With a fine metallic sheen and handsome stature, the Alocasia Metalhead adds a touch of tropical elegance to any place!
Native to the subtropics of Asia and Australia, Alocasia Metalhead stands tall with its stunning foliage and minimal care requirements. Learn everything about growing this houseplant with our informative care guide!
- Botanical Name: Alocasia ‘Metalhead’
- Popular as—Alocasia Metalhead, Metalhead Alocasia
- Reaches a height of about 3-4 feet
- Requires bright, indirect light, away from direct sunlight
- Thrives in a temperature range of 60-85F or 16-29C
- Toxic to humans and pets
Check Out Alocasia Dragon Tooth Care Guide Here
What is Alocasia Metalhead?
The Alocasia Metalhead plant is a hybrid cultivar of the Araceae family, known for its stunning foliage with a metallic sheen. The large, arrow-shaped leaves have a deep green hue, tinged with a striking purple-blue patina that reflects light, giving the illusion of a metallic surface. Apart from its striking foliage, the Metalhead Alocasia stands out with its robust growth habit and a decent height of about 3-4 feet indoors.
However, if you have a young specimen at your house, ensure to keep your curious pets and children away as the foliage contains calcium oxalate crystals and can be highly toxic if ingested.
Ideal Pot Size
Picking the right pot for your Alocasia Metalhead is crucial to its growth. The ideal pot size must be slightly bigger than the plant’s root ball. If you have a young plant, a 4-6 inches pot should be good enough, while a mature plant would require an 8-10 inch container. Observe the plant size and pick accordingly.
But remember, as it grows, you’ll need to move it to a one-size bigger pot. The pot should have a bunch of holes at the bottom to let water out so your plant doesn’t get soggy roots.
Alocasia Metalhead Propagation
Alocasia Metalhead Propagation through division is the easiest way to have new baby plants of your own. Here’s the process:
- Choose a mature and healthy Alocasia Metalhead plant with zero signs of pests and diseases.
- Carefully remove the parent plant from its pot and gently shake off excess soil to expose the rhizomes.
- Use a clean and sharp knife to divide the rhizome into small sections, ensuring each part has a healthy root system and a stem attached.
- Prepare separate pots with well-draining aroid potting mix. Place each division in its own pot, ensuring the rhizome is positioned just below the soil surface. Gently backfill the soil around the roots, firming it to provide stability.
- After planting, place the newly divided Alocasia Metalhead plants in a warm and humid location with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil lightly moist, avoiding overwatering.
Within a few weeks, new shoots will emerge from the divisions, indicating successful root development. At this point, you can gradually reduce watering and expose them to normal growing conditions.
Alocasia Metalhead Care
Light
The Alocasia Metalhead requires bright, indirect light to exhibit the best growth. Long exposure to direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so it’s best to avoid placing it near south-facing windows, especially during the peak hours of the day. On the other hand, if the plant is not getting enough light, its growth will slow down, and the foliage color will become less vibrant.
Place it near a north or east-facing window, where it can receive sufficient light without direct exposure to intense sun rays.
Soil
Alocasia Metalhead plants thrive in well-draining soil with a pH of 6-7.5 that retains some moisture while allowing excess water to escape. A combination of peat moss, perlite, and rich organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, makes an ideal growing medium. This ensures optimal nutrient uptake and prevents nutrient deficiencies.
Additionally, providing adequate aeration to the roots is crucial for the Metalhead’s health. If you have a contaminated medium, amend it with a fistful of perlite or coarse sand to make it suitable for
Water
To keep your Alocasia Metalhead happy, make sure its soil stays evenly moist. Give it a good watering once a week, letting the excess water drain out of the pot. Don’t let the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to fungal problems.
Keep an eye on the moisture level in the soil, especially in different seasons. Stick your finger into the soil to check if it’s dry before watering again. In winter, when the plant grows slower, you can water it less often.
Temperature and Humidity
The Alocasia Metalhead plant likes temperatures between 60-85F or 16-29C without major fluctuations. So, don’t put it near air conditioners or heaters, and avoid drafty spots.
To keep the leaves looking their best, it’s important to have moderate to high humidity, around 50-70%. On days when it’s dry, you can use a humidifier, put the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles, or keep it close to other plants. These tricks will help keep the air around the plant moist and make sure the foliage stays healthy and vibrant.
Fertilizer
To keep your Metalhead Alocasia healthy and happy, feed it every 4-6 weeks from spring to fall. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 blend. Just make sure to dilute the fertilizer to half or quarter strength to prevent overfeeding, as too much fertilizer can harm the plant’s roots. In winter, when the plant is resting, you can reduce the frequency to 8-10 weeks.
Pruning
As Alocasia Metalhead can grow quite tall and wide, pruning can help control its growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy or overwhelming in size. It also helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages healthy growth. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves by cutting them close to the base. Pruning also helps manage the plant’s size and prevent overcrowding in indoor spaces.
Major Troubleshooting Tips
- Wilted or Yellow Leaves: An indication of overwatering, underwatering, or improper drainage. Ensure you are following a consistent watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Check for proper drainage by ensuring that the pot has drainage holes and that excess water can freely escape. If the plant remains wilted or yellow despite adjusting watering practices, inspect the roots for signs of rot and consider repotting into fresh, well-draining soil.
- Curling or Crispy Leaves: Curling or crispy leaves often result from low humidity levels or inadequate watering. Increase humidity by misting the plant’s foliage regularly or using a room humidifier. Monitor the temperature, as extreme fluctuations or cold drafts can also lead to leaf issues.
- Leggy or Sparse Growth: Leggy or sparse growth can occur when the Alocasia Metalhead plant does not receive adequate light. If the plant is stretching towards a light source, rotate it periodically to promote even growth. Pruning leggy stems can help redirect energy to new growth points and encourage a more compact and bushy appearance.
- Pests: Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of pests, such as webbing, sticky residue, or visible insects. Treat infestations by gently wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap or neem oil solution. Ensure thorough coverage, including the undersides of leaves and stem crevices. Repeat the treatment as necessary to eliminate pests completely.
Where To Buy Alocasia Metalhead Plant?
Local Nurseries and Garden Centers: Visit your local nurseries or garden centers that specialize in indoor plants. These establishments often carry a variety of Alocasia species, including the Metalhead cultivar. Explore their selection, ask questions, and choose a healthy plant that meets your preferences.
Online Retailers: Numerous online retailers specialize in selling indoor plants and offer Alocasia Metalhead plants. These retailers provide a convenient option for purchasing plants and often have a wide range of varieties to choose from. Ensure that the retailer has a good reputation and reviews to ensure the quality of the plant and reliable shipping.
Online Marketplace: Individual sellers on platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace may offer Alocasia Metalhead for Sale. When purchasing from individual sellers, review their ratings and customer feedback to ensure a positive buying experience. Communicate with the seller to inquire about the plant’s condition, shipping details, and any specific care information.
