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If you are looking for a perfect indoor plant, alocasia bisma should be your next choice. The plant is native to the Asian tropical rainforest. Alocasia bisma has silvery-blue foliage but when it is still young, the foliage has bright-green color with a heart-elongated shape.
Overview
- Botanical Name: Alocasia bisma
- Popular Name: Alocasia bisma
- Size: Up to 2 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Indirect sunlight
- Soil Type: Well-drained soil
- Type: Perennial
- Toxicity: Humans and pets
Care Guide
There are several main keys you should pay attention to when caring for the plant. The alocasia bisma is a plant that is sensitive to light changes, watering habits, humidity levels, and also temperature. To keep the plant thriving, make sure you mimic its natural habitat.
Water Requirements
Alocasia bisma enjoys moisture. You can water the plant every two weeks as well as mist it. However, be careful with the watering habit, you should not overwater it. The plant indeed loves moist soil, but not wet one.
To help you decide the right time of watering the plant, check if the 2-3 inches of the top soil is dry. Besides, let the water dry out first in between watering to prevent the plant from root rot.
On the contrary, this plant cannot withstand dryness. It will cause the edges to go brown.
Light Requirements
Place the alocasia bisma in a medium to a bright place. But you should not place the plant under direct sunlight because it will scorch the foliage. You also should not place the plant in a shady area as it will slow down its growth. Consider using the grow light to boost plant growth.
Humidity
Alocasia bisma is a plant that loves high-humidity areas. If your house cannot provide this condition, you can create it. You can buy a humidifier or create a pebble tray. And another way to increase the humidity level is by creating a mini biome in which the plant can share humidity. You can group the plant.
However, you should remember, when grouping the plant, make sure each of them is free from pests and diseases.
Temperature
Aim for a temperature between 18-25ºC. Avoid drafty areas and a place near the heating system.
Read also : Alocasia Odora : Things You Need to Know
Fertilization
Fertilization is required to help the plant thrive. General-purpose fertilization will do just fine, and you don’t have to give the plant booster because it will damage the plant.
Grooming/Pruning
The best thing about the plant is you don’t need regular pruning. If it is needed, you will only need to prune the plant to remove the damaged part or prevent it from diseases.
If you want to prune the plant, use clean pruning shears.
Repotting
Repotting is required when you see the roots start to root bound. Or, you see the roots start growing out of the drainage holes.
In choosing the new pot, you must pick the one that has one size bigger than the current one. Don’t choose a pot that is way too bigger because it will possibly submerge the plant with water that later can lead to root rot.
Propagation
Propagation can be done by using the stem method. Follow these steps:
- Cut the healthy stem of the alocasia bisma
- Prepare a soil mix in a pot with a depth of around 20-30 cm. You have to make sure the pot has drainage holes.
- You can use the compost soil mix in this case.
- Next, plant the stem of alocasia bisma but just half of the stem.
- After you have finished planting the alocasia bisma, place it in a bright area but not under direct sunlight.
- Make sure the soil is moist and check its condition often. If you find it dry, water it soon.
Toxicity
The alocasia bisma is not meant to be eaten. The plant is toxic to both people and animals. Place the plant away from children’s and pets’ reach.
Varieties
The plant that is also known as the Elephant Ear Plant is an Araceae or Aroid family. The plant is popular due to its easiness to care for.
The plant has a beautiful visual with silvery-blue color. When the outer of the leaves has a silvery color, the center of the plant has a darker green hue. It has elongated-heart shape foliage and will not grow big when it is grown indoors.
Pest and Diseases
Pay attention to pests and diseases if you want your plant to thrive. The alocasia bisma is susceptible to spider mites, whiteflies, mealybugs, earwigs, cutworms, thrips, and leafminers.
Some indications tell your baby is sick, such as:
- Stunted grow because of a lack of nutrients
- The leaves look paler which indicates nutrient deficiency
- Spotted leaves that indicate spider mites damage
- Curling leaves that indicate a lack of watering
- Soft spots and roots that indicate root rots because of excessive water
Diagnosing alocasia disease can be very confusing. But you can start with the cultural conditions. If you know it is not the problem, then the chances are your plant is infected with bacterial problems and fungal infections.
Read also : Alocasia Dragon Scale : Unique Plant With Prehistoric Look
Growth Rate
When it is grown indoors, the plant cannot grow taller. Generally, it grows up to 2 feet.
Leaf and Flower
- Leaf – The plant has silvery-blue color with a silvery color on the outside and it goes darker on the vein.
- Flower – The flower is not pretty impressive and very decorative.
Soil Requirements
The alocasia bisma is native to rainforest floors. In its natural habitat, it receives rich organic material from trees and other forest floors. Therefore, potting mixed with extra organic matter and the rich nutrient component will do the job.
However, make sure the manure should be decomposed first so your plant will not get the disease.
FAQS
How Do You Care Alocasia Bisma?
The best way to treat alocasia bisma is by mimicking the natural habitat. It means you have to pay attention to certain factors such as humidity, temperature, soil, light, fertilization, and watering.
How Big Alocasia Bisma Can Get?
When the plant is mature, it can reach up to two feet if it keeps indoors.
