Prized for the stunning foliage with prominent veins, Alocasia frydek will turn your home into a tropical paradise!
Native to the tropical rainforests of Philippines, Alocasia frydek can be an excellent addition to any indoor garden that will not just upgrade the visual aesthetics of your home but also purify the air from harmful toxins! Here’s an easy care guide to help your plant thrive!
- Botanical Name: Alocasia micholitziana ‘Frydek’
- Popular as—Green Velvet Alocasia
- Reaches an impressive height of 2-3 feet
- Thrives in a temperature range of 60-80 F or 16-27 C
- Toxic to humans and pets
Alocasia Frydek Plant Profile
Also popular as Green Velvet Alocasia, Alocasia Frydek, is a stunning houseplant that can make a striking statement in any indoor space with its distinctively large, deep-green leaves highlighted with prominent silver venation, giving it a unique and exotic appearance.
Standing at a height of 2-3 feet, the perennial houseplant features arrowhead-shaped leaves growing up to 30cm long with a glossy sheen that will catch the light and bring a touch of sophistication to any room. Apart from its elegant looks, Alocasia Fredyk purifies the indoor air, creating a healthy atmosphere with the right dose of greenery!
Ideal Pot Size
The ideal pot size for growing Alocasia Frydek indoors is slightly larger than the current root ball of the plant. Provide a container with enough room for the roots to spread—preferably a 6-8 inches pot with a big hole at the bottom. As the plant grows, transplant it into a 1-2 sizes larger pot.
Unglazed clay pots, woven pot covers, glossy ceramics, large cups, or showy plastic pots—get the one that complements the velvety foliage the best!
Alocasia Frydek Propagation
Propagating Alocasia Frydek by rhizome division is a simple and effective method to produce multiple plants from one parent plant. The best time to divide the plant is during the spring or summer when it is actively growing.
- Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently shake off excess soil.
- Look for sections that have several stems with healthy roots attached.
- Use a sharp, sterile knife to carefully separate the section of the plant, making sure each new section has a healthy root system.
- After division, plant each section in fresh, well-draining soil in separate pots with adequate drainage.
- Water the newly potted plants thoroughly, and keep them in a warm, humid area with indirect light.
Be careful not to overwater the new divisions, as the roots are delicate and can easily rot if left in standing water. You’ll notice new growth in a couple of weeks.
Requirements for Growing Alocasia Frydek
Light
Sunlight is important for the growth of Alocasia Frydek, but it is also important to protect it from the intense afternoon sunlight, as it can burn the leaves, ripping off its velvety glow.
Ideally, place the plant near a North or East-facing window, where the alocasia will bask in a few hours of the mild morning sun. If direct sunlight is unavoidable, diffuse the light with a sheer curtain.
Soil
Soil plays a crucial role in the health of Alocasia Frydek; however, remember to use a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand will provide enough porosity and drainage for the roots to grow.
Do not use the typical houseplant growing medium for your Alocasia Frydek. In case. that is all you have, amend it well with a handful of perlite or coarse, gritty matter.
Water
While growing Alocasia Frydek, it is important to maintain a consistent moisture level in the medium to mimic its tropical natives. Water the plant regularly, but ensure not to make the medium soggy, as this can lead to root rot.
Keep an eye on the top two inches of the soil and do the needful. Never let the medium dry out completely. A weekly deep watering session can be helpful, depending on the weather conditions.
Temperature & Humidity
Native to the tropics, Alocasia Frydek is a tropical plant that prefers a warm, stable environment. Ideally, the plant should be kept in a room with a temperature between 60°F and 80°F or 16-27 C and away from cold drafts. In winter, if the temperature falls below 50 F or 10 C, expose the plant to heat lamps or room heaters to induce warmth.
The plant thrives in a high humidity of 50-70%. To increase the humidity around the plant, it can be placed on a tray of pebbles filled with water halfway. Additionally, misting the leaves with tepid water or using a humidifier can also be helpful.
Alocasia Frydek Care
Fertilizer
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during spring and summer after diluting it to one-fourth of its strength. Keep from feeding the plant during the colder months as that will lead to salt build-up in the medium, leading to root rot.
Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases are common problems for Alocasia Frydek; monitor the plant regularly for any signs of infestation. Common pests include spider mites, scales, and mealybugs, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Diseases, such as root rot, can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and ensuring that the soil is well-draining.
