The Pink Amazonica, often known as Alocasia amazonica ‘Pink Dragon’ or Alocasia lowii ‘Morocco’, is a striking houseplant. Its unique appearance makes it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts and home decorators.
Discovering Pink Amazonica
The Pink Amazonica features vibrant pink stems and subtle pink-tinged veins on its leaves. Its foliage is typically deep green, glossy, and arrow-shaped or shield-like, often with a contrasting light green or burgundy underside. Indoors, this plant usually grows 2 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide.
Essential Care for Pink Amazonica
Light Requirements
Pink Amazonica thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its tropical habitat. Place the plant near an east or west-facing window, or a few feet from a south-facing window with sheer curtains. Direct, intense afternoon sunlight can scorch its leaves, causing browning. Insufficient light may result in leggy growth and dull color. If natural light is limited, grow lights can provide a supplement.
Watering Practices
Water Pink Amazonica when the top 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of soil feel dry. This plant prefers consistently moist, but not soggy, conditions, to prevent root rot. Ensure excess water drains from the pot after watering. Watering frequency will adjust with seasons, requiring more in warmer months and less during cooler periods.
Humidity Needs
Given its tropical origins, Pink Amazonica requires high humidity, ideally 60% to 80%. Low humidity can cause leaf edges and tips to brown. To increase humidity, use a small humidifier, a pebble tray filled with water beneath the pot, or group it with other houseplants. Placing the plant in naturally humid rooms like a bathroom or kitchen can be beneficial with adequate light.
Soil and Potting
The ideal soil mix for Pink Amazonica is rich, well-draining, and aerated, while retaining some moisture. A common mix includes indoor potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark, or coco coir and peat moss. The soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 5.5 and 6.5. Pots must have drainage holes to prevent water accumulation and root rot.
Feeding Your Plant
During its active growing season (spring and summer), Pink Amazonica benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 N-P-K ratio) every two to four weeks, diluted to half strength to prevent nutrient burn. Always water the plant thoroughly before applying fertilizer. Reduce or pause fertilization entirely during fall and winter when growth slows.
Temperature Considerations
Pink Amazonica prefers warm, stable temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 30°C). Protect the plant from sudden temperature fluctuations and cold drafts, which can cause stress, leaf drop, or slowed growth. Avoid placing it near open windows, air conditioning vents, or heat sources like radiators. Consistent warmth helps the plant thrive, reflecting its tropical origins.
Repotting and Propagating Pink Amazonica
Repotting Pink Amazonica is best done in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Signs it needs repotting include roots emerging from drainage holes, the plant becoming top-heavy, or soil drying out quickly. Select a new container only 2 to 3 inches larger in diameter, as an oversized pot can contribute to overwatering. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, adding fresh, well-draining soil around the root ball with minimal root disturbance.
Propagation is achieved through the division of rhizomes or corms, often during repotting. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen soil to expose the root system and any smaller “pups” or offsets. Separate these pups and their root systems from the mother plant, gently detangling them. Pot each separated pup into its own container with a well-draining mix. After potting, water thoroughly and place in a warm, humid location with bright, indirect light.
Troubleshooting Common Pink Amazonica Problems
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves on Pink Amazonica often indicate problems. Overwatering is a common cause, especially if the soil remains soggy, leading to root rot. Underwatering or inconsistent moisture can also cause leaves to yellow and droop. Insufficient light or low humidity are other contributing factors. Sometimes, yellowing of older, lower leaves is natural, as it sheds old growth for new development.
Brown Tips or Edges
Brown tips or edges on Pink Amazonica leaves often indicate environmental stress. Low humidity is a frequent culprit, causing leaves to dry out. Underwatering can also lead to crispy leaves and brown edges, as it struggles to transport enough moisture. Too much direct sunlight can scorch leaves, resulting in brown or dull patches. Ensuring adequate humidity (e.g., pebble trays or humidifiers) and consistent, appropriate watering can alleviate these symptoms.
Pests
Pink Amazonica plants can be susceptible to common houseplant pests:
Spider mites, which thrive in dry conditions, can cause foliage to appear dull or stippled.
Mealybugs are recognizable by their white, cotton-like masses and can weaken the plant by sucking sap.
Scale insects
Aphids
Regular inspection (especially leaf undersides) helps detect early infestations. Treatment methods include wiping leaves with rubbing alcohol, applying insecticidal soap, or using neem oil. Increasing humidity can also deter spider mites.
Lack of New Growth
A lack of new growth in Pink Amazonica can stem from factors. During cooler months, the plant may enter dormancy, slowing or halting growth. Insufficient light or nutrients can also impede new leaf development. Stress from improper watering, recent repotting, or pest infestations can temporarily stop growth. Providing consistent warmth, adequate bright indirect light, and a balanced fertilizer during the growing season encourages new foliage.