Alocasia ‘Borneo King’ is a captivating houseplant known for its dramatic presence and unique foliage. Its impressive size and striking leaves make it a focal point in any indoor garden. This plant offers a lush, exotic aesthetic, contributing to a vibrant living space.
Understanding Alocasia Borneo King
Alocasia ‘Borneo King’ is a hybrid known for its substantial growth and distinctive appearance. It combines the vigor and cold hardiness of Alocasia odora with the large stature of Alocasia ‘Borneo Giant’. Its large, upright leaves typically measure 3 to 4 feet long and wide, sometimes reaching 4 to 5 feet at maturity.
As these leaves mature, they develop a rippled or waffled texture. The foliage is a glossy, emerald green, and a large trunk can form with age. While it can achieve impressive sizes outdoors, reaching up to 6-10 feet tall and 5-7 feet wide, its indoor growth is more constrained.
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Alocasia ‘Borneo King’ prefers bright, indirect light. Placing the plant near an eastern or western window provides the filtered light it needs. Direct, intense sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves. Filtered light is best for indoor cultivation.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important for Alocasia ‘Borneo King’, but avoid soggy conditions. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7-10 days, varying with environmental factors. Thoroughly saturate the soil until water drains from the pot’s bottom. Allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings helps prevent root rot.
Soil and Potting
Alocasia ‘Borneo King’ requires a well-draining, rich organic soil mix that retains some moisture. Commercial potting mixes can be improved with amendments for drainage and aeration. A suitable blend includes equal parts potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite, or a mix of coco coir, worm castings, activated carbon, vermiculite, and coco husk. When the plant becomes root-bound, indicated by slower growth, repot into a larger container, generally 10 to 20 inches in diameter with at least 10 inches of depth.
Temperature and Humidity
These tropical plants flourish in warm, humid environments, with an ideal temperature range between 65°F (18°C) and 80°F (27°C). Protect the plant from cold drafts and temperatures below 60°F (15°C), as extreme fluctuations stress the plant. High humidity, ideally 60% or higher, is beneficial. Methods to increase humidity include regular misting, placing the pot on a pebble tray, or using a humidifier.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring to fall), Alocasia ‘Borneo King’ benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 20-10-20 or 20-20-20) diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks. Slow-release fertilizers can also be used, applied tri-annually or every six months. Apply fertilizer to damp soil to prevent root burn. Fertilizing promotes healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves on Alocasia ‘Borneo King’ often signal watering imbalances. Both overwatering (soggy soil, root rot) and underwatering (dehydration) cause leaf discoloration. Insufficient light or a pot that is too small can also contribute. Address watering habits, ensure proper drainage, and provide adequate bright, indirect light to restore leaf color.
Drooping or Wilting
When Alocasia ‘Borneo King’ leaves droop or wilt, it often indicates insufficient water or humidity. Drooping can also occur from overwatering if the soil remains waterlogged, leading to root problems. Low humidity or cold drafts can also cause leaves to curl or sag. Check soil moisture to determine if the plant needs more water or if the soil needs to dry out. Increasing ambient humidity and ensuring stable temperatures can help prevent wilting.
Pest Issues
Alocasia ‘Borneo King’ can be susceptible to common houseplant pests that feed on plant sap. Spider mites appear as tiny white or yellow spots on leaf undersides, sometimes with fine webbing. Mealybugs are small, white, waxy insects, typically clustering on leaf undersides and axils. Aphids, small soft-bodied insects, can cause new growth distortion and yellowing. Regular inspection is important for early detection; infestations can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Propagation and Safety
Propagation
Alocasia ‘Borneo King’ primarily propagates through the division of its rhizomes or corms, bulb-like structures found at or below the soil line. This method yields new plants genetically identical to the parent. To propagate, carefully remove the plant from its pot, gently separate the offsets or corms, and plant them in a suitable, well-draining potting mix.
Safety
All parts of Alocasia plants, including ‘Borneo King’, contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, making them toxic if ingested. These crystals can cause immediate irritation, pain, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat. Nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing may occur in rare cases. Handle the plant with care, avoid contact with the mouth, and keep it out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.