Grab this pint-sized powerhouse of the plant world! Keep your petite plant healthy with our Alocasia Bambino Care Guide!
Attention all plant enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a new addition to your indoor jungle, look no further than the Alocasia Bambino. This petite plant may be small in size, but it packs a powerful punch with its stunning foliage and unique shape. To ensure this tropical houseplant thrives and flourishes in your home, follow our comprehensive Alocasia Bambino Care Guide!
- Botanical Name: Alocasia amazonica ‘Bambino’
- Popular as—Alocasia Bambino, Jewel Alocasia, Bambino Alocasia, Bambino Arrow
- Attains a height of 8-14 inches
- Prefers bright indirect light
- Thrives in a temperature range of 60-85 F or 15-29 C
- Toxic to pets
What is Alocasia Bambino?
Alocasia Bambino, a small yet mighty plant belonging to the Araceae family, is native to Southeast Asia. This tropical beauty boasts arrow-shaped leaves in emerald green highlighted with prominent silvery-white venation. The striking foliage is held on pale brown-burgundy stems that add to the rustic appearance of the plant.
Standing at a compact height of 8-14 inches, this petite plant is perfect for adding a tropical touch to tabletops, kitchen counters, or bookshelves. Additionally, its low maintenance needs make it the first choice of busy plant parents!
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Alocasia Bambino Pink Variegated
The Alocasia Bambino Pink Variegated is a relatively new and highly sought-after cultivar of the Alocasia Bambino species. This rare specimen is prized for its striking pink variegation on the leaves, which sets it apart from its nonvariegated counterpart.
The leaves are arrow-shaped, with a glossy dark green surface and light pink veins that often spread throughout the foliage in uneven patterns, creating an eye-catching contrast. The pink variegation can vary in intensity, with some leaves having only a hint of pink while others have vibrant and bold streaks.
Alocasia Bambino Vs Polly
Both Alocasia species have gained immense popularity among plant enthusiasts despite the differences that follow:
- Size: Alocasia Bambino is a smaller plant, growing up to a maximum height of around 12 inches, while Alocasia Polly can grow up to 3 feet tall.
- Leaf Shape: Bambino Alocasia has arrow-shaped with pointed tips, while its competitor exhibits rounder foliage.
- Leaf Texture: The leaves of Alocasia Bambino are smooth and glossy, while Alocasia Polly’s leaves have a rough, textured surface.
- Light Requirements: The Polly cultivar is slightly more tolerant of lower light levels and can thrive in indirect light, whereas Bambino requires bright, indirect light to flourish.
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Ideal Pot Size
To ensure your plant’s robust growth and health, the pot should be only slightly larger than the root ball to provide ample room for growth without overwhelming the plant. For this petite plant, a pot no larger than 4-6 inches is recommended. As your Bambino Alocasia grows, you can move it to a one-size larger pot. Proper drainage is essential, so ensure to choose a pot with one or two holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Alocasia Bambino Propagation
Root division propagation is one of the easiest methods to multiply Alocasia Bambino. You need a healthy parent plant, a sterile knife, a well-draining potting mix, and a pot with drainage holes. Also, water the plant the previous night to loosen the soil and easier plant removal.
- Gently slide the plant out of its pot and remove any excess soil from the roots. Be careful not to damage the roots while doing this.
- Use the knife to separate the parent plant into smaller clumps. Each clump should have a few leaves and a healthy root system.
- Plant each clump in a separate pot, making sure that the soil covers the roots and that the plant is stable. Water the newly potted plants thoroughly.
- Place the new plants in a warm, bright location and keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Over the next few weeks, monitor the growth of your new plants, and continue to provide them with the right environment and care.
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Alocasia Bambino Care
Light
North- or east-facing windows are ideal locations for the Bambino Alocasia, as they receive bright, indirect light throughout the day. Do remember that the leaves will scorch under the intense afternoon sunlight, while absolute shade will fade its color.
If your home has limited natural light, supplementing your plant with LED lights or low-spectrum grow lights can help. Position the grow light about 12 inches (30 cm) above the plant and keep it on for 8-10 hours a day. Slower growth or smaller leaves could be due to insufficient light. Monitor your plant regularly and adjust the lighting accordingly to help it thrive.
Soil
Alocasia Bambino requires a growing medium that is well-draining, nutrient-rich, and slightly acidic to promote healthy growth and development. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand will tick all the boxes to provide the plant with a supportive, growing environment.
You may also use a pre-formulated orchid or cactus mix that provides similar texture and nutrients that an ideal medium requires.
Water
Water is essential to the growth and development of Alocasia Bambino, but overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal issues. To avoid this, follow a weekly deep-watering session—saturate the medium thoroughly until excess water seeps out of the drainage holes. Repeat the process when the top layer of the medium runs dry.
The frequency depends on the weather conditions of the place. Summers may need bi-weekly showers, while you may cut it back to just once a week during the plant’s dormancy in winter.
Temperature & Humidity
The plant thrives in warm, humid environments with temperatures ranging from 60-85 F or 15-29 C. Temperatures below 50 F or 10 C can cause the plant to go into dormancy. In case your place receives extreme cold, keep heat lamps or indoor greenhouses handy, so your plant stays happy and healthy.
Also, it prefers a moist environment with humidity levels between 60 and 80 percent. This is because the plant originates from tropical regions where the air is consistently humid. Mist the plant with tepid water, use humidifiers, place a pebble tray, or group humidity-loving plants together to make up on the drier days.
Fertilizer
Alocasia Bambino benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season that typically runs from spring to summer. Dilute a 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 blend to half its strength and apply it to the plant every 4-6 weeks. Do not miss to dilute the feed as over-fertilization will only harm the plant by causing nutrient burn near the roots.
Also, refrain from fertilizing in the colder months.
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Major Troubleshooting Tips
- Leaf Drooping: An indication of underwatering or overwatering. Check the moisture level of the soil and adjust your watering routine accordingly. Make sure to water deeply when needed and allow the top two inches of the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Webbing or White Fungus: The plant can be susceptible to pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation and remove the infected leaves. Spray insecticidal soap or neem oil solution every week to prevent such issues.
- Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges: Majorly a sign of low humidity or inadequate watering. Increase humidity around the plant by using a humidifier or placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Do not let the medium dry out completely between watering sessions.
- Stunted Growth: This occurs if the plant is not receiving adequate nutrients. Ensure that you are fertilizing regularly with a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients. Additionally, make sure the plant is receiving sufficient indirect light for optimal growth.
Where to Buy Alocasia Bambino?
It can be purchased from a variety of sources, including local nurseries, garden centers, and online retailers. If you prefer to shop online, look out for reputable sellers that specialize in quality houseplants. Popular online plant retailers include Etsy, Amazon, or Facebook marketplace that may acquire Alocasia Bambino for Sale.
Always read the reviews and check the seller’s reputation before making a purchase to ensure that you are getting a healthy plant. Additionally, the plant can also be found through plant swaps and online plant communities. These can be great resources for finding rare or hard-to-find plants and connecting with other plant enthusiasts.
