Alocasia plants, known for their striking foliage, produce small, potato-like structures called corms at their base. These corms hold the potential for new growth, allowing enthusiasts to expand their plant collection. This guide will walk you through the process of handling and propagating new Alocasia plants from these corms.
Understanding Alocasia Corms
Alocasia corms are specialized underground stems that serve as storage organs, accumulating nutrients and energy. They are crucial for the plant’s survival, enabling it to regrow after dormancy. Corms are typically found nestled among the roots, often below the soil line. The ideal time to collect them is during repotting, when the plant’s root system is exposed, or if your Alocasia enters a dormant phase. Finding several corms attached to the main root ball is common, offering multiple opportunities for propagation.
Preparing Alocasia Corms for Planting
Once harvested, preparing corms correctly is important for successful propagation. Gently clean off any excess soil, then inspect each corm carefully. Remove any soft, mushy, or decaying material, as this can lead to rot. After cleaning, allow the corms to air dry for a day or two until a protective callus forms over any cut or damaged areas. This callusing helps prevent fungal infections and rot. Look for a small, often pointed, “eye” or growth point on the corm, as this is where new shoots will emerge.
Propagating New Alocasia Plants from Corms
Propagating Alocasia from corms can be achieved through several methods, each requiring specific conditions.
Water Propagation
Place corms in a shallow container with just enough water to cover their base, ensuring the growth point remains above the waterline. Place the container in a warm area with bright, indirect light; roots typically emerge within a few weeks.
Sphagnum Moss Propagation
Nestle corms into pre-moistened sphagnum moss within a clear container, ensuring high humidity. This method provides a consistently moist environment. Maintaining warmth, ideally between 75-80°F, significantly speeds up the sprouting process.
Soil Propagation
Plant prepared corms directly into a suitable potting mix, ensuring the pointy side, or growth point, faces upwards. A well-draining substrate, such as a mix of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark, is beneficial for preventing waterlogging.
Regardless of the method, consistent moisture and warmth are key for successful sprouting. Once a corm develops a fully formed leaf and a good root system, it can be transitioned into a small pot with a well-aerated potting mix.
Storing Alocasia Corms
If immediate propagation is not feasible, Alocasia corms can be stored for later use. The ideal storage environment should be cool, dark, and dry, with good air circulation, and temperatures around 40-50°F are recommended to keep them dormant. Suitable storage mediums include peat moss, perlite, or wrapping them in newspaper and placing them in a cardboard box. These materials help absorb excess moisture. Properly stored corms can remain viable for several months, or even up to a year, until you are ready to initiate new growth.
Common Issues with Alocasia Corms
Alocasia corms can encounter problems, with corm rot being a frequent issue. Rot often occurs due to excessive moisture, poor drainage, or fungal pathogens, with signs including a mushy texture and a foul odor. To address rot, any affected parts of the corm should be carefully removed, and the corm allowed to air dry thoroughly before propagation or re-storage. Improving air circulation around the corms can help prevent future occurrences. Another common concern is a corm failing to sprout or remaining in a prolonged dormant state, which can be caused by temperatures that are too cold, insufficient moisture, or low viability; to encourage growth, provide bottom heat using a heat mat and ensure consistent, but not excessive, humidity.