilizer should be applied at least every two weeks during the spring and summer seasons as this is the most active period of the plant’s growth. It should be noted that as they grow larger, the frequency and quantity of fertilizer applied might increase.
During the winter season, there is no need for fertilizer application. During this period, the plants are usually in a dormant state.
Dormancy
Dormancy in simple terms is a situation where plants ‘sleep’. Plants require a daily dose of sunlight, warmth, and moisture to survive.
During the winter season, these are not readily available as the weather is dry and cold. Plants exposed to this kind of weather find it hard to develop, so they have adapted to survive by shutting down.
During this period, the alocasia wentii might exhibit signs of stunted growth, they might lose all or some of their leaves and appear weak. This is normal and shouldn’t cause panic. As the spring and summer season approaches, the plant will begin to rejuvenate itself.
During this period, fertilizer is not needed as applying it might cause the root of the plant to burn. Also, limit the number of times you water the plant to only when the soil’s top layer is dry as watering the plant can cause the inactive root to rot.
Pruning
Dead leaves should be pruned away using disinfected pruning shears. Cut all dead and infected leaves with care and dispose of them. This will help the plant concentrate more of its energy on the newer leaves and keep the plant looking at its best.
Propagation
Propagating alocasia wentii can be done through root division. This is because most varieties of alocasia plants are tuberous i.e they grow from a central rhizome. You can consider root division when you are repotting.
Repotting
Re-pot only when the plant’s roots entirely fill the pot and roots emerge from holes at the base. When you need to do so, remove the plant from its pot with care so as not to damage the root.
Dust off any residue of soil on the root and then place them in the new pot with a suitable potting mix. Water the plant and then place it close to a window for access to sunlight.
