Known as the elephant ear plant, African mask, or grey dragon, the Alocasia Maharani is an attractive tropical houseplant. These plants are native to Asia and can be grown outside in USDA zones 10 and 11. There are over seventy Alocasia species, with the Alocasia Maharani being a dwarf hybrid variety with greyish-green leaves.
If you’re looking for a small tropical houseplant, read on. This article will tell you everything you need to know about the Alocasia Maharani, including propagation and how to care for these plants.
What is a Alocasia Maharani Plant?
Alocasia Maharani are commonly grown in homes in pots, terrariums, or vivariums. They can also be grown outside in your yard if you live in a hot and humid climate or in a greenhouse in warm areas.
These plants have lots of large leaves which have reddish undersides and thin stems. They are a hybrid variety that has been created by breeding the Alocasia reginula with an Alocasia Melo to get a dwarf planet that’s more suitable for indoor environments.
Alocasia Maharani generally grows to be about eight to 14 inches tall, although it will be shorter if grown in a terrarium or vivarium. The leaves are large and can grow up to eight inches long. These plants are fast-growing during the spring and summer and become dormant during the winter months.
While the Alocasia Maharani is an attractive plant, it’s worth noting that it is toxic to humans and animals if ingested. If you have kids or pets, it may be best to choose a different house plant as alocasia species can cause allergies and, when ingested, mouth and throat irritation.
Caring for a Alocasia Maharani
Here are some tips that will allow you to care for an Alocasia Maharani correctly and allow your plant to thrive. Alocasia Maharani should be cared for in the same way as other species of Alocasia.
Watering
Alocasia Maharani needs plenty of water in the growing season. Their soil should be kept moist but be careful not to overwater these plants, or their leaves may start to turn yellow and fungal growth, or root rot could occur.
Thoroughly water the soil and then wait for it to dry out before the next watering. You can water your plant weekly in small amounts. If you live in a very hot climate, your plant may need more water in the summer. You can also add a general-purpose liquid fertilizer to the water during the growing season.
In the fall, reduce watering as the plants start to go dormant. You’ll only need to water your Alocasia Maharani twice a month during the winter.
Sunlight and Temperature
Alocasia Maharani grows best in medium to bright indirect sun. These plants grow well on windowsills but shouldn’t be left in direct sun or draughts from open windows. These plants like to live in temperatures of between 54 and 85 °F.
They don’t like low temperatures and should be brought indoors if the temperature falls below 50°F.
Soil
Alocasia Maharanis do best in rich, well-drained soils. You may like to use a houseplant growing mix which contains coir fiber and perlite. You can also add peat moss to the soil to add nutrients and help with drainage.
Humidity
As the Alocasia family are native tropical plants, they thrive in hot areas with high humidity. These plants love moisture levels of over 80 percent. However, they can tolerate slightly lower than average humidity levels.
If you live in a dry climate with lower humidity, you’ll need to provide your Alocasia Maharani with a little more attention. You can artificially create the desired moisture level by misting your plants or investing in a humidifier to add moisture to the atmosphere.
The best thing to do is buy a fine spray bottle with which to mist your plants regularly. Keep your plants in a warm location such as a windowsill or greenhouse, and if you have more than one Alocasia plant, keep them close together.
Be aware that if you mist your plant’s leaves too often, they will be prone to fungal infection. If the leaves are left wet for more extended periods, fungus or mold will start to grow. Ensure you keep your plants in an aerated place.
How to Propagate an Alocasia Maharani
Like most Alocasia plants, the Alocasia Maharani grows and multiplies by producing young plantlets known as ‘pups.’ The baby plants grow from the mother plant and can be removed for propagation.
The best way to propagate an Alocasia Maharanis is to remove a pup and plant it separately. The pups can be planted in soil or be put into a glass of water until their roots grow and then planted in a pot. You can also collect seeds from the mother plants’ flowers to grow a new plant.
The most common way to grow a new Alocasia Maharanis is to plant one of the baby plants. First, choose a baby plant that looks healthy and well developed. Loosen the soil around the baby plant, being very gentle with its roots. Then report the baby plant into its own pot and give it plenty of water.
Choose a potting compost that contains peat and put gravel or stones in the bottom of the pot to create good drainage.
Keep the baby plant moist but be careful not to over-water. You can position your new plant in a warm location that isn’t in direct sunlight. It will take between three and four months for the plant to establish a good root system and settle down.
Conclusion
Alocasia Maharanis are relatively rare plants that are hybrids of two other Alocasia species, the Alocasia reginula, and Alocasia Melo. They are dwarf plants that grow to be one foot tall.
These houseplants are attractive and popular the world over. They have large green leaves that feel almost like plastic. Their leaves have a rough texture and look slightly reddish underneath.
It’s good to be aware that all Alocasia varieties are toxic to humans and animals if ingested. If you have children and pets, be careful about where you put this plant, as it should be kept out of their reach.